Creative Writing: Writing and Publishing Fiction MA

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or the equivalent, in an appropriate discipline is required. Admission to the course is subject to an acceptable entry qualification profile, a sample of creative writing (fiction), and in some instances an interview.

In your application, please give details of the fiction you have written, what fiction-related events you have attended (e.g. workshops, readings), which fiction writers you particularly admire and why, and why you would like to do our MA.

Please upload a sample of your fiction (c. 15 pages of flashes, a short story, or an extract).

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MA in Creative Writing: Writing and Publishing Fiction at the University of Chester is designed for aspiring and emerging writers eager to refine their storytelling skills and understand the intricacies of the publishing world. Whether your passion lies in crafting flash fiction, short stories, novellas, or novels, this course offers a structured yet flexible environment to develop your unique voice and prepare your work for publication.​

The program comprises four core modules:​

• Writing Short Fiction for Publication
• Writing Novels for Publication
• Getting Published
• The Writing Project​

These modules are delivered through seminars, workshops, and tutorials, fostering a community of practice among students and staff. Our modules offer insights into the publishing industry, covering topics such as literary magazines, literary agents, e-publishing, and building a writer's public profile, and the course will culminate with you authoring a substantial piece of creative work, such as a collection of flash fiction, short stories, a novella, or a novel excerpt.​

The course is taught by a team of published authors, editors, and scholars with diverse publications, including flash fiction, novels, short-story anthologies, articles, and writers’ guides. Notably, two faculty members edit Flash: The International Short-Short Story Magazine, which has featured work by MA students. Students benefit from the Exton Park library's extensive collection of creative writing resources, including the Flash Fiction Special Collection (which is the world's largest archive of flash-related books and magazines!)

Assessment is entirely coursework-based, comprising essays, journals, creative pieces, and a 16,000-word writing project. There are no formal exams. The workload includes reading, preparation, seminars, workshops, tutorials, research, and writing.

Graduates have successfully developed their writing profiles, achieved publication, and pursued PhD studies. Career paths include teaching, university administration, marketing, and various roles within the publishing industry. The University's Careers and Employability service offers comprehensive support, including curriculum-integrated sessions, employer engagement, tailored group workshops, and individual guidance on CVs, applications, and interview preparation.

The course is based in the heart of Chester city, providing a conducive environment for creative exploration and academic growth.​

Discover more about the course and how to apply: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/postgraduate/

Information for international students

https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/

Fees and funding

https://www.chester.ac.uk/student-life/fees-and-finance/postgraduate-funding/