Creative Writing

About this course

The MA in Creative Writing is a stimulating course designed to prepare you for a career as a professional writer. You will develop advanced skills and become an expert in up to five areas of contemporary writing: fiction, scriptwriting, creative non-fiction, writing for young people, and poetry. The programme encourages you to think deeply and critically about your work in a supportive environment, challenging your preconceptions about the genres you wish to pursue. You will be taught by practicing, award-winning writers and lecturers, including published novelists and acclaimed non-fiction writers. The course has an international focus, with students and staff coming from across the world, enriching the range of writing traditions you will encounter. We're ranked 6th for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).

Your future career

This degree allows you to develop essential subject-specific and targeted employability skills, including Critical Thinking, Communication, and Creativity. Graduates commonly work in a wide range of sectors, including the Creative Industries, Arts Organisations, Publishers, Television and Radio Stations, Journalism, and Self-employment. Careers directly related to this course include: Writer, Digital Copywriter, Magazine Editor, Journalist, Copy Editor, Proofreader, and Social Media Content Creator. The course also prepares you for further study, such as a PhD.

Key features of this course

At Southampton you'll:

• Have the opportunity to publish and edit an end-of-year anthology and take part in a literary festival.

• Participate in a lively programme of literary events, including the 'Writers in Conversation' reading series, featuring acclaimed, published authors.

• Pursue creative collaborations with people across the University, including scientists and visiting actors (such as the annual Litmus project).

• Take advantage of the University’s rich arts environment, including the on-campus Turner Sims Concert Hall and the John Hansard Gallery.

• Be able to specialise in topics that interest you by choosing from a wide variety of optional modules offered by the School of Humanities.

Further information

This master's degree can be studied full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 or more years). Your studies culminate in a supervised independent Final Project, which involves submitting a significant body of creative work supported by a critical commentary that addresses a key question raised by your practice. You will have regular, supportive advice and guidance from your supervisors throughout this project. You will also have access to the Creative Skills workshop, a weekly forum focused on your own writing.