mfa creative writing new zealand

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Master of Writing

UC's Master of Writing (MWrit) is a coursework-based degree that enables you to specialise and deepen your expertise in professional, academic, creative, or technical writing. Learn more about studying an MWrit through our Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts.

TUITION FEES

2024 tuition fees estimate per 180 points:

• Domestic — $12,276
• International — $46,350

Introduction

For anyone with an interest in professional, academic, creative, and technical writing, this coursework-based Master’s degree allows you to specialise and deepen your expertise.

You will apply skills of advanced textual analysis and written communication to a wide range of contexts, audiences, and styles, and also connect your studies to the community and the workplace. By bringing together a diverse range of writing modes, graduates of the Master of Writing degree will be set up for diverse careers, from creative industries to business and government.

Students of this highly versatile degree will study, produce, and be assessed on their professional, technical, and fiction and non-fiction writing.

What will my study involve? keyboard_arrow_down

Why study a master of writing at uc.

• One year, taught master’s degree.
• Graduates who are confident and competent in many different written communication styles will stand out in a competitive job market.

Entry requirements keyboard_arrow_down

Entry requirements.

You should have achieved at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses in your undergraduate degree, which should have also had a strong written component.

If English is your additional language, you will also need to provide evidence of your English language ability as IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with no individual score below 6.5. Preference will be given to those with a score of 7 or over.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Writing or use the admission requirements checker .

How to apply

You can enrol online at myUC .

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Subjects and courses keyboard_arrow_down

Subjects and courses.

MWRIT requires 180 points of coursework, with two compulsory courses:

• WRIT401 Advanced Reading and Writing
• WRIT680 Extended Writing Project

And a choice of:

• WRIT402 Writing for Community Change and/or WRIT403 Creative Writing , and
• 30 points (or 60 if only doing one of WRIT402 or WRIT403) from 400 or 600-level English courses , or another subject approved by the Head of Department

Further study keyboard_arrow_down

Further study.

You can choose to go on to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English.

Careers keyboard_arrow_down

Career opportunities.

Graduates of this applied Master’s degree will be able to:

• apply advanced skills in writing to a range of professional, technical, organisational, community, and creative contexts;
• write effectively within a range of registers and genres, and for a range of purposes;
• respond to the requirements of different audiences and media;
• engage the creative dimensions of professional writing and the professional dimensions of creative writing;
• undertake research relevant to their writing tasks;
• analyse critically the writing of others and apply what they discover to their own writing;
• provide editorial advice for other writers;
• understand and articulate the implications of being a writer in Aotearoa New Zealand/Niu Sila, especially in regard to te ao me te reo Māori, and the Pasifika philosophy of teu le va.

Useful information:

• Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories .
• Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
• For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website .
• Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC .
• Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.

Fees keyboard_arrow_down

2024 tuition fees estimate (per 180 points):

2023 tuition fees estimate (per 180 points):

• Domestic — $11,942
• International — $43,500

SSL estimate (per 180 points):

• 2024 — $1375.50 (capped at 150 points per academic year)
• 2023 — $1240.50 (capped at 150 points per academic year)

Domestic tuition fees

International tuition fees

Student Services Levy (SSL)

Funding your study

Degree structure keyboard_arrow_down

How do i plan my degree.

Within the MWRIT you will complete 180 points of coursework, including one 60-point project.

This can be completed in 1 year or up to 18 months of full-time study, or up to 3 years part-time.

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Writing .

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024

Whakatairanga tāura.

Student stories

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Creative Arts and Industries

Master of Fine Arts MFA

Develop your independent, research-informed practice in contemporary art in Elam’s vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.

Breadcrumbs List.

• Ngā akoranga | Study
• Study options
• Find a study option
• You are currently on: Master of Fine Arts

Programme overview

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme provides an opportunity to advance both your creative practice and research abilities. 

The MFA is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts. This degree is also open to anyone who has completed a university degree, who is able to demonstrate their professional experience through a portfolio that demonstrates their practice as an artist.

Students can enter the programme at the beginning of the year, in the first semester or opt for a mid-year start in the second semester.

The MFA provides a pathway to doctoral level study.

Programme structure

• Entry requirements
• Fees and scholarships
• Postgraduate adviser

This research masters gives you an opportunity to complete courses that involve a discipline specific focus, which is delivered via studio, theory and workshop courses. You will also complete a substantial research project alongside a significant research essay, designed to support the development of high-level academic research skill. In the research masters you will study with the support of an individual supervisor.

180 point Masters:

15 points FINEARTS 770 : Research Methodologies 45 points FINEARTS 761-766

And either:

120 point FINEARTS 781 : Research Portfolio

90 points FINEARTS 779 : Studio 30 points FINEARTS 780 : Studio Research Essay

120 point Masters:

Learn more about the postgraduate Fine Arts courses.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment .

2024 entry requirements

Programme requirements.

180-point MFA:

Prior study completed at the University of Auckland:

• You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher across 75 points of Stage III courses within your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, or across your Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts.
• If you completed your entry degree more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the MFA, then you may be required to provide a portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.
• You must hold a Bachelors degree with a grade point average of 4.5 of higher across 75 points of Stage III courses, and have relevant experience.
• You will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application and please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about this.

Prior study completed at another tertiary institution or equivalent:

• You must have completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (or equivalent) with a grade point equivalent of 4.5 or higher.
• You may also be asked to provide a portfolio and if this is needed we will contact you directly once you have submitted your Application for Admission . Please see the ‘further programme requirements’ section below for information about the portfolio elements.
• You must hold a Bachelors degree with a grade point average of 4.5 of higher, and have relevant experience.

120-point MFA:

• You must have a grade point average of 4.5 or higher across your Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts degree.
• You must have completed a Bachelors Honours or Postgraduate Diploma degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 4.5 or higher. Your area of study in the degree must have been Fine Arts or a direct equivalent.

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:.

If you need to provide a portfolio as part of your application, then you can submit this using our online platform SlideRoom .

Your portfolio needs to be comprised of:

Creative Works

A selection of up to 12 works that demonstrates visual sensibility, creativity, technical skill and gives an overall impression of your interests. Your works could include, but are not limited to, the following media: painting, photography, sculpture, design, workbook pages, creative writing samples, recordings of performance, moving image, and/or audio works.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Practice-based Curriculum Vitae (CV)

This should cover your previous art training, experience, and practice. Include all exhibition(s), art and design-based activities and collaborative projects. It could also include involvement in relevant community activities and details of any academic and/or professional awards / prizes.

Other pathways to study

The Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts can be a pathway option for those who do not currently meet the requirements for the 180-point MFA.

This is a good pathway for people who do not hold any Bachelors degree, but have extensive relevant practical and/or professional experience in Fine Arts discipline.

How much does a Master of Fine Arts cost per year?

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards.

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Start dates.

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year , including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in Fine Arts. 

Contact our Postgraduate Adviser:

Alex Monteith Email: al.monteith@auckland.ac.nz

Where could this programme take you?

There are three common areas where Fine Arts graduates find employment – public sector, private organisations, or as a practising artist or entrepreneurial creative. As the business world looks to innovators, the capabilities developed through a creative education are becoming highly sought-after.

Jobs related to this programme

• Art writer or critic
• Art curator
• Creative director in an agency

Further study options

• Doctor of Fine Arts
• Doctor of Philosophy

Grace Wright

Returning to study after working as an artist for three years, Grace reached a stage where she was ready for more critical feedback.

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services .

Do you need help?

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Need to speak to someone.

You can phone us directly.

The Spinoff

Books July 4, 2023

A day in the life of a creative writing mfa.

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A dispatch from Ann Arbor, where Jordan Hamel is a Creative Writing MFA student at the University of Michigan’s illustrious writers’ workshop.

My name is Jordan Hamel and I am one of God’s most annoying creatures, a mature student. Formerly a Wellington public servant writing policy by day and poems by night, I now find myself stripped of my structure and stability and thrust back into Uni life halfway across the world. 

Ann Arbor, Michigan is a typical American Midwestern college town – think Dunedin but with rich teens driving around in range rovers and frat parties. Its most famous for its football team (the mighty Michigan Wolverines), its football stadium (modestly named “The Big House”, its capacity of 108,000 makes it the third largest stadium in the world, despite Ann Arbor only having a population of 120,000) and, weirdly enough, its Creative Writing MFA. 

For the uninitiated, an MFA is a Masters programme designed to give you time and space to write and work on a project that will eventually become a manuscript and then a book. To my knowledge, Aotearoa has two Creative Writing Masters programmes (which appear to always be in a healthy rivalry if not all-out war): Bill Manhire’s IIML Masters of Arts and Paula Morris’ Masters of Creative Writing at Auckland University. Neither programme offers much funding, which means the class make-up will likely consist of early 20-somethings who are willing to keep racking up their interest-free student loans, and bored retirees who want to write their memoirs.

America has dozens of MFAs but only a few are funded. In the case of the University of Michigan, funded by a mysterious Mr Burns-esque figure and the programme’s namesake. The Helen Zell Writers’ Program was allegedly set up to rival the neighbouring Iowa Writers’ Workshop, which was being funded by the CIA during the Cold War (true story). The HZWP has been home to literary giants like Jesmyn Ward, Celeste Ng, Franny Choi and now me, for some reason. 

It still bewilders me that it ended up being cheaper to pack up and move to the middle of nowhere Michigan and study creative writing than it was to do it in my hometown. A Masters is by no means the only way to grow your writing practice, far from it, but I wonder how many New Zealand writers give up because they don’t see a feasible path to further education. I apologise, the brief of this essay was to describe a day in the life of an MFA student and this is becoming a diatribe about sustainability in the arts, let me get back on track. 

I wound up in Ann Arbor eight months ago. When I first moved here, I had no friends, literally none. I don’t know if you’ve ever moved somewhere where you know no one, but it’s terrible. I walked around alone all day, I ate alone, slept alone, went to the cinema and watched Minions: The Rise of Groot alone. I downloaded an app that sold itself as “Tinder for friendship” and deleted it because everyone wanted to play board games with me. I always fancied myself as someone who was “good at being alone”, and I thought I was, but turns out I am terrible at it. I feel the most alone I have in years. This feeling lasts forever. More accurately, it lasts about two weeks, at which point my new life begins.

Fall descends upon Michigan, the academic year begins and finally I meet my MFA cohort; an eccentric bunch from a range of backgrounds: ex-dancers, tech people, journalists, community college battlers, nepo babies… they’re all here, writing their little stories and poems. We spend our first night together in Ann Arbor’s one queer nightclub toasting tequila shots in memory of our programme benefactor and founder Helen Zell (we later learn she is still very much alive). 

Unlike the New Zealand MAs, the age range here is much smaller and I find myself as one of the oldest people in the program. Luckily I’m able to hide this behind a fondness for heavy drinking and a mysterious foreign accent. People seem impressed that I’ve already published one award-losing book, even if it was only published in a country no one can point to on a map. We all fall in love with each other immediately, the prospect of forging a new literary community after losing my old one feels possible all of a sudden.

Like any student anywhere, a day in the life of an MFA student will come across as overly familiar to some and infuriatingly luxurious to others. I didn’t study creative writing at university, I came into this environment as an outsider from the oft-neglected world of spoken word. This is my first time in a formal workshop environment. For those who are also new to this, the workshop is the beating heart of a creative writing course. Even though students are blessed with opportunities to meet with fancy visiting writers, agents and editors, the workshop is where the magic happens, a chance to have your work rigorously dissected and to dissect the work of others. 

After two semesters I learn that a workshop can be an intense place, often beneficial but sometimes detrimental, with capacity for damage in place of improvement, drama disguised as rigour. Top tier MFAs like Michigan, Iowa and NYU are rife with stories of toxic competitive environments and while there is no shortage of budding writers here who would rip my spinal cord out of my skin Mortal Kombat style for a two-book deal, for the most part this programme has felt more like the Breakfast Club than the Hunger Games. Although ultimately, I think it’s impossible to escape the crabs in a bucket feeling of being a writer, writing and fighting for scraps, even within the comfort of academia. 

Speaking of scraps, it’s comforting, in an incredibly morbid way, to realise that even in the biggest literary market in the western world, poetry is still laughably low stakes. The bleak reality of this hard ceiling forces poets to view publications and books and awards as tools to get the next “thing” – a fellowship, a residency, an assistant professorship, something, anything to keep the wheel turning and the dream of a life of creative freedom alive. 

Being full-time in this world for nearly a year has started to recalibrate my brain accordingly. Halfway through a two-year degree and the impending inevitability of returning to reality has started to weigh on me. I’m not particularly interested in returning to a nine-to-five job, to lunches on the Beehive lawn and jamming myself onto the number 25 bus, but I don’t really know how to carve another path. (Reader, at this point you should be starting to realise this is a pitch, disguised as an essay. I’m looking for wealthy patrons to give me a living wage to write and read and just generally keep me in the lifestyle I’m accustomed to. If this is of interest to you, please get in touch.)

I saw recently that the latest Creative New Zealand funding round closed in fifteen minutes. I was shocked but not surprised. The other day, I googled “Creative writing teaching opportunities – New Zealand” the only search result was a picture of Bill Manhire pointing and laughing at me. I’ve come to realise that if I want any semblance of a future in the writing world, I probably can’t live in New Zealand. Yes, creative writing is an equally unsustainable and underpaid career path here, but in a country this big, there is at least some opportunity, however opaque and competitive. Maybe if you want a career in creative writing, the simple answer is you can’t afford to live anywhere. 

I apologise, this has become a diatribe about the lack of sustainability in the arts again, goddammit. What does a day in the life of an MFA student look like? OK, here it goes: 

8am – Wake up, try to write in bed, check American Twitter to see if anyone I love or hate has achieved anything significant.

8:30am – Have breakfast in bed, featuring the worst coffee and toast I’ve ever had.

9am – Go to the student gym and get body conscious around all the ripped 19-year-olds.

11am – Figure out what I have to read and give notes on in workshop that day. Flagellate myself for being a poor Aotearoa creative ambassador. Have another terrible coffee.

12pm – Meet my friends for lunch at Panera or one of the equally bland and nondescript food chains that dominate this milquetoast town and complain that we have workshop in four hours.

2pm – Read my friends’ work, allow myself to briefly indulge in earnestness, remember how lucky I am to be here surrounded by these talented freaks, try to suppress the inevitable imposter syndrome. 

3pm  Have an ill-advised third coffee, have a nervous breakdown, check NZ Twitter to see if anyone I love or hate has achieved anything significant today.

4pm – Go to workshop, face the terrifying reality of being openly perceived by your peers, listen to them interpret and debate your silly little words, try not to sink below the desk, wonder if creative writing is a pointless dalliance of the privileged, wonder if you’ll have a role in a post-revolution communal society.

7pm – Finish workshop, go get $2 pizza slices and drinks at Bill’s Beer Garden, complain about workshop.

9pm – More drinks, more complaining.

10pm – Stumble home down the streets lined with teens playing beer pong. Chase the squirrels and groundhogs and other mammals that we don’t have in New Zealand, crawl into bed, check Twitter a final time, take [redacted]mgs of Melatonin, remember how lucky I am that the most stressful part of my day is discussing writing with friends, remind myself not be an ungrateful little shit, remind myself that this is the opportunity of a lifetime and I shouldn’t waste it, panic that I’m wasting it, fall asleep. 

Everyone is everyone except you by Jordan Hamel ( Dead Bird Books , $30) can be purchased from Unity Books Wellington and Auckland . 

The Spinoff Review of Books is proudly brought to you by Unity Books and Creative New Zealand. Visit Unity Books online today. 

THE MFA BLOG

: A Creative Writing Community

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Writing programs in australia and new zealand.

11 comments:

I recently studied for a semester at the University of Tasmania and while I was there I took a writing workshop course. It was taught by Andrew Peek (poet), and Danielle Wood (fiction). They don't offer an MFA. However, they do offer a Phd with a creative writing focus. I know that's the program Wood did and she later went on to win The Australian/Vogel literary prize for her novel "The Alphabet of Light and Dark." She was a great teacher and/but young. I don't know about the funding for the program but the city (Hobart) is awesome.

In Australia, a lot of the MA programs by coursework are big money spinners - though having said that they're no more expensive than MFAs in America. But then again I remember when tertiary education was free in Australia. In NZ there is the IIML at Vic Uni which has links to Iowa, UC Irvine and University of Nevada. It's limited entry - 10 students and is run more like an MFA program. For local students they cost $3-4K a year. There are a few MA's around the place which are government funded places such as the one at UWA but they are researhc degrees for the more experienced writers who want to gain a formal qualification - no workshops.

Hello, I'm wondering if there are any reputable screenwriting or playwrighting MFA programs in Australia. Thanks. Daniel

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Aotearoa New Zealand Writing Courses – in-person and online

See nzsa’s learning hub for details of nzsa’s web workshop programme, writer toolkit modules and nzsa roadshows..

NZSA Writer Toolkit – The NZSA Writer Toolkit is our professional development offering, with multiple modules released. Our Writer Toolkit is an online learning platform that offers writers a wide range of low-cost or free modules on writing and the writing life by our leading authors and industry professionals. All sessions comprise of static content you can work through alone, or with your writing group or regional hub meeting. Each module contains notes, exercises, and suggestions for further reading on the topics. New Writer Toolkits are produced each year. Some modules are free to all, and members receive a free Writer Toolkit voucher with annual membership renewals.

NZSA Web Workshops –  – a series of webinars to enable ongoing professional development. Online Two-hour interactive masterclasses. See the link for the latest workshops on offer. they fwriters and industry professionals offering virtual workshops on topics such as self-publishing, romance writing, poetry, structure, short stories, pitching, contract advice, dystopian writing and the business of writing. All NZSA Webworkshops are hosted on Zoom.

NZSA Roadshows – Regional Roadshows brings professional development to the regions. Each one-day conference offers local writers access to professional development, masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions taught by experienced writers from across Aotearoa. These events are organised in partnership with local NZSA branches to build collegiality, connection and new opportunities for professional development in local settings. The events are lively, inclusive, stimulating, and practical and offer something for writers across the spectrum. Sessions cover craft, publishing, marketing, and much more!

NZSA annual Mentorship and Assessment Programmes – Each year Creative NZ supports NZSA to run four mentorship and assessment programmes: The NZSA Mentor Programme , Complete MS Assessment programme, the NZSA Youth Mentorship programme and Startwrite quick assessment programme.

Te Papa Tupu – Māori Literature Trust   – Te Papa Tupu is a highly contested writers incubator designed specifically for emerging Māori writers. Every two years, six writers are given the opportunity to be mentored by acclaimed authors and editors. Throughout the course of the programme, writers work with their mentors to develop their manuscripts for publication.

IPED – The Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd) is the professional association for Australian and New Zealand editors. It exists to advance the profession of editing and to support and promote Australian and New Zealand editors.

Massey University – this university offers diverse 1-2 semester courses in writing which can be taken individually, or as part of a degree. Subjects include journalism, poetry, travel, creative and media script writing. Following this, the Masters in Creative Writing is available online with tutorage from established authors. It allows writers to focus on their own work, while improving their craft skills.

NZ Writers’ College   – offers a variety of online writing courses with one-on-one tutoring from established writers. Courses cover journalism, creative writing, business and specialist areas such as editing and blogs.

NorthTec – offers three diploma levels online. Level 5 covers every genre of fiction or non-fiction writing you can think of, including writing for children in both Te Reo Maori and English, and also an editing paper for writers. Level 6 takes the student’s choice of genre to the next level, be it poetry, short stories, romance writing, science fiction, fantasy, women’s fiction, non-fiction, literary fiction, memoir or scripts, and includes business skills, epublishing and professional editing. Level 7 allows students to focus on their own work, improving their craft skills with mentorship from established authors. Previous students have completed graphic novels, novels, memoirs, family histories, Maori legends, historical fiction, short stories, travel pieces, and an interactive game.

The Creative Hub – Taught by some of New Zealand’s leading writers, most of the courses are venue only, but the two-month Introduction to Creative Writing has an online option.

The School for Young Writers  – offers a wide range of correspondence courses and mentor programmes for writers 8-19 yrs.

Waiariki Institute of Technology – offers a range of courses from one semester to one year including business, Maori, scriptwriting, travel and a diverse selection of fiction options. There are also courses covering marketing, publishing and writing for the web.

Whitireia – offers courses in creative writing, journalism, publishing, and editing from diploma to bachelor level. Some can be completed part time. In 2023 they have added Micro-credentials in editing.

Write   – Short, introductory level courses in grammar and general clarity for business situations

NorthTec – offers three diploma levels online. Level 5 covers every genre of fiction or non-fiction writing you can think of, including writing for children in both Te Reo Maori and English, and also an editing paper for writers. Level 6 takes the student’s choice of genre to the next level, be it poetry, short stories, romance writing, science fiction, fantasy, women’s fiction, non-fiction, literary fiction, memoir or scripts, and includes business skills, epublishing and professional editing. Level 7 allows students to focus on their own work, improving their craft skill with mentorship from established authors. Previous students have completed graphic novels, novels, memoirs, family histories, Maori legends, historical fiction, short stories, travel pieces and an interactive game.

AUT – Auckland University of Technology – provides a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing which explores a variety of genres, and also a Masters in either Creative Writing or Screenwriting. Tutors and mentors include James George and Siobhan Harvey.

Massey University – this university offers diverse 1-2 semester courses in writing which can be taken individually, or as part of a degree. Subjects include journalism, poetry, travel, creative and media script writing. The courses vary from campus to campus, but are all available online. This includes the Master in Creative Writing, which allows writers to focus on their own work, blending literature studies and craft skills with tutorage from established authors.

The Creative Hub  – offers a range of writing related courses, from half day through to a thirty week course involving master classes from established writers. Courses include creative writing, self-publishing and fiction/memoirs.

University of Auckland  – offers a range of English, drama, screen and creative writing courses. The Masters of Creative Writing, taught by Paula Morris, runs for a full university year during which writers work intensively on their own project. Limited to twelve participants, the MCW includes craft skills and exercises, weekly critique workshops, masterclasses with visiting established writers (previously including Eleanor Catton and Ben Okri), and seminars with representatives from the writing industry.

University of Waikato  – has a range of writing major papers which include academic and creative writing with additional screen, media and theatre studies also available.

Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)  – offers a range of writing papers at degree and postgraduate level. Level 6 and 7 papers can be taken as part of a Communications degree, or as a separate Certificate of Proficiency. These include: Creative Writing Workshop, Writing Project (both taught in evening), Screenwriting, Advanced Screenwriting, Feature Writing and Professional and Technical Communication (online). Wintec also offers the Level 5 National Diploma in Journalism, a Graduate Diploma in Communication (with a major in Professional Writing), and post-graduate Honours and Masters qualifications with an emphasis on research and generation of a major piece of work. Post-graduate publications have included edited creative anthologies, plays, memoir and family histories.

Central Districts

Massey University – this university offers diverse 1-2 semester courses in writing which can be taken individually, or as part of a degree. Subjects include journalism, poetry, travel, creative and media script writing. The courses vary from campus to campus, but are all available online. This includes the Master in Creative Writing, which allows writers to focus on their own specific project, whilst blending literature studies and craft skills with tutorage from established authors.

Western Institute of Technology  – is situated in Taranaki and offers a National Diploma in Journalism.

Victoria University Wellington – this university has an established creative writing programme (Institute of Modern Letters) with a diverse selection of writing courses, from undergraduate level to PhD. Courses include poetry, short fiction, writing for children and Iowa workshops in poetry and prose. Tutors include Emily Perkins, Hinemoana Baker, David Armstrong and Ashleigh Young, among others.

Whitireia Community Polytechnic   – has a range of full and part time courses in creative writing, also English skills and its National Diploma in Journalism. Writing for radio is included the Radio Journalism diploma. Write  – has a variety of one-off writing workshops designed to help with writing for business, blogs and websites.

The School for Young Writers  – offers a wide range of courses and programmes for writers 8-19 yrs. The school holds weekend, after school, and in school classes.

University of Canterbury  – in addition to a range of courses in journalism, and a selection of creative writing papers (not available every year), this university has the Master in Fine Arts – Creative Writing. Here, writers undertake a single larger project as well as a substantial essay and oral exam.

Hagley Writers’ Institute  – based in Christchurch, this offers a part-time year-long course for writers, working in both prose and poetry, with a portfolio submitted at the end of the year. Working in groups of ten, the classes meet on Saturdays for support, advice and critiquing with their tutor.

The Poetry Class – regular and bespoke short poetry classes in Christchurch and greater Canterbury, taught by Joanna Preston.

Otago/Southland

Otago University – A number of semester-long classes at undergraduate level are offered in Creative Writing.

Creative Writing Dunedin  – a range of courses taught in small classes in Dunedin, from one-day Saturday courses to 8 to 10 week courses in Memoir, Fiction, Poetry and completing a Manuscript.

The Wanaka Autumn Art School – a 5-day annual writing course for beginner to more advanced fiction writers, currently tutored by Jillian Sullivan.

Online Courses (Australia)

OpenColleges – Providing specialised writing, editing and media-related training to aspiring authors, editors and journalists for more than a quarter of a century, the Australian College of Journalism can deliver the expert tuition required to polish your skills and acquire the commercial savvy you need to succeed.

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MFA in Creative Writing

‌ mfa in creative writing .

** Please note that the MFA does not have a poetry strand**

Applications for 2024/25 have now closed. Applications for 2025/26 will open on 1st October 2024.

Creative writing in the   Mary Lavin Centre for Creative  Writing (within the UCD School of English Drama and Film)  draws on the long literary heritage of Dublin as a place that has produced many world-famous authors. It takes full advantage of the range of vibrant and dynamic literary activities in a country and a city where writers and writing are celebrated. The University has played a major role in the development of literary cultures both in Ireland and internationally and has long been associated with some of Ireland's greatest writers, including James Joyce, Flann O' Brien, Mary Lavin, Patrick Kavanagh, Maeve Binchy, Thomas Kinsella, Eilis Ni Dhuibne and Marina Carr. It is committed to supporting writers in all fields, including fiction, poetry and performance writing, as well as a diverse range of creative non-fiction. 

UCD offers two taught graduate courses in creative writing, an MA and MFA.  The MA is usually the most suitable programme for someone coming directly from a BA. Most students on the MFA have an MA or an equivalently developed writing practice. Admission to the MFA programme is very competitive. You will be taught in a small group by writers of international reputation. Our focus is on prose fiction and non-fiction, and the degree suits students working to finish a draft of a full-length novel, memoir or short story collection. Writing workshops run twice weekly through two semesters, and over the summer students receive individual supervision as they complete a final project. 

Writers currently involved with the MA and MFA programmes in creative writing include the poet Ian Davidson, novelist and poet Paul Perry, novelist Anne Enright, novelist Sarah Moss, novelist Declan Hughes, novelist Niamh Campbell, poet Éireann  Lorsung, and the Arts Council Writer in Residence for UCD. Participants in the MFA also get the opportunity to attend the very many cultural and literary events that take place in UCD and the Museum of Literature Ireland, and recent visitors include Mark O'Connell, Priscilla Morris, Sarah Gilmartin, Colin Barrett and Jan Carson. 

The School of English, Drama and Film has always included in its programme of extra-curricular activities a rich array of readings, writing workshops, writers’ groups, and special seminars offered by writers-in-residence. In 2006, we introduced the MFA in Creative Writing to enable committed writers to develop their potential within a supportive framework. It is a one-year course of seminars, workshops and supervisions providing teaching in theories and practices of writing. 

There are first-rate libraries and archives in UCD and the Dublin area. Over many years, the School has established a worldwide reputation for excellence in fostering postgraduate research and in teaching. Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2009, Dublin has an immense amount to offer aspiring writers.

Further Information

What can i hope to achieve on the mfa.

As a participant on the MFA programme you will be part of a large world-class School of English, Drama and Film and will:

• be taught by experienced published writers with international reputations;
• experience and develop knowledge of the best contemporary writing;
• learn how to produce and develop new ideas for your own writing;
• gain skills in editing and revising;
• take part in workshops, seminars and one to one tutorials;
• explore the archives of some of the world’s leading writers in the Special Collections held in UCD;
• develop a portfolio of work in your own chosen genre. 

A fundamental tenet of the Creative Writing Programme at UCD is a belief in the value of learning from writers who have mastered their craft. Accordingly, the emphasis is on learning to read like writers.  Students who embark on this course will already have acquired many of the skills associated with a programme such as the MFA in Creative Writing. In addition to sharing the objectives as outlined above with the MA programme, they will have a full work in progress and will be given close individual supervision in the progress and completion of that work (50,000 words) with a view to offering it for publication at the end of the course.  Class sizes are small, so the learning environment while upbeat and in every sense enabling, is necessarily quite concentrated.  

What will I study?

As an indication of content, MFA students 2022-23 take the following core modules:

(Please be aware that module offerings are subject to change)

Semester 2 , what are the time commitments.

The majority of teaching on MFA in Creative Writing is structured around two intense block teaching days and requires students to be on campus on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please bear in mind that on occasion you may be required to attend lectures/seminars/launches outside of these hours.

(Please be aware that timetables can be subject to change due to spacing and resourcing schedules).

What are the demographics of the class?

Students on the MA and MFA come from diverse backgrounds. Some come straight from their undergraduate studies while others might have spent some years in different jobs before coming to the course to fulfil their ambition to be writers. The student group is international, and students come to UCD from many countries to pursue their writing ambitions including Ireland, the UK, US, New Zealand, India, Austria and Germany.  Most have a good deal of writing experience and wish to pursue professional careers in writing, with specialisations in novel writing/short stories or poetry. Several of our alumni have won prestigious awards.

Will I have the opportunity to work on a literary journal?

Yes. The HCE Review is an online quarterly journal run by the staff and students on the MA and MFA in Creative Writing.  The journal aims to publish fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and visual art from both established and emerging writers and artists from around the world.

You can read more about the journal  (opens in a new window) here .

What are the portfolio requirements? What should the personal statement reflect?

Applicants applying for the MFA should present a clear vision of the writing project they wish to develop during the programme.  A strong portfolio should contain an outline [approx 1 page] of the novel in progress, together with the opening 25 /30 pages. In the case of a short story collection, two stories; and finally, a personal statement of reasons for taking the course and references.

The  personal   statement should  include a short summary of your writing experience to date and any courses or workshops you have attended.  Include a brief introduction of your history as a writer and how and why you want to apply for the MFA.  What do you hope to achieve and how do you believe that the MFA will help develop as a writer? If you have been previously published or are the recipient of any literary awards, please include details of these, but bear in mind that a publication history is not required to apply.

What do students do following completion of the MFA?

Many of our alumni from the MA and MFA have gone on to successful careers in writing, publishing and media.

• Disha Bose MA (2015-2016)  Born and raised in India, Disha now lives in Ireland. She attended University College Dublin, where she completed a Masters in Creative Writing (2016).  Disha Bose’s debut novel Dirty Laundry, a domestic noir, is to be published by Viking Books in the UK and Commonwealth (May, '23), and by Ballantine Books in North America.
• Sonya Gildea MA (2019 - 2020) Winner of the John McGahern Literature Award 2021; Poetry Ireland Introductions poet 2021/22 (selected by Seán Hewitt), winner of an Ireland Chair of Poetry Student Award 2020; recipient of a literature Bursary Award 2021 from the Irish Arts Council and winner of the Cúirt International New Writer’s Award (2015). Sonya has published in Crannog; the Stinging Fly; the Irish Times; Tolka journal; the Cormorant Broadsheet; the Night Heron Barks; The Maynard journal of poetry; the commemorative anthology Hold Open the Door (UCD & Chicago Press 2020); the Poetry Ireland Introductions anthology This Is What You Mean To Me (2021); Arlen House Publishing anthology of contemporary Irish poetry (2022); and The Common literary journal (2022).
• Sree Sen MA (2019-2020)  Published in Poetry Ireland Review, The Honest Ulsterman, Local Wonders (poetry anthology by Dedalus Press), bath magg, Crossways, nether Quarterly, Headstuff and others. She’s the winner of the UCD Maeve Binchy Travel Award 2020, recipient of Cill Rialaig Residency 2020 & Agility Award 2021 by the Arts Council of Ireland. 
• Aingeala Flannery MFA (2018-2019) The Amusements debut novel published by Penguin Sandycove June 2022 Arts Council Literature Bursary 2020 and 2021 Winner Harper's Bazaar Short Story Competition 2019

'The MFA in Creative Writing at UCD gave me the encouragement and space I needed to focus on my writing. It was challenging and inspiring, I came away with fresh ideas and a stronger sense of my natural writing style and the themes that excite me.  Our class stayed in touch and it's wonderful to have that ongoing support - for the rejections as well as the celebrations. The MFA in Creative Writing changed my life'

• Aoife Fitzpatrick MFA (2018 - 2019) Debut novel, The Red Bird Sings, from Virago Press, June 2023 “I miss the MFA. Not just the notable experience and insight of its teachers, but their authentic interest and vital engagement. That's what makes this course special; why it can transform both writer and work-in-progress.“
• Liz Houchin MA (2018 - 2019) ‘Anatomy of a Honey girl (poems for tired women)’ published by Southword, 2021. Awarded Literature Bursary from Arts Council of Ireland, 2021. 
• Brendan Casey, MA (2018-2019) She That Lay, Silent-like, Upon Our Shore, was long-listed for the Deborah Rogers Foundation Award and will be published by John Murray Originals in 2023.

'The course allowed me to dedicate myself to writing in a structured nurturing environment in which I had the time and space to develop ideas. Since graduating I have signed with RCW literary agency in London, and the thesis I submitted in UCD went on to form the basis of my novel .' 

• Sarah Gilmartin MFA (2018-2019) Her debut novel Dinner Party (Pushkin, 2021) was shortlisted for best newcomer at the Irish Book Awards and the Kate O’Brien Award 2022. Her stories have been published in The Dublin Review, New Irish Writing and The Tangerine. Her story The Wife won the 2020 Máirtín Crawford Award at Belfast Book Festival.
• Colin Barrett  won the Guardian First Fiction Prize with  Young Skins  [Pub. Stinging Fly Press / Jonathan Cape (UK) Grove Black Cat editions (US)] then went on to win both the Frank O'Connor International short story award and the Rooney Prize for Literature.  in 2015, Colin was nominated as one of the five under 35 honourees by the National Book Foundation in the US. His stories have appeared in  Five Dials ,  A Public Space  and  The New Yorker .
• Dave Rudden  is a leading writer of YA fiction and has been short-listed for the Hennessy New Writing Award and the Bath Short Story Prize. He is the author of numerous novels, most recent,  The Endless King ,  Doctor Who: Twelve Angels Weeping: Twelve Stories of the Villains from Doctor Who, The Forever Court  and  Knights of the Borrowed Dark.
• Jessica Traynor  won the Hennessy Emerging Poet Award and the Hennessy Writer of the Year Award in 2013 and was the recipient of the Ireland Chair of Poetry Bursary in 2014. She is the author of two collections of poetry,  The Quick  and  Liffey Swim  runner-up in the 2015 Troubadour International Poetry Prize and Liffey Swim which was nominated for the 2015 Strong/Shine Award for first collections. 
• Julie Morrissy  is an Irish poet, critic, and activist. Her first collection  Where, the Mile End  is forthcoming in February 2019 with  (opens in a new window) BookThug  (Canada) and  (opens in a new window) tall-lighthouse  (UK & Ireland). Her debut poetry pamphlet  I Am Where  (Eyewear 2015)   was shortlisted for Best Poetry Pamphlet in the Saboteur Awards 2016.
• Henrietta McKervey  has published three novels,  What Becomes Of Us  [Pub. Hachette Ireland],  The Heart of   Everything  and  Violet Hill .  Henrietta won both the Hennessy First Fiction Award and the UCD Maeve Binchy Travel Award in 2014. 
• Helena Nolan  is a poet and short fiction writer and was selected for the 2015  Poetry Ireland Introductions Series  and will read as part of the International Literature Festival in May. She won the Patrick Kavanagh Award in 2011, having come second in 2010. 
• Eamon McGuinness  is from Dublin. His poetry has appeared in  Poetry Ireland Review ,  Boyne Berries, Abridged, The Honest Ulsterman , and elsewhere. In 2017, he was featured on the Poetry Jukebox in Belfast and shortlisted for the Strokestown International Poetry Prize. His debut collection is forthcoming from Salmon Poetry.

How to Apply

• Applications for 2024-25 will open on 1st October 2023 
• The entry requirements for the MFA programme are any of the following; an MA, M Phil [Creative Writing], BFA [Creative Writing], BA Creative Writing Major/Joint Major or equivalent, an outline [approx 1 page] of the novel in progress, together with the opening 25 /30 pages. In the case of a short story collection, two stories; and finally, a personal statement of reasons for taking the course and references.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled by suitably qualified and capable applicants. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment.

Application requirements are:

1. Academic Transcript(s)

2. Outline of the novel (1 page approx) plus the first 25/30 pages; or two short stories

3. Personal statement

4. Any other supporting documentation that may be relevant to your application.

5. English Language test certificate (IELTS or equivalent at 7.5 with no component less than 7.0)

6. The email addresses of two academic referees.

Scanned copies of relevant academic qualifications and the writing sample should be included in the online application.

Once you submit your application, your referees will receive an email and a link to upload their reference letters. References should be on headed paper and signed. 

• For further details, module information and to start an application, please see our MFA Creative Writing UCD webpages.
• If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact Fiona French, Graduate Administrator at  (opens in a new window) [email protected] .

Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) - MFA (CP)

This course is available

Level of Study

Master's Degree

180 credit hours

Next start date

Expected Feb 2025

Kelburn Campus

Advance your design, film-making, music or theatre skills to prepare for a rewarding career in the creative industries.

Hone your collaborative, creative and business skills as a practising artist over an intensive 12-month programme. Victoria’s Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) is an industry-focused, practical degree that will help you build new contacts and networks in Wellington’s creative industries.

You'll take advantage of our capital city location and study at Victoria’s Kelburn campus plus our film and music programmes get to use a new purpose-refitted facility at the Miramar Creative Centre.

The MFA (CP) includes a creative project in which you'll be mentored to complete work that showcases your abilities and encourages you to push boundaries in your field.

As part of the programme you'll also do an internship with an arts organisation. This will give you valuable work experience and provide you with all-important connections in your industry.

Creative capital

Be part of Wellington's thriving and internationally recognised creative scene. During your studies you'll have opportunities to collaborate with your artistic peers and many of New Zealand's top arts professionals.

Entry criteria

Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject or extensive experience.

Proof of English proficiency

To be accepted into this programme you will need to meet one of the following:

IELTS: minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing

Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 58 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50)

EPP: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5

Application Deadline - Trimester 1: 1 Dec.

Studying in NZ

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Creative Writing – Bachelor of Arts

Unlock your imagination, expand your creative thinking and polish your writing.

Planning information

Entry requirements.

• Fees & scholarships
• Careers & jobs

International students

Where you can study.

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Specialise in Creative Writing for your Bachelor of Arts at Massey

Inspiration, communication and vocation are at the heart of Massey’s exciting Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing).

It offers you the chance to develop your writing so that it’s pitch-perfect for a variety of audiences. You’ll enhance your critical thinking and master a wide range of transferable communication skills while pursuing your own creative vision.

Choose your canvas

Creative writing offers you flexibility in writing original work in a variety of genres. Learn to write fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, travel writing, and scripts for the stage and screen.

Learn from published authors

Our award-winning teachers are internationally acclaimed writers in their own right. They teach from their own first-hand experience in moving from idea to page, polishing their work and sending it off to be published or performed.

Your third year has a vocational focus. You’ll develop your writing in a genre of your choice and learn how to submit it for publishing. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on editing and publishing experience, or facilitate a creative writing arts project in your local community.

Get published

Students who have taken our creative writing courses have gone on to publish poems, stories, essays and books as well as winning some of New Zealand’s top writing prizes. Why not join them?

A Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing is a good fit if you:

• are seeking opportunities to get creative, get writing and get published
• want practical writing experience in a range of genres
• enjoy critical and creative thinking.

If you study full time, in the first year you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.

If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school if you wish. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.

You need to pass five courses at 300-level for your BA. One of these ( 230310 ) is in the compulsory core and three are required for your major. If you are not taking a double major or a minor, you will need to take one 300-level elective course to meet this requirement.

About this major

The Creative Writing major in the Bachelor of Arts consists of 120 credits.

Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.

A minor must be in a different subject from your major.

A Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) with a minor

You may choose a minor from the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science. If the minor is from another degree the regulations of that qualification will apply.

A creative writing minor (for students who are studying a different degree) 

If you are not studying towards a BA (Creative Writing) and wish to complete a minor in creative writing see the BA regulations for requirements.  

• More on minors

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification .

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.

Courses you can enrol in

Course planning key, core courses for the bachelor of arts.

As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.

Bachelor of Arts core courses

Creative Writing courses

Compulsory courses.

An exploration of the processes involved in writing poetry and short stories. Students learn the fundamental elements of craft, such as metaphor, structure and plot, through the close reading of published poetry and fiction, through their own practice as creative writers, and through providing and receiving workshop feedback.

An intermediate-level introduction to the craft of nonfiction writing in a variety of genres, with a particular focus on the application of techniques usually associated with fiction and poetry to nonfiction material.

Restrictions: 139327

An advanced study of the process of writing that consolidates knowledge of creative writing craft, expands understanding of genre, and analyses aesthetic and/or cultural aspects of published manuscripts across genres. The first portion of an envisioned full-length creative manuscript will be drafted with an emphasis on the critical evaluation of its aesthetic and/or cultural implications.

Prerequisites: Any 200-level Creative Writing course

Subject courses

An investigation of human creativity that involves the study of creative practice and the making of original works of performance, film and writing.

Students will receive a grounding in the skills of writing experimental theatre and an opportunity to employ these skills in the creation of original scripts.

An intermediate-level introduction to the craft of writing targeted at ‘middle readers’ – roughly 9-13 years – across a variety of forms.

A creative writing course in which students develop and advance poetry skills within the major modes of lyric poetry and within the context of a more advanced engagement with fundamental elements of craft. In addition to reading poetry and critical essays on the genre, students will write original poetry and critically review their own work and the work of peers.

An intermediate-level study of the craft of fiction, investigating a range of forms by means of creative production, workshopping and peer review.

A study of the relationships between creative writing and ecological concerns, covering a range of contemporary forms from eco-fictions, nonfictions, or poetry, to nature writing, to animal stories. It engages students in the workshopped production of original creative work.

Restrictions: 139381

An in-depth study of the skills, formats, technique and terminology of professional script writing, with emphasis on the adaptation of traditional approaches across the diversity of contemporary media.

A study of travel writing, involving both critical and ideological analysis and creative writing developed from the students' own field work.

An exploration of the poetics and politics of experimentation and subversion in contemporary fiction and metafiction including analysis of the work (both creative and critical) of major practitioners, theorists and original student compositions.

The course provides an applied service learning project in the disciplines of expressive arts and media studies. Working collaboratively, students apply skills in theatre, performance, film-making, creative writing, media practice or mixed media to developing a creative response to a social issue or community need.

Prerequisites: Any one of 139123 , 139104 , 139133 , 154204 , or 139223

In this course, students study and experience the principles, processes and practice of publishing, through the co-production of an online publication. Key concepts include teamwork, co-production, theme selection, peer review, production scheduling, source selection, and online publishing.

Prerequisites: Any 200-level course with a 139 prefix or 219202

A study of contemporary Oceanic (Māori and Pasifika) literature in English contextualised in relation to customary and pre-colonial Oceanic literatures, narratives, and storytelling methods.

Elective subject courses

A study of short stories, novellas and novels from the last 50 years emphasising the varieties of award-winning fiction.

An introduction to the nature and functions of literary texts and the ways in which they are invested with meaning, with a focus on the skills necessary for reading and writing critically about them.

Restrictions: 139171

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing), outside of university admission regulations.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

•  Massey University English language requirements

If you have already completed a bachelor degree

If you have already completed a bachelor degree you may replace 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or  230112 Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking with courses of your choice. You will need to apply for replacement courses via a  Special permission  request in your portal and you will need to attach evidence of your completed degree with the request.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Can't meet the entry requirements?

If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.

• Summer School

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme.

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

• Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
• View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

• Course search

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

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This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice .

Careers and job opportunities

A Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) is one of the most creative and enriching degrees you can do. Employers seek out BA students for their lateral and analytical thinking, communication skills and creative ability.

There are various possibilities for creative writing graduates, including:

• writing for television, magazines, blogs or the book-publishing industry
• corporate or non-profit freelance writing
• creative arts project coordination
• inter-arts collaboration for arts festivals
• writing for public relations
• creative writing in advertising
• working in communications
• being a journalist
• performance-related writing and production
• writing and advising on government policy
• writing for social media.

New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.

• Find out more about life as an international student at Massey, applying to Massey and getting help .
• Entry requirements for international students .

Related study options

Creative writing – graduate certificate in arts.

With a Graduate Certificate in Arts (Creative Writing) you’ll examine inspiring creative writing and start developing your own.

Creative Writing – Diploma in Arts

With a Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing) you will examine inspiring creative works and explore your personal creative approach through poetry, life writing, scriptwriting, and fiction.

Creative Writing – Graduate Diploma in Arts

Examine great creative works and start writing your own. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in creative writing without completing a second bachelor’s degree.

English – Graduate Certificate in Arts

Understand how words shape our world with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (English).

English – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (English), you can take your undergraduate study of English further.

English – Bachelor of Arts

Develop your passion for literature. Understand how great writing has shaped identity, culture, and society.

English – Diploma in Arts

Do you have a passion for literature? The Diploma in Arts (English) will give you versatile and transferable skills that can open many career pathways.

English – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

A Massey Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (English) will help you understand how language shapes the world we live in.

English – Master of Arts

With Massey’s Master of Arts (English) you can build on your undergraduate study and follow your passion for literature. Complete advanced research into an aspect of English, rhetoric or theatre studies.

English – Graduate Diploma in Arts

The Graduate Diploma in Arts (English) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in English without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.

Master of Creative Writing – MCW

Use your passion for writing to transform yourself and the world through an intense exploration of language.

Creating writing teachers

Professor Bryan Walpert

Bryan is the author of three poetry collections, most recently Native Bird; a novel, Late Sonata; a collection of short stories, Ephraim’s Eyes, and two scholarly books, Resistance to Science in Contemporary American Poetry and Poetry and Mindfulness: Interruption to a Journey. He has received writing awards in New Zealand, Australia and the US.

• View Bryan Walpert's profile

Professor Elspeth Tilley

Elspeth is a three-time winner of the British Theatre Challenge international playwriting competition and a three-time official playwright for Climate Change Theatre Action. Her award-winning plays have been published and produced globally including off-Broadway and off-West End. Elspeth received the 2018 College of Humanities & Social Sciences award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching.

• View Elspeth Tilley's profile

Dr Gigi Fenster

Gigi's first novel , The Intentions Book , was a finalist in the New Zealand book awards and was longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Award and Commonwealth Prize. Her second novel , A Good Winter, won the Michael Gifkins Award and was a finalist in the Ockham Fiction Awards. Her memoir, Feverish , was born out of her creative writing PhD. Gigi is currently working on a children's nonfiction book and novel.

• View Gigi Fenster's profile

Associate Professor Robert Sullivan

Robert has won the 2022 Lauris Edmond Memorial Award for his contribution to New Zealand poetry, the Montana New Zealand Book Award for co-editing Whetu Moana: Contemporary Polynesian Poems in English, the Māori Literature Award for co-editing Puna Wai Kōrero: An Anthology of Māori Poetry in English, and the New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year.

• View Robert Sullivan's profile

Dr Thom Conroy

Thom is currently a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing and is also Editor-in-Chief of the literary journal Headland .

Thom has authored The Salted Air and The Naturalist (Penguin Random-House) and is editor of the personal essay collection Home (Massey University Press). He has won the Katherine Anne Porter Fiction Prize and has published short fiction in literary journals.

• View Thom Conroy's profile

Whiti Hereaka

Whiti Hereaka is a novelist and playwright based in Wellington. She is the author of four novels: The Graphologist’s Apprentice , and the award-winning YA novels Bugs , Legacy and her latest novel Kurangaituku . Legacy won the New Zealand Children’s and Young Adult Book Award for YA fiction in 2019 and Kurangaituku won the 2022 Jann Medlicott Acorn Award for fiction at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.

• View Whiti Hereaka's profile

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Everything you need to know about an MFA in creative writing!

Creative writing is a core skill that contributes significantly to our understanding of the human experience.  with creative writing, you can share new ideas, explore different styles and genres, and advocate for an informed society.  keep reading to learn more about pursuing an mfa course in creative writing  , table of contents, what does a creative writer do professionally , what skills will i learn with an mfa in creative writing , which are the top universities in the world offering mfa in creative writing courses , what are the minimum eligibility criteria for admission to an mfa in creative writing , what are the job opportunities i can consider with an mfa degree in creative writing , key takeaways .

Creative writing is a tool that can help you unleash your creativity, thoughts, and opinions on different topics. At the university level, creative writing is encouraging to allow you room to expand your vocabulary and create new pieces of writing. Pursuing a creative writing course at the MFA level is one of the best ways to receive formal training in this art style. MFA students pursue highly intensive studies with distinguished professors and peers. 

As a result, your creative and intellectual writing skills are honed as professionally and objectively as possible. 

Keep reading to learn more about creative writing and the opportunities an MFA in this niche can present to you. 

Professionally, a creative writer’s job description includes constructing various copies for a wide range of audiences. Creative writers are often required to express ideas with clarity in the form of essays, scripts, books, and any other type of content copy. 

Some of your primary responsibilities as a creative writer will include- 

• Conducting relevant research before and during the writing process. 
• Preparing different kinds of material for assignments. This includes planning the outline of the content and the synopsis. 
• Conducting careful fact-checks before submitting any assignment 
• Ensuring that there is a logical flow in the content written. 
• Attending hosted feedback sessions and making the relevant revisions based on the editors, publishers, and clients. 
• Finally, creative writers require to regularly sharpen their skills by attending workshops and training sessions. 

Typical graduate creative writing degrees focus on three core specializations: poetry, fiction & creative nonfiction. As a result, an MFA course from a reputed university will allow you to take a holistic approach to write as a profession. 

Therefore, if you have a flair for poetry, you will also be required to take fiction & non-fiction classes, in addition to literature seminars and intensive writing workshops.  

The core skills you will learn in the realm of fiction creative writing include- 

• Developing relevant insights into a narrative arc. 
• Contributing to character development, plot, and overall story tension. 
• Developing a knowledgeable foundation in graphic narratives, novels, and flash fiction. 

Some of the crucial skills you will develop through non-fiction creative writing include- 

• Generating memoirs, essays, personal narratives, and other certain forms of journalism . 
• Developing excellent listening skills. 
• Developing the ability to apply productive critiques through regular revision. 

As a part of poetry, some of the core skills you will be trained in include- 

• Developing a firm foundation in poetic terms & forms (such as pyrrhic, villanelle, and blank verse). 
• Being able to create concrete structures and creative dialogues in the form of poetry. 

Some of the top universities that you can consider include- 

• Portland State University (United States) 
• Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand) 
• Long Island University Brooklyn (United States) 
• University of Cumbria (United Kingdom) 
• University of Lincoln (United Kingdom)
• University of Hull (United Kingdom) 
• Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain) 

Each of the above universities has course curricula that are designed to reflect current industry trends and behaviors. Some of the key modules covered in MFA creative writing courses include- 

• New media 
• Personal essay writing  
• Short story writing 
• Poetry 
• Radio drama 
• Playwriting 

To be eligible for an MFA degree in creative writing, you need to meet the following prerequisites- 

• Bachelor’s degree 

As an MFA creative writing applicant, you need to hold an undergraduate degree. The degree does not necessarily have to be creative writing. However, your prior coursework is a factor that is taken into consideration during the admission process. As a result, experience with writing workshops can significantly boost your application. 

• Minimum GPA 

The minimum GPA requirements for an MFA creative writing degree can vary depending on the university. Some MFA courses do not uphold a minimum GPA. Other universities do, with a GPA of 2.5 often being the benchmark. 

Your GPA will also significantly influence your chances of receiving an institutional award such as a scholarship. 

• Professional experience 

A typical MFA in creative writing admission requirement is your CV or resume as supplemental material. Professional experience in the industry can bolster your chances of obtaining a fellowship. This professional experience can range from writing for clients to teaching. 

With an MFA qualification in creative writing, some of the best job opportunities that you can consider in the industry include- 

• Author/Content writer 
• Journalist 
• Social media specialist 
• Travel blogger
• Email marketing specialist 
• Ghostwriter 
• Screenwriter 
• Playwriter 

Working on continually keeping yourself updated on the latest skills in the industry can help you receive significant career opportunities. You can also consider working as a freelance content writer. 

• Creative writing is an important skill that plays a crucial role in communicating information, concepts, and ideas clearly to a defined audience. 
• Pursuing an MFA in creative writing can equip you with a vast range of skills that are currently in demand in the industry. 
• Several reputed universities across the globe offer MFA and equivalent degrees in creative writing. 
• MFA courses are often designed to give you an all-rounded perspective on approaching different kinds of assignments. 

Was this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to reach out to us for pursuing an MFA in creative writing. We would be happy to assist you with your queries! 

Liked this blog? Read next: How to write an article | Amazing tips everyone must try!

Q1. What does a grant writer do? 

Answer – You can consider a career as a grant writer with an MFA in creative writing. Grant writers help research facilities and non-profit organizations secure funding by writing engaging grants. These grants convey the organization’s story in a convincing, tailored, and engaging manner. 

Q2. Do I have to submit samples of my work during the application process for an MFA in creative writing? 

Answer – Yes, all MFA degrees will require you to submit relevant samples of your work in a pre-specified format. 

Q3. Do I need computer skills for a career as a creative writer? 

Answer – Yes, basic computer skills are a core requirement for your career as a creative writer.

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Online MFA in Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts

Earn an MFA in Creative Writing Online

• $637/credit (48 credits total)
• Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
• 100% online – no residency required
• Four fiction genres to choose from
• Career-focused certificate included
• No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required

Online MFA in Creative Writing Program Overview

Share your story with the world and let the power of storytelling take your career to new heights with an online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing . As one of the only programs available that encourages a focus on genre fiction, our online MFA lets you hone your craft in an area specific to your strengths and interests. You'll also learn about the business side of creative writing, preparing you to market your work in the real world.

While most MFA programs require a residency, Southern New Hampshire University's online MFA in Creative Writing can be completed entirely online, with no travel necessary.

“Traditional MFA programs, whether full-time or low residency, are out of reach for many writers,” said Paul Witcover , associate dean of creative writing. “The SNHU online MFA was designed to make the MFA experience accessible to all fiction writers, opening the door to diverse voices excluded for too long from the literary conversation. Our program is dedicated to giving writers the tools to succeed on the page and beyond it.”

Graduates leave the program with a completed and revised novel in one of our four offered genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance and Speculative. With the included certificates in either online teaching of writing or professional writing , you'll have the skills to support your writing career, no matter where it takes you.

.st0{fill:#21386D;} What You'll Learn

• The business and technical sides of professional writing
• How to navigate the publishing ecosystem, identify agents and editors, and market your work to appeal to decision-makers
• Using social media to gain a following and build your brand
• How to teach writing in a classroom setting

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

The Value of an Online MFA

Emily Jones ’20 embraced a transformational experience through the online MFA in Creative Writing program, which supported her in taking her writing career to the next level. “I can now say, without even a hint of imposter syndrome, that I am a writer,” said Jones. “And that is because of Southern New Hampshire University.”

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors made a median annual salary of $69,510 in 2021, while editors made $63,350. 1

“Our mission is to give students a degree and associated practical skills they can use to forge successful pathways in academia, business, or by blazing their own career trail,” said Paul Witcover , associate dean of creative writing.

Earning one of the included certificates in online teaching of writing or professional writing will also be an invaluable addition to your resume for part-time, full-time and freelance jobs in a variety of fields, including:

• Higher education. Instruct writing courses in higher education settings. In 2021, postsecondary teachers made a median annual wage of $79,640, and you can expect to see a 12% growth in available positions through 2031, according to the BLS. 1
• Advertising. Use your storytelling skills in a way that influences consumer action. As a copywriter, you could find yourself doing any number of writing projects from crafting emails and ads to writing entire commercials.
• Marketing. If you're more comfortable with long-form prose, many businesses have invested in content writers who create quality content such as blog posts, ebooks and podcasts to attract and retain customers.
• Entertainment. Good at building suspense or setting up punchlines? From movies and plays to comedy and podcasts, being a good storyteller and writer is important to finding success in the entertainment industry.
• History. Every person's life has a plot, but it takes writers like you to tell their stories in a compelling way. Help readers relive the experiences of historic figures and pop culture icons as a biographer.

Higher Education

Instruct writing courses in higher education at a college or university, either in-person or online.

Advertising

Influence consumer action through copywriting, from print ads to digital advertising and broadcast commercials.

Create written content such as blog posts, ebooks and podcasts to attract and retain customers.

Entertainment

From movies and plays to comedy and podcasts, writers often find success in the entertainment industry.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts favorable job growth in postsecondary education. And while statistics are not available for all job settings mentioned above, the BLS reports the following:

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Job Growth

The BLS predicts an 8% growth in available postsecondary teaching positions through 2032. 1

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Potential Salary

Writers and authors made a median annual salary of $73,150 in 2022, while editors made $73,080 and postsecondary teachers made $80,840. 1

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online MFA in Creative Writing

If you're looking to earn your Master of Fine Arts online, you've found the right program. Even though there are no residency requirements, you'll still interact frequently with other students and faculty members in asynchronous discussions, critique workshops and within our online writer’s community, where students come together to share industry news, extend writing tips and develop critique partnerships.

"I liked MFA-514 (Advanced Studies in Genre Literature) best," said student Jamilla Geter . "It was a great look into the different genres. It really helped me narrow down what genre I wanted to write in."

"Though it was not writing exactly, its connection to it – especially in our digital world – was made clear almost immediately," she said. "Writing is not just providing content of value to your readers, but also creating avenues of access so those readers can find your content. This course helped me to understand that and to learn how I can create those avenues."

Besides allowing you to focus on your own creative interests, part of our 48-credit online MFA curriculum requires you to choose from 2 certificate offerings designed to round out your education and better prepare you for a multitude of writing-related careers.

The first choice is a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching of Writing , which is tailored to those who see themselves teaching in an online classroom setting as a supplement to their writing careers. Students practice approaches to editing and coaching, learning how to establish a virtual instructor presence and cultivate methods for supporting and engaging students within online writing communities.

Learn more about the online teaching of writing graduate certificate .

Students can also choose the Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing , which highlights the technical and business opportunities available to writers. Students will develop a range of skills, such as copywriting, social media, marketing principles and/or content generation, learning many of the freelancing skills integral to today’s project-driven economy.

Learn more about the professional writing graduate certificate .

All of our courses are taught by accomplished authors and industry professionals who know both the craft and business of creative writing. They will work closely with you to develop both your creative and professional skill set.

"All instructors within my program were extremely knowledgeable and helpful," Warden said. "I learned a lot about the different career paths my instructors chose. ... The course instruction, along with their anecdotal experiences, helped in offering knowledge in different areas of our field.

MFA Program Thesis

The thesis for the Online MFA in Creative Writing is required to be a novel of at least 50,000 words in one of the four genres the program offers: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, and Speculative.

Every Southern New Hampshire University online MFA student who graduates from the program will do so with a revised novel manuscript in their chosen genre, which is completed in a three-course thesis series. Throughout your tenure in the program, you can either work on a singular idea that you will develop during the three thesis courses, or you can begin a new project for your thesis. You can also combine elements of the four genres offered in the program for your thesis. For example, your thesis might be a YA Speculative Fiction novel.

"My three thesis classes for the MFA degree were the most helpful," said Kathleen Harris '21 . "I was actually writing a book as my thesis, so it was both enjoyable and advantageous for the degree. And it was the end of a very long milestone of accomplishments."

Minimum Hardware Requirements Component Type PC (Windows OS) Apple (Mac OS) Operating System Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. Currently supported operating system from Apple. Memory (RAM) 8GB or higher 8GB or higher Hard Drive 100GB or higher 100GB or higher Antivirus Software Required forcampus students. Strongly recommended for online students. Required forcampus students. Strongly recommended for online students. SNHU Purchase Programs Visit Dell Visit Apple Internet/ Bandwidth 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency Notes:   Laptop or desktop?   Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.  Note:   Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.  Office 365 Pro Plus  is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for  Microsoft 365 plans  for business, education and government.  Antivirus software:  Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.  if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('f756dce5bd874c61855f6f6e92d88470')); University Accreditation

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs: Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related programs.

Creative Writing Program

The New School invites you to join a community of diverse writers, become part of New York City’s publishing world, and build a network of support on campus and beyond. Our prestigious MFA Creative Writing program is designed to help you develop your writing in supportive workshops and literature seminars led by an internationally recognized faculty and renowned authors.

books published annually by alumni and faculty

annual writing events, including the National Book Awards Finalist Reading

of admitted MFA students awarded merit-based university scholarships (2020–2021)

MFA in Creative Writing

As an MFA student at The New School, you can choose your concentration—in Arts Writing, Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, or Writing for Children and Young Adults—and receive personalized faculty mentorship and faculty and peer critiques. Innovative courses in publishing and multimedia storytelling engage you in the development of literature. Popular graduate minors include Impact Entrepreneurship and Transmedia and Digital Storytelling . Or you can apply to WriteOn NYC! , a New School–funded fellowship program providing MFA students with high-quality teaching experience in area middle schools and high schools. All students benefit from evening classes and events, which enable them to work or attend responsibilities during the day while enrolled in a  full-time program.

Related Programs

In addition to the renowned MFA in Creative Writing, The New School offers other programs and opportunities for writing students. These include noncredit courses and summer intensives, as well as an undergraduate major in the Bachelor’s Program for Adults and Transfer Students, the Writing and Democracy Honors Program, and undergraduate minors in related fields. Summer Writing Intensive Continuing Education Courses Writing & Democracy Honors Program BA in Creative Writing Undergraduate Creative Writing Courses

• Meet our faculty

The Writer’s Life in NYC

Creative Writing students come to The New School from across the United States and around the world to live the writer's life in New York City. Evenings with agents and editors, offered exclusively for MFA students, provide informal opportunities to meet publishing professionals.

The New School Bookshelf

We are proud to feature books recently published by The New School's Creative Writing community.

Sigrid Nunez, Faculty

Hurricane Child

Kacen callender, mfa '14.

The Impeachers

Brenda wineapple, faculty.

The January Children

Safia elhillo, mfa '15.

Mira Jacob, Faculty and MFA '01

Events & news.

• Bob McKinnon, Parsons Faculty Member, Debuts New Children’s Book
• The Vera List Center for Art and Politics Presents New School New Books Event Series
• Adrian Madlener, History of Design and Curatorial Studies ’18, Explores Design Through Writing and Research
• The Vera List Center for Art and Politics Hosts Reading Room Featuring Faculty Books
• Richard Barone, School of Jazz and Contemporary Music Faculty Member, Debuts New Book about Music Scene in 1960’s Greenwich Village
• New Faculty Achievements from Across The New School Include Fellowships, Grants, and More

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To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

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To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.