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Entry requirements
To apply, you should have a 2:2 honours degree or higher in a relevant subject area, such as Ancient History, American Studies, Classics, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Drama, English Literature, Film Studies, History, Postcolonial Literatures, Television and Media or another essay-based discipline.
We also welcome applications from students with relevant professional or creative writing experience, including those who may not meet the standard academic requirements.
Applicants applying through this route must contact our Recruitment Team before submitting an application. You may be asked to provide a CV, personal statement and writing sample of 2,000 to 3000 words of academic or creative prose, or three to four poems.
Please note that dramatic writing is not taught on this MA, so film and play scripts are not accepted as writing samples.
Entry requirements for international students
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The Online Creative Writing MA is a flexible, fully online programme delivered by Exeter’s world-renowned English and Creative Writing department. Study at your own pace, from anywhere, while developing your writing, editing, and publishing skills.
You’ll be taught through a mix of online lectures, peer workshops, inspiring writing exercises, and personal tutoring from published writers. You’ll explore what makes great books work, how your own writing connects with wider literary traditions, and how to engage readers on the issues that matter.
Programme structure
The MA Creative Writing course offers practical training in publishing, from pitching and promotion to navigating the industry, with advice from experienced professionals. Whether you write poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, you’ll follow a structured curriculum that builds strong writing habits and culminates in a substantial final manuscript, ready to submit.
This MA is ideal for writers seeking expert mentorship, the support of a vibrant community, and clear steps towards publication.
To complete the full MA, you need to take all the modules in the list below. The modules are all standalone and can be taken in any order, as they are all online. The Manuscript module is offered every term after the first full cycle of taught modules.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
180 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory 1
Reading into Writing
30
The Workshop: Craft and Process
30
The Industry: Pitching, Promoting and Publishing
30
The Manuscript
60
Writing for Better Futures
30
EASM214Z: Reading into Writing
In this online module, you’ll develop the reading skills you need to become a better writer. By reading slowly and attentively, you’ll learn to recognise the craft behind successful writing — and to articulate what you admire in the work of others. Through discussion, guided reading, and writing exercises, you’ll apply what you learn to your own projects, unlocking new ideas or seeing ongoing projects from a fresh perspective You’ll also hone your editorial judgement and begin to position your writing in conversation with both literary tradition and contemporary practice — valuable preparation for your final manuscript project, and for pitching your work.
‘Reading into Writing’ aims to:
teach you to read other authors’ work as a writer, and your own work as a reader
develop your ability to analyse how creative texts achieve their effects and apply these insights to your own writing
strengthen your editorial judgement, so you can revise your work with clarity, purpose, and confidence
prepare you to position your creative practice within literary traditions and contemporary contexts, supporting your final manuscript project
In developing your critical reading and editorial skills, this module also cultivates key professional abilities in close analysis, creative problem-solving, effective communication, and reflective practice.
The Workshop: Craft and Process centres on sharing work-in-progress and receiving feedback in a supportive, structured online space. You’ll focus on generating new work and developing it through feedback and revision. Weekly reading, discussion, and writing prompts will help you overcome blocks, sharpen your craft, and explore essential topics like voice, structure, and style. You’ll receive personalised feedback from peers and your tutor, while also building your own editorial insight by responding to others’ work. By the end of the module, you’ll have a developing body of work — and the tools to keep writing independently.
This online module aims to:
Equip you with the skills to build, participate in, and sustain a creative writing community, enabling you to maintain your practice beyond the module.
Support you in balancing your own creative instincts and judgements with the feedback of others, helping you produce work that is both distinctive and responsive to readers.
Provide a safe, supportive environment in which you can play and experiment with forms, voices, and techniques beyond your usual practice.
Develop your ability to give and receive constructive feedback with clarity, tact, and purpose.
Strengthen your capacity to work iteratively — drafting, revising, and refining your work to a professional standard.
Encourage you to reflect critically on your own creative process and identify strategies that help you sustain and improve your writing.
In addition to honing your creative and editorial skills, this module supports the development of professional competencies such as collaborative communication, critical self-assessment, and project management.
EASM216Z: The Industry: Pitching, Promoting and Publishing
This online module explores how writers navigate and shape the creative industries, from pitching to publishers and agents, to editing magazines, producing live events, and writing across sectors. You’ll hear from professionals working in areas such as publishing, journalism, and marketing, and consider how different roles and routes can intersect with your own practice. Whether you’re crafting a book proposal, planning a residency, or launching a magazine, you’ll gain insight into the literary landscape today — and develop the confidence, curiosity, and resourcefulness to share your work on your own terms. These skills will also support you in your final manuscript project.
This broad, practical module will introduce you to a wide range of professional practice areas within the creative industries, and act as a springboard for your own independent research and development in one or more specialist domains.
The Manuscript is your chance to put everything you’ve learned on the MA into practice. By the end of the module, you’ll have produced a substantial and distinctive body of creative work. You’ll also have developed the insight and skills to take it further, supported by a critical reflective essay that explores your creative choices, influences, and development as a writer.
You’ll undertake an independent project, either starting something new or building on work begun in earlier modules. While the focus is on self-directed writing, you won’t be working alone: a structured programme of activities will help you build productive habits, supported by regular one-to-one tutorials with expert feedback and guidance.
The Manuscript is an online-only dissertation module.
Writing for Better Futures is about literature that aims to change the world for the better.
From climate writing and creative activism to writing as representation and community-building, this module asks: how can literature inspire change? Can political art be good art? And how can writers face up to the climate crisis?
Working on a self-directed project or through structured prompts, you’ll produce a portfolio of fiction, life writing, or poetry. You’ll also craft a commentary that connects your work to the issues shaping modern readers’ lives, enhancing both its cultural relevance and its path to publication.
Bethan Ferguson - Head of Consumer Insight at Hachette, and former Marketing Director at Quercus
Anna Davidson - editor at The Right Word, and former Head of Editorial Management at Faber & Faber
Amy Key - poet, essayist and author of the memoir Arrangements in Blue, a Sunday Times and Independent Book of the Year
Clare Pollard - novelist, poet, playwright, non-fiction writer, children's author, editor and translator. Clare's many books include Fierce Bad Rabbits: The Tales Behind Children's Picture Books, Delphi and The Modern Fairies
Jennifer Otter Bickerdike - cultural historian and author of several bestselling books, including Being Britney: Pieces of a Modern Icon (Bonnier, 2021) and Eternal Flame: The Authorised Biography of the Bangles (Hachette, 2025), as well as the critically acclaimed You are Beautiful and You Are Alone: The Biography of Nico (Faber, 2021)
Susannah Dickey - author of Common Decency and Tennis Lessons, and winner of the PEN Heaney Prize for her poetry collection ISDAL
Roxy Dunn - author of As Young as This, named a Best Book of 2024 by The Independent, Harper’s Bazaar, Stylist, Cosmopolitan and Sunday Times Style
Past guest speakers include:
Ella Frears -poet and author of Goodlord: An Email, a genre-defying fictional memoir in the form of one long email to a lettings agent, described as “dark and dazzling” by The Guardian
Gurnaik Johal - author of Saraswati and the short story collection We Move, winner of the Somerset Maugham Award and Tata Literature Live! Prize
Pierre Novellie -comedian and author of Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things? A Comedian’s Guide to Autism
Hanako Footman -British-Japanese writer best known for her hit debut novel Mongrel, which tells the story of three women and their identities, exploring themes of isolation, longing, love, and hope. Mongrel was shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize
Please note: Guest speakers are confirmed at the time of publication, but on rare occasions the line-up may change.
Pay as you study
Fees:
£12,000 in total
Cost
The fee shows the total amount it will cost if you complete the degree if you take the minimum time of two years. If you take longer than two years, for example, because you take one or more breaks between modules, the total fee you pay may increase slightly due to inflation.
Pay as you study
To make it easier to budget, you don’t need to pay the total fee upfront. Instead, you can pay for each module as you are about to start studying it. You can pay for the whole year if you prefer, but the minimum payment is at least the cost of the module(s) you are taking that term. Please note that if your payment has not reached us by the end of week one of a module, you will have to wait until the next term to start.
How to pay
You can pay online using a credit or debit card. We are unable to give you access to your study materials before your payment reaches us so it’s important to have your finances in place and pay when prompted to ensure you can access your studies at the start of each term.
Other costs to consider
As well as your fees, there are some potential additional costs to be aware of to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of success. These include a suitable computer or device to study and work from, an adequate internet connection to access your learning materials and connect with others, and a comfortable place to study.
While our online programmes do not require any attendance on campus, as a student of the University of Exeter you are always welcome to visit. You may also be offered the chance to attend a graduation ceremony in person, for which travel costs and gown hire will apply.
Help with paying for your studies
If you are struggling to afford your chosen programme of study, some help may be available from either the government or the university. This includes:
Postgraduate student loans. If you live in the UK, you may be able to access a loan to help pay for your online degree fees and living costs while you study. To be eligible, you must not already have a Masters degree (or above). For information on how to apply and your student finance entitlement, please visit the following links depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
If you are awaiting the approval of a postgraduate loan to pay for the course and evidence is provided through the Admissions application gateway, access to learning material will be provided prior to receipt of payment.
Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). Most UK students with a physical disability or mental health difficulty, long term health condition or specific learning difficulty will be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance which can help towards the cost of specialist equipment, one-to-one support and other costs associated with your condition. If you feel this applies to you, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible as the whole process can take up to 12 weeks. If you complete an application and are not eligible for DSA, please make an appointment with the AccessAbility Team to discuss alternative funding and support.
Success for All fund. Some financial support may be possible through our Success for All fund as assessed on a case-by-case basis providing eligibility criteria are met. Fully online students are not automatically eligible for an IT bursary, but exceptions may be made in some circumstances. However, please note the University would expect students to have made reasonable provision to support themselves during their studies prior to enrolling on a module.
Employer sponsorship. Your employer or another organisation you are associated with may be happy to pay all or part of your fee. If you are getting financial support in this way, we can invoice them directly for the value that they have agreed to support before you start your studies. You will have to pay any balance so that the module you are studying is paid in full before you start.
Student discounts. Our online students are fully registered students of the university, and therefore can ask for an Exeter Unicard, which can be used to access a wide range of student discounts on everyday items including food and clothing. You can also apply for student discounts on products and services through the UniDays card.
What opportunities does an online Masters in Creative Writing lead to?
Our Masters programmes are designed to prepare you for a successful career, wherever in the world you plan to work. Employers expect advanced communication and technical skills, team-working and independent research, project management and the very latest specialist knowledge from their postgraduate recruits.
This programme opens doors to diverse creative and professional pathways.
Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in:
Publishing and editorial roles
Media and communications
Education and cultural programming
Digital content creation and marketing
Charity and advocacy through storytelling
Students can also use this programme to transition into new creative roles or enhance existing careers with advanced writing skills. Whether you dream of becoming a published author or using your writing to drive positive change in your professional field, this course provides the foundation for your success.
Employment and professional development
Our excellent Career Zone provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the employment and professional development pages for more information, including podcasts and profiles, about the range of support available.
You'll benefit from a blend of online lectures, flexible peer workshop groups and feedback from a published writer and experienced tutor. Our innovative approach combines:
Generative writing activities to spark creativity
Constructive feedback sessions to refine your craft
Inspiring readings that connect to contemporary issues
Personal tutoring to guide your development.
Across the programme, you’ll develop a substantial body of work in your chosen form or forms – whether poetry, short fiction, novels, YA, life-writing, or creative nonfiction. This will culminate in a final manuscript that reflects your unique vision and refined skills.
Digital Bookcase
Visit our Digital Bookcase to discover a curated selection of work by our award-winning staff- from contemporary literature, fiction and poetry to reflections on centuries gone by.
Creative Writing Society
Exeter Creative Writing Society is an inclusive community where writers of all levels can share, develop, and celebrate their work. With weekly themed workshops in poetry and prose, opportunities to connect with our journal ENIGMA, and events across the city, we provide a supportive space to grow your creativity and confidence.
Student Creative Writing Journal
Founded in 2019 by the University of Exeter Creative Writing Society, ENIGMA is a student-led journal showcasing poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and scriptwriting. Published online and in an annual print edition, it aims to celebrate the creativity of Exeter’s writing community.
Awards and Prizes
Awards and prizes play an important part in recognising, in a public way, our students' high levels of achievement. As an Online Creative Writing student, you would be eligible for the following:
The Paddon Award: Best Postgraduate Creative Writing in Any Form
(£300 first prize, £250 second prize).
Awarded to postgraduate Creative Writing students submitting outstanding and original creative work.
The Charlotte Deadman Prize
(£100).
Awarded annually to an MA Dissertation (or equivalent project) demonstrating striking and unusual creativity. Eligible dissertations/projects may come from any of the departmental MA Programmes (Creative Writing, English, Publishing etc); the only criterion is that nominated projects should display a high degree of creative flair. This might relate to the manner in which research is conducted and presented, or to a particularly imaginative approach, or to prose or poetic style.
I am Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, and the author of Hotel (Verve, 2020) and Absence (Cheerio, 2024), which was a Telegraph Poetry Book of the Yearand a Guardian Best Recent Poetryselection.
My poems, short stories, and criticism have appeared in The Times Literary Supplement, The New Statesman, Poetry London, Poetry Review, and The London Magazine. I received an Eric Gregory Award in 2018 and have been recognised in major competitions, including the Oxford Brookes International Poetry Prize and the Ginkgo Prize.
My work with composers and musicians regularly appears on BBC Radio Three and features on recordings such as Héloïse Werner’s Phrases (a Times Classical Album of the Year) and The Hermes Experiment’s forthcoming album Tree (Delphian, 2025).
I hold a PhD in Creative Writing from Durham and have held editorial and programming roles at Poetry London, the Poetry School and the Poetry Society.
My research examines contemporary African literature (emphasis on Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somaliland, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda), Africa-based publishers and festivals, material cultures of the book and global literary networks.
I am also an editor and literary producer with 20 years' experience working in the publishing industry. I was previously Head of Humanities at Palgrave Macmillan, responsible for paperback publishing across history, literature, theatre and language.
I worked for four years as an Editor and Producer at Kenya’s leading literary publisher Kwani Trust and am currently a Director for Kigali-based publishing companyHuza Press.
I co-foundedwww.africainwords.comand regularly curate workshops and festivals, including producing Africa Writes in 2015 (the UK’s largest festival of African literature at the British Library.
I am a novelist who also teaches and researches in Romanticism and in Academic Writing. These days, my main area of interest is writing: both Creative Writing and Academic Writing and Composition Studies. I firmly believe that teaching students to write in what is conventionally considered a good way is the key to their future power and influence.
I am also a Byronist, and in addition, work on the connection between authors’ bodies and the work they produce, as well as connections between David Bowie and Romanticism.
The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.
Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.
Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.
