Creative Writing MFA (PG)

At the heart of the Manchester Writing School are our masters programmes in Creative Writing, available to study on campus in Manchester and also from anywhere in the world via online distance learning. <br/><br/>On our Master of Arts (MA) Creative Writing programme, you will explore and practice techniques and styles of modern and contemporary writing and apply these through the development of your own creative work. You will undertake a taught element blending writing workshops with reading units and an elective, and then complete your studies through submission of an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script. <br/><br/>You will specialise in one of the following routes: Novel (including Short Fiction), Poetry, Writing for Children & Young Adults, Scriptwriting (for stage, screen or radio) or Creative Non-Fiction. <br/><br/>The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The novel and poetry routes are available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only). The writing for children and creative non-fiction routes are online (part-time) only. The scriptwriting route is available to study on campus only. We have intakes to the programme in September and January each year. <br/><br/>One of the most successful programmes of its kind in the UK today – with more than 100 students and graduates publishing first books and having work produced, with many more achieving publication in journals and magazines, winning writing awards and prizes, setting up small presses and anthologies, and finding roles in the publishing industry.<br/>Extensive calendar of events - which may include author Q&As, book launches, festivals, podcasts and performances at Manchester Met, partner venues across the city, and online. <br/>Industry links - strong links to the publishing, arts and cultural industries, and visits from guest speakers which may include agents, publishers and producers. <br/>Flexible learning - classes for core Workshop and Reading units take place in the evenings (6-8pm UK time) during the autumn or spring semesters. Full-time students usually have classes two evenings per week, and part-time students one evening per week. <br/>Live online teaching - the course can be completed entirely online, with core Workshop and Reading unit teaching for distance learning students via weekly online classes in Microsoft Teams, and some elective units also available online (availability varies each year). <br/>Option units - all students take 30 credits of optional units and can choose from a range of 15 and 30 credit creative writing units or options from courses across arts and humanities subjects, including English studies and publishing. Option units run in the spring semester; delivery models and scheduling vary depending on choice and availability. <br/>Extended piece of writing - all MA students will complete an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script, supported by one-to-one supervision. <br/>Gain an MFA – students can continue their studies with an additional year, completing a further 120 credits (which includes writing a full-length book or script) and gaining an MFA. <br/>Academic expertise - taught by high-profile writers and critics. <br/>Home to Manchester Poetry Library - Manchester Poetry Library is the North Wests first public poetry library and holds over 12,000 books and recordings that can be explored through the online catalogue, in person and through the annual programme of events.<br/>Manchester City of Literature - Manchester has been designated an international UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its thriving live literature scene, with a diverse range of regular author events, writers’ forums, networking opportunities and open mic nights.