Creative Writing MA

Realise your self-expression and unleash your creativity as you master the art of the written word.

Great writing isn’t just a tool to flex your imagination and self-expression; it also connects with readers, changes hearts and minds and elicits deep-seated emotions.

But it can also be a challenging endeavour, thanks to writer’s block, distractions, self-doubt, and not knowing where to start.

With our MA in Creative Writing, you’ll hone your inspiration and creative writing skills within our School of English, a community with a long and distinguished history of offering a safe space for writers and artists to develop their craft.

You’ll receive expert advice from a team of tutors who are actively engaged in producing and publishing creative writing, and you’ll dabble in a wide range of literary genres, including poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. You will also have the chance to develop your literary and critical skills more broadly.

Whether you wish to broaden your creative writing or work towards getting published, you’ll have ample support and guidance as you explore areas of personal interest and participate in workshops to hone your skills in diverse writing forms.

You’ll also produce an independent research project, which can focus on a creative idea or comprise a portfolio of your creative writing.

*“I have always loved the creative, vibrant atmosphere of Leeds. I decided to take a tour of the campus and fell in love with the beautiful architecture, especially the libraries.”*

*Elliot Johnston-Coates, BA English Literature with Creative Writing*

Why study at Leeds?

* Academic expertise: Learn from tutors steeped in English literature, with practices and passions that span creative and critical writing, including visual and experimental poetry, eco poetics, the contemporary novel and contemporary lyric poem, literature and medicine, disability studies, autofiction, and transgender memoir.

* An engaging writing community: Enjoy our close links and partnerships with the Ilkley Literature Festival, Leeds Playhouse and Leeds Grand Theatre. We also support a thriving range of events and workshops with visiting writers.

* A rich archive on your doorstep: Access some of the best archive and library collections in the country, including the Brotherton Library. Take a 360 tour of our facilities.

* Access rare collections: Our Cultural Collections offer a huge range of rare books, manuscripts and art, while our library holds original manuscripts by the Brontë family, plus materials linked to Bram Stoker, Arthur Conan Doyle and Hester Pulter.

* Your cultural hub: Leeds is a fantastic destination for soaking in culture and creative inspiration, with museums, theatres, galleries, festivals and indie gems located in the heart of the city.

* Real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

Rankings and awards

* 29th in the world for English Language and Literature, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

* 17th in the UK for English, Complete University Guide 2027

Career support

Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.