Creative Writing - Poetry Master of Fine Art

Develop yourself as a poetic artist and learn how to position your work in the poetry world.

Writing, developing and refining a full-length manuscript is a significant phase in a poet’s journey, whether for their debut collection or as part of a new direction in their poetic practice.

This course will empower you to write a manuscript of a full-length poetry collection with expert, one-to-one guidance from an established poet within the unique poetry environment here at Leeds.

Your project supervisor will offer detailed feedback, advice on directions for development and revision, reading suggestions, and guidance on presenting your work in public. They will also support you in identifying potential platforms for your work within contemporary poetic practice, with the aim of targeting appropriate agents, publishers, and other opportunities for circulation after graduation.

You’ll engage with University of Leeds poets, who are actively engaged in writing that reflects the diversity of poetry today, especially in the range of formal approaches – from lyric to performance, to sound, visual, archival and digital poetics.

With personalised and in-depth guidance that fosters your creativity and development as a poet, this course also allows you to navigate the poetry industry as you create and shape your work and make it viable for publication.

### Why study at Leeds?

* Get personalised guidance: Receive expert teaching and supervision that accelerates your development as a poet and helps you refine a full‑length manuscript to publication standard.

* Immerse yourself in a rich poetry environment: Be part of a community in one of the UK’s most dynamic poetry hubs, plus access to networks, events and resources that enrich your creative practice.

* Unlock your creativity, no matter your form: Benefit from exposure to a wide range of contemporary forms, enabling you to experiment, innovate and situate your work confidently within current poetic debates.

* Understand the industry: Gain a deeper understanding of the literary landscape, helping you position your work strategically and professionally.

* Develop your performance: Gain professional experience in presenting, performing and articulating your creative aims – skills essential for festivals, readings and industry engagement.

* Benefit from local partnerships: You’ll have direct access to festivals, organisations and international poetry networks that support career development and creative opportunities.

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