Creative Writing

Overview

Why choose this course

We’re at the forefront of new knowledge in fields including literature, translation, language, linguistics, creative writing, and film studies. With a strong focus on research and writing in international contexts, we can provide you with a network of research links and support for your professional or academic career. 

The research in modern and contemporary writing is diverse, and includes both literary-critical and creative work. Our approach to contemporary writing encourages the connection between creative artists and literary critics and theorists. In particular, we explore: the work of living writers; the tradition and future of innovative writing; the environment and climate change; the nature of publishing as an innovative and radical political enterprise; medical humanities; literature and the body; questions of literary and political freedom; and distinctions between ‘genre’ and ‘literary’ fiction. 

Our diverse mix of subject specialities means we’re a vibrant and imaginative community with lots of opportunity for intellectual exchange.

What you will study

You’ll be assigned a primary and secondary supervisor, who will meet with you regularly to read and discuss your work and make sure that you’re on track. For us, writing is essential for understanding and developing new perspectives, so you’ll be submitting written work right from the start of your course. 

In your first year of the  Creative Writing programme at the University of Surrey, you’ll refine your research proposal and plan the structure of your work with the guidance and support of your supervisors. As you go into your second and third year, you’ll gradually learn to work more independently, and your supervisors will guide you on how to present at conferences and get your work published. 

After 12-15 months, you’ll submit a substantial piece of work for a confirmation examination. The examination will be conducted by two internal members of staff not on your supervisory team, and will give you the opportunity to gain additional guidance on your research-to-date. Following submission of your completed thesis, a