Overview

Students of the Creative Writing programme at University of Plymouth have had books published in all forms and received many recognitions of excellence, including being shortlisted for The Forward First Book Prize for Poetry, receiving a two-novel deal with Headline, winning the £10,000 Ballymaloe Poetry Prize, and winning the Manchester Metropolitan Novella Prize (Jamie Edgecombe – see his student profile below).

Key facts

Doctoral Creative Writing projects include collections of poetry influenced by field work in Nepal, creative non-fiction exploring the plight of refugee women in immigration detention centres in the UK, short story sequences about domestic dysfunction, and novels set far and wide: from 16th century America to 21st century Japan. All of our PhD students produce creative work alongside a critical dissertation (from 15,000 words to 40,000 words), exploring their methodology as well as their wider literary context.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

You will be guided by a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies.

You will be expected to fully engage with skills development and training and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts.

Your PhD will be assessed via submission of either a written thesis (approximately 80,000 words), or one that combines critical writing with artistic, creative and/or professional practice, and a viva voce (an oral examination).

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-07-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

65

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Duolingo English Test

120

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Plymouth, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 60 other PhDs in Creative Writing in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

Masters degree or equivalent from a UK higher education institution in a relevant subject.

Applicants normally have to supply a research proposal, personal statement, and occasionally evidence that they are prepared to undertake the proposed project. This may include a portfolio, or a sample of critical writing, depending on their area of study.

Other UK or overseas qualifications may also be accepted – with academic reference

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Plymouth and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

18750 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 18750 GBP per year during 24 months.
National

5005 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 5005 GBP per year during 24 months.

Part-time:

National: £3,305 per year

International: £9,375 per year

Living costs for Plymouth

731 - 1387 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Creative Writing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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