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Creative Writing, Ph.D.

  • Anytime
    Application Deadline
  • 36 months
    Duration
University rank #141 (QS) ,
Our Creative Writing MPhil, PhD offers you the opportunity to develop a substantial, original piece of creative work and a related academic thesis. Our supervision expertise, partnerships and passion for creative writing offers you an energetic, creative and well-resourced research culture to immerse yourself in.

About

We offer supervision from a diverse range of experienced writers who are recognised specialists in their field. Areas of expertise include:

  • poetry
  • prose fiction, including fiction for children or young adults
  • writing for stage, screen, or radio
  • writing creative non-fiction, including:
    • memoir
    • biography
    • narrative non-fiction
    • essay writing
    • the literature of travel, nature and place

You can see the range of research topics our current students are working on.

Your research will have two main components:

1. The creation of a substantial, original piece of creative work:

  • a novel
  • a collection of short stories
  • a collection of poetry
  • a play script or screen play

2. An academic thesis related to your creative work, which could cover:

  • topics
  • genres
  • themes
  • a writer or group of writers

Many of our students go on to publication or performance either during or shortly after their studies.

Partners

We have strong links with a variety of partners, who all provide a wealth of materials, knowledge and opportunities:

  • Seven Stories: The National Centre for the Children's Book
  • Wordsworth Trust (Dove Cottage)
  • Bloodaxe Books
  • Northern Stage
  • Live Theatre
  • Tyneside Cinema

We are closely linked to the Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts (NCLA), which puts you in regular contact with leading national and international creative practitioners. This develops your awareness of the creative, social and cultural issues that impacts and influences creative writing.

Research culture

Our rich research culture is fed by frequent public readings, seminars and workshops by staff, visiting artists, and postgraduates within the School. We also jointly sponsor The Newcastle/Bloodaxe Poetry Lectures with Bloodaxe Books. Recent writers include:

  • Paul Muldoon
  • Marilynne Robinson
  • Ali Smith
  • Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Nuruddin Farah
  • Andrea Levy

You will have the opportunity to participate with the NCLA and other faculties on multi-disciplinary research projects. For example, students have worked with linguists, computer scientists, musicians, film-makers, archivists, and visual artists on projects funded by leading research councils such as the AHRC, Clore Duffield, Wellcome Trust, and Arts Council England.

Detailed Programme Facts

  • More details: There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply. 
  • Programme intensity

    You can choose to do this programme part-time or full-time.

    Full-time
    • Full-time duration 36 months
    Part-time
    • Average part-time duration 72 months
  • Languages
    • English
    Schedule TOEFL®
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

Programme Structure

As a research student you will receive a tailored package of academic and administrative support to ensure you maximise your research and future career. The academic information is in the programme profile and you will be supported by our doctoral training centres, Faculty Training Programme and Research Student Support Team.

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    100

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    7

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    StudyPortals Tip: The UK government has confirmed new English-language testing requirements for visa and immigration purposes. Learn more

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: Upper Second Class

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

  • A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in English. If you are applying for a PhD you also need a master's degree.
  • Along with your application you will be asked to submit examples of your creative writing, including two short stories, six poems or a script.
  • International Students:To study this course you need to meet our Band 9 English.

Tuition Fee

  • International Applies to you

    16500 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 16500 GBP per year and a duration of 36 months.

  • EU/EEA Applies to you

    4350 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 4350 GBP per year and a duration of 36 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.
EU
  • Full time: £4,350
  • Part time: £2,175
International
  • Full time: £16,500

Living costs for Newcastle upon Tyne

  • 560 - 1000 GBP/month
    Living Costs

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

Funding

StudyPortals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

The Global Study Awards: get funded with up to £10,000 to study abroad

Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, Studyportals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.

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