Overview
The Creative Writing programme from Newcastle University offers 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.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- The Faculty Training Programme provides a community made up of postgraduate social sciences and humanities students and staff. It is a unique blend of cross-disciplinary and generic researcher development training, recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) as providing a solid basis for doctoral study.Although your focus will be on your specialist study, our aim is for you to develop a broad range of research and project management skills that will support you in your career ahead. We have nurtured a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary and supportive environment where staff and students from across the world can come together and share their research experiences. You can also choose to register for a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Training, which accredits the core foundation modules on the training programme.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
- StartingApply anytime.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts.
Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Creative Writing View 22 other PhDs in Creative Writing in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- 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.
Tuition Fee
-
International
18000 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 18000 GBP per year during 36 months. -
EU/EEA
4407 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4407 GBP per year during 36 months.
Living costs for Newcastle upon Tyne
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.