Why study this course?
The course consists of two semesters with taught components followed by an individual creative writing project taking place over the whole year, but with particular focus during the last three months.
The School of English also offers a separate MLitt in Playwriting and Screenwriting.
Highlights
- have the opportunity to study with leading contemporary authors
- gain a firm grounding in style and technique
- learning critical thinking and the ability to be your own best editor
learn the importance of broad and well-informed reading in the development of an original ‘voice’ - develop an awareness of creative industry norms in publication and networking
Teaching
Delivered through seminars, workshops and individual tutorials.
Class sizes
Groups range from 5 to 15 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word or 20 page original work with regular support.
Assessment
A mix of coursework essays, original writing and the final dissertation.
Modules
Students take one compulsory module on research skills in Semester 1 and two modules in a chosen area (poetry or prose) over both semesters.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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The following module is compulsory for everyone studying Creative Writing:
- Research Skills for Creative Writing: an introduction to primary skills such as proofreading and copy-editing, the literary marketplace and the roles of editors, publishers, agents and festival organisers, the use of IT resources and library materials.
Students who select the prose option for the MLitt will study the following compulsory modules over Semesters 1 and 2:
- Writing Prose 1 and Writing Prose 2: a critical and practical study of the writing of literary prose, including short and long fiction, as well as the literary essay, life writing and other non-fiction forms.
Students who select the poetry option for the MLitt will study the following compulsory modules over Semesters 1 and 2:
- Writing Poetry 1 and Writing Poetry 2: these cover a range of essential topics in poetry and its composition, including the creative process, the poetic line, the use of lyric, imagery, metaphor, metre, experimental practice, meaning and interpretation.
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In August, students will submit a dissertation comprising original work in one of the following forms:
- Poetry: a collection of at least 20 pages of verse. Candidates who opt to submit a long poem or poems should do so only after consultation with their supervisor.
- Prose: a prose extract of around 15,000 words. It need not be the opening of the book, but it should be a continuous excerpt and it must be supported by a one-page outline or synopsis showing the intended development of the book.
- Short stories: one or more stories of 15,000 words in total. Prose work in other forms, for example, creative non-fiction, may be submitted but should be discussed in detail with a supervisor.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
What it will lead to
Careers
Graduates of the course have gone on to become published writers or pursue careers in a range of sectors including journalism, marketing, publishing and teaching.
Further study
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
Students who have a Masters in Creative Writing may apply directly into the second year of the MFA (different fees apply for the MFA – see tuition fees for taught postgraduate programmes for more information).
Why St Andrews?
St Andrews was one of the first universities in the world to teach English literature. Today, the School of English is ranked 1st in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and we enjoy an international reputation for excellence as a centre for academic research and literary creativity.
Our Masters programmes span the history of English literature from the Medieval period to the present, explore works from diverse literary cultures drawn from across the world, and cultivate the next generation of creative writers, poets and playwrights.
You will be part of a vibrant scholarly community of more than 120 postgraduate students from around the globe and over 30 permanent members of staff with expertise in a range of specialisms. By joining one or more of our Research Groups you will have the opportunity to work with the School’s outstanding academic researchers, visiting speakers, and fellow postgraduates in research seminars, lectures and workshops.
Our Creative Writing and Playwriting/Screenwriting classes are taught by award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights with strong links to the University-managed Byre Theatre and the StAnza Poetry Festival.
As a postgraduate scholar at St Andrews, you will have access to rare books and manuscripts in the Library’s Special Collections, an archive built up since the 15th century.
The School of English also believes that knowledge is best imparted by those working in the same discipline and at the highest level: all the School's writers have national and international reputations, and are regarded as leaders in their individual fields. All are dedicated teachers with a passion for their art.
In addition, the ancient town of St Andrews – with its pristine beaches, castles and historic buildings, its constantly changing seascapes and cloudscapes – is simply a beautiful and inspiring place for any writer to work.
Events
The School of English hosts research events through its four research groups:
- Creative Writing
- 18th Century, Romantic and Victorian
- Medieval and Renaissance
- Modern and Contemporary
The School of English normally also hosts an annual colloquium. Recent themes have been:
- Reimagining Andrew Marvell: The Poet at 400
- The English Legal Imaginary, 1500-1700
- Bannockburn, 1914: Anniversary culture, war and national identity in Scotland
- Opera and Fiction
- World Literature and Dissent
- (Un)Civil War?
- John Keats and Romantic Scotland
- Libraries in Literature
- Devouring Men: Food, Masculinity and Power
The Postgraduate Forum offers postgraduates the opportunity to present research in progress to a group of their peers.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“The St Andrews Creative Writing Masters programme is life-changing. In close-knit, intimate group workshops and one-to-one tutorials, some of the country’s most acclaimed writers will go through your work word by word, offering thoughtful and incisive feedback. It’s often thrilling, sometimes nerve-wracking, and always enriching. Thanks to St Andrews, I now write for a living. Visiting lecturers’ talks on literary journalism and the relationship between poetry and radio inspired me to explore these avenues: since graduating, I have reviewed poetry for newspapers and BBC Radio 4. St Andrews will make you a sharper writer and a more attentive reader, and will give you the skills you need to get your writing out into the world.”
- Poetry Critic, The Telegraph; author of Woodsong (2019), winner of the New Poets Prize
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. However, a candidate who demonstrates outstanding writing abilities may be accepted on the basis of an equivalent qualification (for example, a body of published work or a relevant professional qualification), but such cases are entirely at the discretion of staff and require decanal approval.
- If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- Supplementary application to School of English (Word)
- CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- academic critical essay of approximately 2,000 words on an English literature topic
- Poetry applicants should supply a portfolio of at least 10 poems of original verse
- Prose applicants should supply 10 to 15 pages of original fiction or non-fiction writing
- two original signed academic references on university headed paper from your most recent degree awarding institution
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
All School of English study applicants will be given access to the My Application portal. The Scholarships and Funding area of the portal includes an online catalogue through which you can apply for available relevant awards.
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 13 March 2025