Creative and Critical Writing MA

The MA Creative and Critical Writing develops your abilities through a combination of creative engagement with prose and drama on writing and placement modules, and a critical study of literature.

The programme offers a unique placement module through which you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience as a writer in residence at one of the University of Liverpool’s partner institutions in the city. As a writer in residence in locations such as museums and galleries, you will be able to develop professional skills through activities such as writing in response to exhibitions, or running creative writing workshops.

Assessment will take the form of a portfolio consisting of creative work and reflections on the experience and requirements of the writer-in-residence role. Through core modules on contemporary prose and drama/screenwriting, you will develop your writing ability and professional awareness (i.e. submitting to agents, editorial pitches).

Liverpool offers a stimulating environment in which to study Creative and Critical Writing, thanks to its lively events calendar (including the Liverpool Literary Festival and literary events through the Centre for New and International Writing); the University’s connections to local literary partners such as the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse; the presence of three AHRC/BBC New Generation Thinkers in the Department of English alone; and masterclasses with visiting writers (e.g. the Hope Street Writer in Residence).

Why English?
World-leading research expertise
In the last national research ranking exercise in 2014, we ranked 10th out of 89 English Departments in the UK for 4-star (world-leading, the top ranking) and 3-star (internationally excellent, the second ranking) research.

Strong postgraduate community
With over 150 taught and research students from all over the world, you will be part of a genuine international community. You will be able to participate in our lively research culture through attending regular seminars and lectures by guest speakers as well as our own staff and students. Recent conferences include ‘On Liberties’ at Gladstones Library, and ‘Renaissance Old Worlds’ in collaboration with the British Library. A legacy from former tutor Miriam Allott has allowed the department to host a vibrant series of international poetry readings, and with its Centre for New and International Writing and Literature and Science Hub, the Department of English continues to attract a range of outstanding, international speakers.