Overview
Further build on your MA Creative Writing to produce a high-quality written project
If you have already completed a taught master’s degree in creative writing, this Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is designed as the next step.
The MFA Creative Writing offers committed and ambitious writers the opportunity to develop a longer creative writing project under the extended supervision of renowned writers and lecturers.
You will work independently, under the guidance of an expert supervision tutor (and possibly a team, depending on the nature of the project), working towards completion of a high-quality 40-70,000 word (book-length) creative writing project.
This might take the form of a memoir, novel, creative non-fiction title, poetry collection, short story collection, script, biography, or a literary experimental hybrid project.
The intention is to work towards publication, dissemination, performance, or the appropriate means of reaching a wider audience and accessing the creative industries.
The book-length project will be accompanied by a reflective critical commentary of 6,000 words.
You will also have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals such as agents, editors and publishers.
Please note
Acceptance and progression onto the MFA is contingent on successful completion of the MA Creative Writing taught programme.
On this course you will:
- Receive direct, tailored and bespoke tutorial guidance for a creative writing project of publishable, excellent quality.
- Work closely with tutor(s) on a skilful and nuanced understanding of the literary, scholarly, creative and commercial requirements of the particular project.
- Engage with advanced craft, editing and story skills to support the progressive development of their work, including the ability to prepare work for submission to publishers or external markets and readers.
- Develop the ability to apply an understanding of the values and uses of Creative Writing as a life-enhancing skill to improve both their own and others’ well-being, confidence, expression and self-awareness.
The Course
Develop a longer creative writing project of publishable quality
This list is indicative and subject to change.
Developing Towards Publication
This module is tutorial and one-to-one supervision-led, offering you the opportunity to progress to an MFA through the development of a longer, in-depth creative writing project that works towards possible publication, completion and/or dissemination, depending on the nature of the individual project.
Committed and ambitious writers work under the guidance of an expert supervision tutor (and possibly a team) towards completion of a high-quality 40-70,000 word (book-length) or equivalent creative writing project.
Usually applicants will have completed a substantial section of this prior to application, e.g. an MA dissertation.
The intention is to develop the portfolio towards possible publication, dissemination, performance, or the appropriate means of reaching a wider audience and access to the creative industries marketplace, if applicable.
Open to all genres, which could include memoir, novel, creative non-fiction title, poetry collection, short story collection, script, biography, digital writing project or a literary experimental hybrid project, the core creative submission will be accompanied by a reflective critical commentary of 6,000 words which will demonstrate research processes and critical contextual understanding.
Each student will have six contact hours with their supervising tutor and two Manuscript Mentor workshops (these will comprise of a combination of MFA and PhD candidate participants), plus attendance at the annual University of Chichester Publishing and Networking panel.
There will be opportunities to present and share work at the University of Chichester Research Conference; opportunities for students to share work in progress through optional student-led workshops on university premises; and opportunities to engage with University English and Creative Writing department events and activities.
Experience
Find facilities and research centres that support your creative processes
Bishop Otter campus
Click to watch our virtual tour of our historic Bishop Otter campus in the heart of Chichester.
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
Expert staff
You will learn from one the countries most experienced creative writing teams.
Subject specific librarians
If you have difficulty finding material for an essay, seminar or project, subject librarians will be happy to provide assistance.
South Coast Creative Writing Hub
The University is home to this community of staff, graduates and current students who host events with local authors.
Chichester Centre for Fairy Tales, Fantasy and Speculative Fiction
Our forum for research and debate into beyond realist literature.
Guest speakers
The University regularly welcomes renowned creative writers to speak on their work and industry.
Iris Murdoch Research Centre
The Iris Murdoch Research Centre supports and develops work into this major 20th century writer.
Local cultural links
The University is placed within the reach of the beautiful South Downs area of the UK.
Course Costs
Course Fees 2027/28
UK fee
£3,180
International fee
£5,520
University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
Entry Requirements
Normally a Merit or Distinction in MA Creative Writing. In exceptional circumstances, exceptions may be made depending on the quality and nature of the application and submitted portfolio.