Universities for Creative Writing in the UK

Starting a creative writing degree program may be an exciting and intimidating endeavour. With its extensive literary legacy, the UK is a great place for budding authors to settle. In this guide, we’ll explore the best colleges that are notable for their outstanding creative writing departments, providing students with a supportive setting to polish their skills.

Top Universities for Creative Writing in the UK

• University of Birmingham– The University of Birmingham’s MA in Creative Writing stands out as a premier choice for aspiring writers due to its comprehensive and innovative approach. This program not only allows you to define and refine your chosen genre, whether it be short fiction, novels, poetry, plays, or screenplays, but it also encourages exploration of new genres to broaden your writing experience.  With dedicated workshop time and peer feedback opportunities, you have the chance to develop your unique voice and ideas.  The program’s focus on the craft of writing and editing, combining academic and creative skills, ensures a holistic learning experience. Moreover, the faculty, comprised of published authors like Anna Metcalfe, Elsa Braekkan Payne,  Luke Kennard,  Richard House,  Dan Vyleta,  Isabel Galleymore,  and Ruth Gilligan,  provides valuable insights and mentorship.  The emphasis on professional skills training and collaboration across genres prepares graduates for success in the the writing industry. Additionally, the vibrant writing community, participation in events, and strategic links within the West Midlands further enrich the overall creative journey at Birmingham.
• University of Strathclyde– The University of Strathclyde emerges as an excellent choice for creative writing enthusiasts seeking a dynamic and supportive environment. Here, you have the unique opportunity to work closely with experienced, industry-savvy writers who guide you in developing your writing practice.  This program emphasizes practical literary development, offering workshops with both peers and tutors to refine your ideas and experiment with new and hybrid forms.  Led by the award-winning novelist Rodge Glass, the Convener of the MLitt in Creative Writing, the course spans three semesters and is designed to provide not just generic skills but tailored guidance at each stage of your development.  With a focus on freedom to pursue chosen forms and genres, combined with academic support, the Strathclyde program fosters a collegial, supportive atmosphere—more than just a writing course, it’s a writing community.  Situated in the vibrant and historic city of Glasgow, this program offers an enriching creative experience in a city full of literary history and possibilities.
• University of Warwick– The University of Warwick offers a distinctive and inspiring environment for creative writing within its English Literature and Creative Writing degree.  The program begins by providing a comprehensive understanding of English Literature from its origins to the contemporary era and then encourages students to discover their unique voice as writers. The innovative assessment methods allow students to build an impressive portfolio of work throughout their academic journey.  The program is associated with a renowned list of writers, including A. L.  Kennedy, David Vann, Sarah Moss, David Morley, and Maureen Freely.  The curriculum, structured around core modules such as Modes of Reading and Modes of Writing, introduces students to various literary forms and critical approaches.  The teaching methods incorporate lectures, seminars, workshops, and work placements, with practicing writers actively engaging with students in the Writers’ Room, a dedicated space for writers within the university. The assessment approach is diverse, combining traditional essays and examinations with creative projects, portfolios, and performances,  fostering a dynamic and multidimensional learning experience.
• Royal Holloway, University of London– Royal Holloway’s Creative Writing MA stands out as an exceptional choice for writers looking to elevate their craft to a professional level.  Located in the heart of literary Bloomsbury in central London, this program provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural hub, surrounded by publishing houses, bookshops, and major UK libraries.  The MA offers four distinct pathways—Fiction, New Prose Narratives, Poetry, and Poetic Practice—each taught separately to ensure consistent high-level instruction.  Taught by leading writers with diverse approaches and styles, including award-winning authors like Sean Borodale, Lavinia Greenlaw, and Nikita Lalwani, this program boasts a top-ranking status in the country.  The course’s esteemed alumni, including Sarah Perry, Tahmima Anam, and Liz Berry, further exemplify its success in nurturing internationally acclaimed writers.  With a focus on going beyond the personal to engage with literary culture and contemporary practices, Royal Holloway’s Creative Writing MA is a dynamic platform for writers seeking to make a significant impact in the literary world.
• University of Leeds– The University of Leeds stands as an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their creative writing skills within a School of English with a rich history in the field.  The MA in Creative Writing is designed for individuals looking to deepen and expand their creative practice or work towards a publishable piece.  With guidance from actively publishing teaching staff, you’ll explore various literary genres, including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, while also developing broader literary and critical skills.  This program allows for exploration of personal interests and skill refinement through workshops, fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment. A distinctive feature is the opportunity to undertake an independent research project, enabling you to dedicate focused attention to a single creative idea or compile a portfolio that aligns with your unique interests.
• Lancaster University– Lancaster University emerges as an exceptional choice for Creative Writing, situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District, a historic source of inspiration for writers.  This program offers small-group workshops to foster the development of novels, stories, poetry, and scripts, ensuring personalized attention and constructive feedback.  Beyond honing creative skills, the curriculum delves into the professional dimensions of writing, covering aspects like reading and performing your work, publishing, and marketing. Students have the opportunity to contribute to student-run literary journals, gaining practical experience in the industry.  The university’s vibrant literary events, both on campus and in the city’s Castle Quarter, provide further inspiration.  The course modules, ranging from Approaching the Novel to Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy, showcase a diverse and comprehensive approach to creative writing, making Lancaster University a compelling choice for those seeking a rich and immersive creative writing experience.
• Newcastle University– Newcastle University’s Creative Writing MA offers a distinctive and comprehensive approach to developing both your creative understanding and technical skills. With a focus on prose writing, poetry, and scriptwriting, this program provides a unique opportunity to explore and enhance your creative writing abilities in various genres, from short fiction and creative non-fiction to theatrical and screenwriting.  The dedicated module on the habits and strategies of writers immerses you in the creative process, while workshops in poetry, prose, and script allow you to refine your work with the guidance of experienced faculty.  The program’s specialisms, including dramatic monologue, poetry and translation, life writing, and screenwriting, enable you to focus on areas aligned with the expertise of the staff. Additionally, the Profession of Writing module delves into the roles of agents,  editors,  and reviewers,  offering insights into the professional opportunities available for creative writers. With a dynamic and inclusive curriculum, Newcastle University stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded and immersive creative writing experience.
• University of East Anglia UEA– The University of East Anglia’s MA in Prose Fiction is renowned as the oldest and most prestigious Creative Writing program in the the UK, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the craft of fiction writing, with a stellar faculty,  including Jean McNeil,  Naomi Wood,  and Tessa McWatt,  as well as visits from internationally recognized writers like Margaret Atwood and Ali Smith,  the course provides a challenging and supportive environment for writers to explore their creative potential.  The program’s focus on play, experimentation, and risk-taking push students to redefine their notions of writing and being a writer.  Graduates from UEA’s Creative Writing program, including Nobel Laureate Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and Booker Prize winners Ian McEwan and Anne Enright, highlight the program’s exceptional success.  The commitment to fostering a well-resourced and highly supportive environment, coupled with a proven track record of publications and prizes among alumni, solidifies UEA’s position as a premier institution for those aspiring to be the best writers they can be. The program’s Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2011 further underscores its excellence in delivering innovative courses at a world-class level.
• University of Nottingham– The University of Nottingham stands out as an excellent choice for creative writing, offering a comprehensive program that nurtures your creative work and provides insights into the writing and publishing process.  Led by expert staff who are published poets and authors, the course delves into contemporary poetry, fiction, and hybrid forms of writing, enhancing your critical writing skills and preparing you for a career in the creative arts.  The flexibility of the program is evident in the range of optional modules, including learning about publishing practices, literary linguistics, Shakespeare, and more. The incorporation of placements and internships in various sectors, such as publishing, marketing, journalism, and teaching, further enriches your professional experience. With a focus on both creative and critical aspects of writing, the University of Nottingham offers a well-rounded and practical approach to developing your skills and pursuing a successful career in the literary world.
• University of Kent– The University of Kent offers an exceptional Creative Writing course that will elevate you as a writer, focusing on innovation and experimentation to foster the development of your best and most authentic work.  Taught by practicing, award-winning writers with diverse industry experience, this program provides a challenging and vibrant environment for students to engage in lively debates and become part of a community committed to high-quality literary fiction and contemporary poetry.  The course encourages a new generation of critical thinkers, empowering you to develop your critique of a culture in crisis and sharpen your critical language.  With options to study at the Paris centre or split your year between Canterbury and Paris, the program provides flexibility and a unique international perspective.  Regular open mic nights and involvement in Canterbury’s poetry scene offer opportunities to share your work, while the curriculum, spanning poetry, fiction, non-fiction, TV drama, and translation, allows you to specialize from the start.  Through a rigorous and creative approach, the University of Kent equips you with the skills for professional practice in the creative writing industry, supporting you as you discover and refine your own writing style.

Conclusion

In a writer’s journey, selecting the best university for creative writing is essential. The best institutions in the UK provide prospective writers a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where they can hone their craft and connect with published authors. Whatever makes you want to study at a university on our list—Be it Glasgow’s worldwide viewpoint, Manchester’s vibrant culture, or the rich literary legacy of UEA—each one provides an exceptional learning opportunity for people who are excited about writing. When you start your creative journey, think about what makes each program unique and choose the university that best fits your goals and artistic vision.