Arts with Creative Writing

The BA with Creative Writing provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates with an aptitude and passion for literary expression. From the start, you will be guided and advised on a one-to-one basis by the programme director and mentor, and you will immediately be placed in a learning environment with people of similar creative interests. The programme provides a focus for you as a creative writer through a series of cooperative workshops that will in turn facilitate and guide you in your self-directed learning.

All assessment is based on continuous exercises, project work and portfolio expansion – there are no end-of-term papers or exams for Creative Writing.

Year 1

• The Forms of Fiction
• Exploring Nonfiction
• Writing Professions

Year 2

• The Voices and Styles of Poetry
• Dramatic Ideas

Year 3

• Independent Project
• Study at a University Abroad

Year 4

• You will complete your studies in your two core degree subjects and you will normally incorporate in your final projects the specialist skills and knowledge you have gained in Creative Writing over your previous three years.

Requirements

• Certificate of Secondary Education and an acceptable grade from a recognised Foundation programme.
• or First year of Bachelor degree/Bakalvr
• Minimum GPA 3/Satisfactory
• Minimum Grade HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate including: Irish, English, another modern language and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
• All applicants, whose first language is not English, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language. IELTS 6.5. TOEFL 88. 
• The completed Non-EU Undergraduate Application Form
• A copy of your Passport
• A Personal Statement (typed) of no more than 800 words outlining your academic interests, sporting and/or cultural interests and your reasons for wanting to study at NUI Galway. You may also include aspects of your academic career that are not necessarily reflected in your application.
• Two sealed Letters of Recommendation, ideally from a teacher and/guidance counsellor or someone who knows you personally.

The financing of the Arts with Creative Writing program at the National University of Ireland is structured to accommodate both domestic and international students through a variety of funding options. Tuition fees are determined annually and are publicly available on the university's official website. For Irish and EU students, the tuition fee typically covers the cost of instruction, access to university facilities, and participation in workshops and seminars integral to the creative writing curriculum. International students are subject to different fee levels, which reflect the additional resources allocated for international student services and support.

Apart from tuition fees, students have access to a range of financial aid, including government grants, scholarships, and bursaries. The Irish Government offers the Higher Education Grants scheme, which provides financial support to eligible students based on income and residency criteria. The university itself offers several scholarships specifically aimed at students enrolled in arts and creative writing programmes; these may include merit-based awards, funding for research projects, and travel grants to facilitate participation in literary festivals or conferences.

Additional funding options include student loans provided through the Irish Student Loans Company, which can cover tuition fees and living expenses. The university also encourages students to seek external funding sources, such as private foundations and literary organizations that support emerging writers. Part-time employment opportunities are available within the university, allowing students to earn income while balancing their academic commitments.

Research funding and grants are generally available for postgraduate students involved in creative writing research or projects, and these are administered through the university's research office. Students are advised to consult the university's official website for the most current information on available funding, application procedures, and deadlines. Financial planning is recommended prior to enrollment, and prospective students are encouraged to contact the university's financial aid office directly for personalized assistance. Overall, the educational financing framework aims to make the Arts with Creative Writing programme accessible while supporting students' financial needs through a variety of institutional and external funding avenues.

The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at the National University of Ireland offers students an innovative and engaging curriculum designed to develop their writing skills, literary understanding, and creative potential. The program emphasizes practical writing experience across various genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction, fostering the students' personal voice and distinctive style. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore different literary traditions, contemporary trends, and critical theories, which enhance their analytical abilities and broaden their cultural perspectives.

Course modules typically include workshops focused on craft development, literary analysis, and literary history, providing a well-rounded education in both the art and science of writing. Students have opportunities to participate in writing seminars, critique groups, and one-to-one mentorships with experienced writers and faculty members. These interactions help refine their craft and prepare them for professional pursuits in publishing, media, education, or continued postgraduate study.

The program also emphasizes the importance of engagement with the wider literary community through reading series, public readings, competitions, and collaborations with cultural organizations. This exposure aims to build confidence, networking skills, and industry awareness, essential for a successful career in the literary arts. Moreover, the university provides resources such as dedicated writing centers, libraries, and access to literary journals and workshops, supporting students' creative endeavours.

Graduates of the Creative Writing program at the National University of Ireland have gone on to publish their work, work as editors and literary agents, teach writing in schools and universities, and pursue careers across arts and media sectors. The program prepares students not only with technical skills but also with the critical and cultural literacy necessary to navigate and contribute to the contemporary literary landscape. Overall, the degree fosters an environment where emerging writers can experiment, collaborate, and develop as both artists and thinkers, making it a compelling choice for those passionate about pursuing a career in the creative arts through the written word.