Creative Writing

Creative Writing at Massey University offers an immersive and comprehensive program designed to cultivate your unique voice and develop your skills in storytelling, poetry, scriptwriting, and other literary forms. This programme provides students with the opportunity to explore various aspects of writing, from developing compelling characters and narratives to mastering different stylistic techniques. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, students will engage in workshops, peer reviews, and one-on-one mentoring sessions aimed at refining their craft. The curriculum covers creative writing genres such as fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting, as well as the foundational theories and history of literature. Students will have access to experienced faculty members who are active writers and industry professionals, providing valuable insights and guidance throughout their studies. The programme encourages original thinking, critical analysis, and the development of a personal writing style, preparing graduates for careers in publishing, journalism, teaching, or pursuing further creative writing opportunities. Located at Massey University, known for its innovative approach and supportive academic community, the Creative Writing programme is ideal for aspiring writers seeking to turn their passion into a professional skill. Students can participate in literary events, publish their work in university journals, and collaborate with other creative disciplines to enrich their learning experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer looking to expand your artistic horizon, this programme offers a nurturing environment to develop your talents and explore the endless possibilities of literary creation.

Master of Creative Writing structure

60 Credits from Part One (30 credits each from list A and B), followed by a thesis to the value of 120 credits. A grade average of at least B+ is required in Part One in order to progress to Part Two.

Part One (60 credits)

List A (30 credits)

139.760 Writing Lyric Poetry: Blurring the Boundaries
139.761 Writing Contemporary Fiction
139.763 Community Theatre
154.747 Media Practice and Global Culture

List B (30 credits)

139.703 Critical and Creative Research
139.707 Women, Desire and Narrative
139.710 Rhetoric, Composition and the Teaching of Writing
139.724 Literary Revolutions: 18th Century and Romantic Literature
139.725 The Post-Romantic Subject
139.728 Early Modern Metadrama: Vices and Devices
139.750 Contemporary NZ Writers in an International Context
139.752 New Zealand Drama
139.757 Twentieth-Century New Zealand Fiction: Texts and Theories
139.758 Post-colonial Writing
139.775 Trauma, Memory, Haunting
139.799 Research Report
154.708 Modern Fiction, Popular Culture and the Media

Part Two (120 credits)

120 credits from the courses listed below:
139.861 Thesis Creative Writing Part I (60) and
139.862 Thesis Creative Writing Part II (60).

Applicants require a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, Expressive Arts, English or equivalent, with a B grade average across the 200 and 300 level specialisation courses.

Applicants who have a Bachelor of Arts with Honours or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Creative Writing, Expressive Arts, English or equivalent, with a B grade average for the qualification may be admitted directly into Part Two.

Massey University Masterate Scholarship

Masterate Scholarships are offered for the purpose of encouraging postgraduate research at Massey University. Applicants must be enrolled or eligible to enrol full-time in a 120 credit research programme towards a Masters degree at Massey University.

Massey University Masterate Scholarship for Māori Students

Masterate Scholarships for Māori students are offered for the purpose of encouraging postgraduate research at Massey University. Applicants must be enrolled or eligible to enrol full-time in a 120 credit research programme towards a Masters degree.

Creative Writing at Massey University offers students the opportunity to develop their writing skills across a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and scriptwriting. The program is designed to nurture the creative talents of students, guiding them through the process of producing original work, understanding the craft of storytelling, and engaging critically with contemporary literature. Students benefit from the expertise of experienced writers and industry professionals who provide mentorship, workshops, and constructive feedback throughout their course of study. The curriculum emphasizes both the development of individual voice and the ability to revise and refine work, preparing graduates for careers in writing, publishing, editing, and related fields. Massey University’s Creative Writing program often incorporates practical components, such as internships and participation in writing competitions, to enhance students’ real-world experience. The program also encourages exploration of different forms and media, including digital storytelling and multimedia projects. Facilities such as dedicated writing spaces, access to extensive literary resources, and connections to a vibrant literary community support students’ growth. Graduates of the program have gone on to publish books, contribute to literary magazines, and work as editors, scriptwriters, or educators. The program is offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations. Overall, Massey University’s Creative Writing program aims to foster the next generation of innovative writers who are equipped both creatively and professionally to succeed in the dynamic world of contemporary literature and media.