Creative Writing

Creative Writing at the University of Oxford offers an immersive and rigorous academic experience designed to nurture the artistic and technical skills of aspiring writers. This program combines the study of literary craft with critical analysis, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of various genres, styles, and traditions in English literature. Participants will engage with a diverse range of texts, from classical to contemporary, fostering a deep appreciation of narrative structures, character development, and thematic exploration. The curriculum encourages students to develop their own voice through workshops, individual tutorials, and writing assignments, supported by world-renowned faculty members who are accomplished writers and scholars. Emphasizing originality, critical thinking, and craft, the program aims to prepare students for careers in writing, publishing, and related creative fields, or to pursue further academic research. Throughout the course, students will have access to excellent facilities, including extensive libraries and dedicated writing spaces, and will participate in a vibrant community of peers and mentors. Assessments include a combination of coursework, portfolios, and presentations, all designed to showcase creative growth and analytical insight. By the end of their studies, graduates will have produced a substantial body of work demonstrating their skills, as well as a critical understanding of the literary landscape. The Creative Writing program at Oxford offers a unique opportunity to develop as a writer within a historic academic environment, gaining both practical skills and critical depth that will serve as a foundation for future creative and professional pursuits.

The emphasis of the course is cross-cultural and cross-genre, pointing up the needs and challenges of the contemporary writer who produces their creative work in the context of a global writerly and critical community.

The MSt offers a clustered learning format of five residences, two guided retreats and one research placement over two years. The research placement, a distinguishing feature of the course, provides between one and two weeks' in-house experience of writing in the real world.

The first year concentrates equally on prose fiction, poetry, dramatic writing and narrative non-fiction. There is a significant critical reading and analysis component, which is linked to the writerly considerations explored in each of the genres. In your second year you will specialise in one of the following:

• the novel
• short fiction
• radio drama
• TV drama
• screenwriting
• stage drama
• poetry
• narrative non-fiction.

The residences in particular offer an intensive workshop- and seminar-based forum for ideas exchange and for the opening up of creative and critical frameworks within which to develop writerly and analytical skills. There is a strong element of one-to-one tutorial teaching and tutorials take place within residences and retreats, and relate to the on-going work produced for the course.

You will be assigned a supervisor who will work closely with you throughout the development of the year two final project and extended essay. All assessed work throughout the two years of the course is subject to one-to-one feedback and discussion with a tutor. This intensive, one-to-one input, combined with the highly interactive workshop and seminar sessions, is a distinguishing feature of the course.

The MSt is assessed by coursework. In the first year, four assignments (two creative, two critical), one creative writing portfolio and one critical essay are submitted. Work is set during each residence and handed in for assessment before the next meeting. Feedback on work submitted is given during tutorials within the residence or retreat. In the second year, submissions comprise one research placement report, one extended critical essay, and a final project – a substantial body of creative work in the genre of choice. You will be allocated a supervisor to guide and advise you on your creative and critical work throughout the second year.

You will be set specific creative and critical work to be completed between residences and handed in to set deadlines. Creative submissions in the first year must be in more than one genre. In the second year, submitted work focuses around the genre of your choice.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a related field.

Assessors are looking for writers with a proven record of commitment to their craft. You should be a keen reader, and bring an open-minded, questioning approach to both reading and writing. You will not necessarily have yet achieved publication, but you will have written regularly and read widely over a sustained period. You will be keen to dedicate time and energy and staying-power to harnessing your talent, enlarging your skills, and aiming your writerly production at consistently professional standards. It is likely you will have a first degree, or equivalent, although in some cases other evidence of suitability may be acceptable.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose: Around one page
• Written work: 2,000 words of prose fiction or narrative non-fiction or 10 short poems or 15 minutes of drama
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a range of funding options to support students enrolled in its Creative Writing programs. Scholarships and bursaries are available through various college and university sources, aimed at assisting both domestic and international students in covering tuition fees and living expenses. Many colleges within Oxford provide their own financial aid packages, which prospective students are encouraged to explore early in the application process. Additionally, students may apply for government loans or sponsorship opportunities depending on their nationality and background. The university also offers several fully funded scholarships for exceptional applicants, including the Oxford Scholarship for Creative Writers, which covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living costs. Outside funding sources, such as external trusts and grant programs, can also be utilized by students to finance their studies. International students are advised to check the specific visa and funding requirements associated with studying in the UK. The university regularly updates its funding opportunities, so prospective applicants should consult the official Oxford website or contact the admissions office for the most current information on available financial aid. Students are also encouraged to consider part-time work options during their studies to supplement their income, in accordance with visa regulations and university guidelines. Overall, Oxford's broad spectrum of financial aid options demonstrates its commitment to supporting talented writers in pursuing their academic and creative ambitions.

Creative Writing at the University of Oxford is a distinguished postgraduate program designed for students who wish to develop their writing skills and understand the craft of storytelling in various genres. The program is typically offered at the master's level, such as the Master of Studies (MSt) in Creative Writing, and may also be available as part of specific college courses or independent tutorials. The curriculum emphasizes both the practical aspects of writing and the critical analysis of literary works, encouraging students to produce original creative pieces while engaging with contemporary and classical literature.

Students in this program have the opportunity to work closely with experienced writers, participate in workshops, and benefit from the rich literary tradition and resources available at Oxford. The program integrates a range of disciplines, including literary theory, history, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded foundation that informs and enhances creative practice. Emphasis is placed on developing a unique voice, exploring different narrative techniques, and understanding the publishing industry.

The program often includes seminars, individual tutorials, peer reviews, and feedback sessions to facilitate ongoing development. Students may also be encouraged to submit their work for publication or participate in literary festivals and readings organized by the university and associated colleges. Admission requirements typically involve a solid academic background in writing or literature, a writing sample, and a demonstrated commitment to developing a career in creative writing.

Graduates of the program often go on to become published authors, editors, creative writing teachers, or pursue further academic research. The Oxford creative writing program's reputation for academic excellence and its integration with the broader literary community make it a highly sought-after destination for aspiring writers seeking to refine their craft and engage deeply with literary traditions.