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Literature and Creative Writing at UEA
Find out more about studying Literature and Creative Writing at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Creative Writing (Non-Fiction) (Part time)
Key details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course options
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
101-150 QS Rank
Worldwide for English Language and Literature
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024Course Overview
Do you have a story to tell? A memoir you want to write? Biography? Travel? Autofiction? Consider a career as a creative non-fiction writer with an MA that gives you the best grounding possible in an exciting literary field.
This is one of the only dedicated creative non-fiction writing courses in the UK. You’ll be taught by award-winning authors who will support your development as a writer. You’ll think from day one about where you might publish your own work.
You’ll experiment with your writing and develop your skills through reading your peers’ non-fiction in workshop groups. Each week in the seminar room, with its lively, collegiate atmosphere, you’ll analyse a celebrated work of non-fiction by Joan Didion, for example, or Zadie Smith, Primo Levi or Zora Neale Hurston to see how it’s done. In one-to-one tutorials with your supervisor, you’ll be encouraged to explore new ways of storytelling and to experiment with different subjects and voices. You’ll write a dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member; the dissertation might contain the seed of a future book.
You’ll be based in UEA’s world-famous Creative Writing department, which is part of the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing (you can follow our activities on Instagram!). You’ll also take part in Norwich’s vibrant literary culture, from regular readings and events to the well-established programme at the National Centre for Writing. You'll benefit from UEA’s connections in the publishing industry and pitch ideas for books to visiting publishers and literary agents. You’ll meet established non-fiction authors and quiz them about their craft. Recent guest speakers have included Marina Warner, Olivia Laing, Julia Blackburn, Lea Ypi and Colin Grant.
Graduates from the course, such as Andrew Kenrick (winner of the 2023 Tony Lothian Prize), Ike Anya, Caroline Davison and Pyae Moe Thet War, have gone on to publish acclaimed and diverse works of non-fiction. If you want to join them and become a biographer, nature writer, essayist, memoirist or travel writer, this part-time MA programme is for you.
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Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Non-fiction author
- Journalist
- Art critic
- Essayist
- Editor
Discover more on our Careers web pages.
After the Course
Our students’ publication record is impressive; many have gone on to have their work published, some with large publishing houses including Random House and Bloomsbury, others with smaller presses.
There is a strong alumni network. Often students stay in touch after graduation and continue to read and comment on each other’s work. Many go on to take a PhD as they value the supportive atmosphere UEA offers its creative writers.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2:1
Degree Subject
Any subject acceptable.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Candidates are required to submit a sample of biographical writing or creative non-fiction of around 3000 words with their application.
- Interviews
Promising candidates will be invited for an online interview with a member of the Creative Writing faculty and we aim to inform candidates of the outcome within five working days. Unsuccessful candidates are welcome to re-apply, though not within the same academic year. Successful candidates will either be offered a place for the forthcoming academic year or a place for the following academic year (if it is felt that they need more time to develop as a writer). Once the forthcoming year is ‘full’ candidates will be offered a place on our reserve list with the option of a place for the following academic year if a place does not become available.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2:1 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject acceptable.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Candidates are required to submit a sample of biographical writing or creative non-fiction of around 3000 words with their application.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 7 overall (minimum 7 in Writing, 6 in Speaking, Reading and Listening)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
- Interviews
Promising candidates will be invited for an online interview with a member of the Creative Writing faculty and we aim to inform candidates of the outcome within five working days. Unsuccessful candidates are welcome to re-apply, though not within the same academic year. Successful candidates will either be offered a place for the forthcoming academic year or a place for the following academic year (if it is felt that they need more time to develop as a writer). Once the forthcoming year is ‘full’ candidates will be offered a place on our reserve list with the option of a place for the following academic year if a place does not become available.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £10,675
-
International Students: £22,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.