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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
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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101-150 QS Rank
Worldwide for English Language and Literature
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024Course Overview
Why MA Creative Writing Non-Fiction at UEA?
Explore one of today’s most exciting writing forms, from longform journalism to real-life storytelling. You’ll develop your work with support from practising writers and industry experts.
Why choose UEA
- Creative Writing heritage: Study at the UK’s most renowned centre for Creative Writing, with over 50 years of expertise
- One of a kind: One of the few dedicated non-fiction MAs in the UK
- Learn from leading writers: Gain insight through masterclasses and workshops led by published non-fiction authors
What is MA Creative Writing Non-Fiction?
Whether you want to uncover an untold real-life story or offer a fresh angle on a cultural phenomenon, this MA is the ideal springboard for taking your writing to the next level. You’ll dive into the creative possibilities of non-fiction writing, exploring a range of subjects and approaches – from travel, art, sports or cooking to true crime, auto-fiction and memoir.
In seminars, you’ll read and discuss daring, original examples of non-fiction that show you how it’s done. In supportive workshops led by published and practicing writers, you’ll share your work in progress for constructive feedback and advice from your peers and tutors.
In addition, industry-focused events will ready you for the world of publishing. Masterclasses with leading non-fiction writers will give you a chance to quiz them about their work, while visits from industry experts will give you insight into publication processes and opportunities. Recent guest speakers have included Marina Warner, Olivia Laing and Colin Grant.
Careers
Career Pathways
With MA Creative Writing Non-Fiction, you could launch a career as a:
- Writer: Publish full-length books, essays or long-form writing, reaching readers through print and digital publication channels
- Journalist: Write engaging news stories and feature articles for a broad audience
- Cultural Critic: Write about art, films, music or literature, using your individual viewpoint to shape public opinion
- Editor: Work with writers and publishers to develop and shape the literature of today
- Marketing Professional: Put your talent for words and storytelling to use to develop engaging commercial campaigns
Career Support
On this course, you’ll learn not only the craft but also the business of non-fiction writing. You’ll explore the wealth of publishing opportunities for contemporary non-fiction, identifying publishing strategies and platforms that will help you get your work out into the world. You’ll also attend masterclasses with leading non-fiction writers and visits from agents and publishers, giving you a chance to network and gain key industry insights. UEA’s Career Central is also available to support you with CV writing, applications, and interview preparation for up to three years after graduation.
After the Course
On completion of the MA, you’ll be ready to approach agents and publishers to get your writing published. Our graduates – such as Andrew Kenrick (winner of the 2023 Tony Lothian Prize), Ike Anya, Caroline Davison, Hannah Murray and Pyae Moe Thet War – have an outstanding track record of success. Many have gone on to publish their work with major publishers, like Random House, Penguin and Bloomsbury, or with respected independent presses. Some MA alumni also choose to pursue a PhD, drawn by the nurturing and creatively rich environment UEA offers its writers.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the autumn semester, you’ll delve into the art and craft of non-fiction, discovering how non-fiction comes to life in an exciting range of forms, from cultural histories and travel to cookery writing. You’ll also explore classic and experimental approaches to life writing, including memoir, auto-fiction, writing family stories, and recovering the life stories of historical figures or communities.
In the spring semester, you’ll focus in depth on a hugely versatile creative non-fiction form: the essay. You’ll hone your essay writing as a route to publication, distilling your writerly perspective and style into a piece for publication on UEA’s online writing platform. This piece may become your writerly calling card for approaching publishers and agents. In addition, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor the MA to your interests, choosing one module from a variety of exciting optional modules within the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing. Options include modules on hybrid writing, writing and play, and place writing. On these modules, you’ll also have the chance to get to know students from other MAs, such as Prose Fiction and Poetry.
Over the summer, you’ll embark on your dissertation, which gives you the freedom to tackle an extended non-fiction project with one-to-one support from an expert supervisor.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
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Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You'll be taught by practising and award-winning non-fiction writers who bring their real-world experience directly into the classroom. Seminars blend insightful discussion of set texts – ranging from full books to powerful extracts – with the collaborative workshopping of your own writing. Carefully chosen readings highlight key literary techniques and spark debate around crucial themes such as truth, voice, and ethics in non-fiction. This combination of expert teaching, peer feedback, and critical reading will sharpen your skills and deepen your confidence as both a writer and a reader.
You can also enrich your studies with access to the British Archive for Contemporary Writing, a treasure trove of literary inspiration. Throughout the year, leading non-fiction writers—including recent guests George Szirtes, Lea Ypi, and Marina Warner—offer insider insights through intimate craft seminars. You’ll also benefit from personalised one-to-one tutorials and become part of a friendly and supportive writing community.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by a written assignment. The topic for each assessment is entirely your choice, and you'll have opportunities to workshop possible projects with your peers and discuss them with your tutors.
The subject of your dissertation is also entirely up to you. This is an assessed piece of extended non-fiction writing which you’ll develop with the support of a one-to-one supervisor. This might become the basis of a future book.
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.
- 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
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):
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IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in writing with 6.0 in the others)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) 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, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- 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 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,200
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International Students: £23,850
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 £1,171 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.