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
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Course 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 the MA Creative Writing Non-Fiction – a dynamic MA that will give you an excellent grounding in this 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.
Each week, you'll take part in writing workshops and draw inspiration from literary greats like Joan Didion, Zadie Smith, Primo Levi and Zora Neale Hurston. With expert one-to-one mentoring and a dissertation that could form the foundation of your first book, this is your chance to develop your voice and craft as a writer—and take the next big step in your creative journey.
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’ll also take part in Norwich’s vibrant literary culture, from readings and events at UEA Live 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 also have the opportunity to meet established non-fiction authors and quiz them about their craft. Recent guest speakers include Marina Warner, Olivia Laing, Julia Blackburn, Lea Ypi, and Colin Grant. At the end of your degree, your work will be published in an anthology and distributed to a key list of editors, agents and critics.
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’d like to join them and become a biographer, nature writer, essayist, memoirist or travel writer, this exciting MA programme is for you.
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Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll delve into the art and craft of non-fiction, exploring a wide range of influential texts—both classic and contemporary—while honing your own writing in dynamic weekly workshops.
You’ll have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests, choosing from a wide variety of exciting optional modules within the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing. This also gives you the chance to get to know students from other MAs, such as Prose Fiction and Poetry.
Beyond the classroom, you’ll benefit from one-to-one supervision as you work on your dissertation, which is an extended piece of non-fiction you might wish to later develop into a book.
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.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B 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.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You'll be taught by practising and award-winning non-fiction writers who bring their real-world experience directly into the classroom. Each seminar blends 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.
Independent study
You’ll write your own pieces to present for workshopping, working independently. You may also choose to conduct independent research relating to your chosen project throughout the year, particularly during the summer, when you’ll be working on your dissertation. Each year culminates in the production of a student dossier, shared with visiting agents and publishers, offering a unique opportunity to showcase your work and connect with industry professionals. You’ll also contribute to a published anthology of student writing, helping you gain exposure as an emerging author.
Assessment
Your compulsory modules are each assessed by a written assignment. The topic is entirely your choice, and you'll have ample opportunity to workshop possible assignment subjects and discuss them with your tutors.
The subject of your dissertation is also entirely your choice. This is an assessed piece of extended writing.
Employability
After the Course
Our graduates have an outstanding track record of success, with many going on to publish their work—some with major publishers like Random House and Bloomsbury, others with respected independent presses.
You'll join a vibrant and supportive alumni network, where former students often continue to collaborate and critique each other’s writing long after graduation. Many also choose to pursue a PhD, drawn by the nurturing and creatively rich environment UEA offers its writers.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Non-fiction author
- Journalist
- Art critic
- Essayist
- Editor
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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
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 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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- 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.
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 £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; 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.
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
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.