Creative Writing and Publishing MA

Blend storytelling artistry with essential publishing skills. Gain hands-on experience with the Bournemouth Journal and Writing Prize. Join a diverse international cohort, expand your global perspective and prepare for a dynamic publishing career.

Why study MA Creative Writing and Publishing at BU?

  • Versatile Writing and Publishing Skills: Master creative writing across various genres and forms while gaining essential skills in editing, marketing, design, and production, enabling you to navigate the publishing world independently.
  • Real-Life Publishing Experience: Work on real-life projects with BU’s own Bournemouth Journal, providing you with invaluable practical experience and a strong portfolio that will impress potential employers.
  • Expert Guidance and Mentorship: Learn from seasoned writers and industry professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, helping you refine your craft and understand the intricacies of the publishing industry.
  • Engage in Prestigious Writing Competitions: Participate in BU’s renowned international competitions, including The Bournemouth Writing Prize and the New Media Writing Prize, to showcase your talent, gain recognition, and connect with the writing community.
  • Cultural and Critical Analysis: Deepen your understanding of the cultural and critical contexts that influence writing and publishing, enriching your own practice and broadening your perspective on the literary world.
  • Global Perspective and Networking: Join a diverse international student body, enhancing your learning and preparing you for a global writing and publishing career. Expand your horizons with opportunities to study or work abroad.
  • Co-Creation Projects with Other Degrees: Collaborate with staff and students from media production, media communication and other courses on initiatives that celebrate diversity, inclusion and empathy through the creation of short films, interactive multimedia stories and AI animated photographs. These include Allies in Action, Rising Voices, Digital Storytelling in the Community, and Memory Markers.  

Flexible study 

The MA Creative Writing and Publishing course offers you the option to study full-time or part-time, either in person or online (online option applies to September intakes only). Lectures and online resources are combined with weekly small-group seminars to explore key texts, ideas, and concepts in more depth. If you are an online student, all your classes will take place virtually – bringing together a diverse cohort of students from all over the world and engaging with literary media texts and industry practices at the widest level. 

MA Award
September, January Start
Full-time, Part-time, Online Study Mode
1 - 2 years Duration

Entry Requirements For This Course

A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

A creative writing portfolio is required from applicants that meet our entry requirements as an Additional Selection Measure. This portfolio should be between 3,000-5,000 words. The portfolio can be specialised by genre or made up of a combination of fiction, poems (equivalent of 10 poems), screenplay, creative non-fiction, and/or extract from a novel. 

If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in writing, speaking, listening and reading. 

Bournemouth University (BU) in Pictures

Upcoming Open Days at Bournemouth University (BU)

12
MAR

Adult Nursing Open Afternoon

12 Mar 2025, 12:30 PM - 12 Mar 2025, 15:30 PM Yeovil Campus
Visit Website
These afternoons are for those who are interested in studying BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing and expect to study at our branch campus in Yeovil.
19
MAR

Postgraduate Open Day

19 Mar 2025, 17:00 PM - 19 Mar 2025, 19:30 PM Bournemouth University
Visit Website
Join us between 17:00 and 19:30 to find out more about postgraduate study, hear about funding options and talk to academic staff about our courses.
27
MAR

Midwifery Taster Session

27 Mar 2025, 12:30 PM - 27 Mar 2025, 15:00 PM Portsmouth Campus
Visit Website
These afternoons are for those who are interested in studying BSc (Hons) Midwifery and expect to study at our branch campus in Portsmouth
15
JAN

Undergraduate Open Afternoon

15 Jan 2025, 12:15 PM - 15 Jan 2025, 17:00 PM Bournemouth University
Visit Website
Join us between 12:15 and 17:00 to find out more about undergraduate study, tour the campus and talk to academic staff about our courses.
15
JAN

Virtual Undergraduate Open Day

15 Jan 2025, 14:00 PM - 15 Jan 2025, 17:00 PM Online
Visit Website
Join us online and experience what it's like to study at BU at this virtual event. Hear from academics, take virtual tours, and chat to current students.
08
JAN

Midwifery Virtual Taster Session

08 Jan 2025, 18:00 PM - 08 Jan 2025, 20:00 PM Online
Visit Website
This online interactive event has been designed for those who are interested in studying BSc (Hons) Midwifery and would like to find out more about the course and how it runs in either of our study locations (Bournemouth and Portsmouth). The session will take place on Zoom where you will meet our academic staff who will provide you with lots of information about the course, what makes a good application, and finding transferable experience. The session will end with an informal chat and an opportunity to ask your questions.

View the latest updates from Bournemouth University (BU)

Location of Bournemouth University (BU)