Creative Writing: Writing the City MA

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Course Overview

UK Fees £8,500 *
International Fees £15,000 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 1 year

* Price per academic year

Course summary

The Creative Writing: Writing the City MA is the only Creative Writing MA course to focus entirely on the city of London. It will allow you to explore the city as subject matter from a range of perspectives and across all genres. It will also give you a theoretical and practical platform from which to develop your understanding, and become part of the London writing scene.

Taught by professional writers and researchers, our course offers plenty of opportunities to network with other writers, agents, TV producers and performance poets. As part of the MA, you'll be part of the team managing the Wells Street Journal, our student-led in-house magazine. You'll be based in the University's headquarters building at 309 Regent Street, which means you'll be writing about the city in the heart of London, with ready access to the capital's excellent academic, social and cultural opportunities, including the vibrant West End theatre scene.

You can begin in January or in September. To receive your Master's award, you'll need to complete taught modules for a total of 120 credits, covered by three 40-credit core modules, and the 60-credit Writing Project (giving a total of 180 credits).

The workshop-based structure of the course will allow you to learn through interactive practice. Classes are weekly and normally last two or three hours. Teaching will also include visits to selected London institutions to support certain aspects of writing, and you'll be encouraged to use various archives, theatres and galleries. Assessment methods include coursework portfolios, reflective logs, essays, and workshop leadership, as well as the 10-12,000-word writing project. There are no formal exams.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Write in and about London – you'll be based in the heart of London, a city which will inspire your writing and unlock your creative potential
  • Run our student-led magazine – you can gain publishing experience through managing The Wells Street Journal, our in-house literary magazine
  • A course run by professional writers – you'll study multiple genres and be taught by professional writers and researchers
  • Networking opportunities – networking is encouraged as part of the course, and you'll be perfectly placed to access London's writing and publishing scene
  • Vibrant culture – you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a host of extra-curricular events, workshops and talks

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules

This module concentrates on developing your skills in writing prose fiction and dramatic writing inspired by the city through a combination of practical workshops, writing exercises, and close readings of established authors. You'll also learn to critique their own work while being challenged to raise your work to professional level.

This module focuses on the methodological approaches and aesthetic preoccupations that underpin creative practices in non-fiction and poetic writing. This dual approach will enable you to develop simultaneously your own research methods, as well as experiment with imaginative ways of representing the city. As well as workshops and tutorials based on campus, the module includes site visits to various locations in London, including archives and libraries.

This module focuses on employability and professional development. You'll learn how to use your creativity to ‘sell’ your writing and promote your work. The module, which is delivered through a series of guest lectures and student-led workshops, will explore key areas of the writing business including topics such as how to edit, choosing a literary agent and using social media for self-promotion.

You'll focus on one substantial piece of creative work or a portfolio of smaller pieces, with a view to submission for publication. The module aims to provide the support needed for you to prepare a substantial piece of creative writing and develop your individual voice in the genre of your choice. As the module seeks to synthesise the discoveries about the city made during the course, and helps you to respond appropriately in your creative work, it will allow you to absorb and process your explorations of the city, and respond through your creative work.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

The critical and practical skills you'll acquire by the end of the course will make you a strong candidate in many areas, including arts management, copy editing, education, freelance writing, journalism, media, publishing, theatre and performance-based writing, and research and academia.

Take the next step in your writing career

In addition to learning the craft of writing, you'll develop transferable skills such as editing, critical analysis, advanced oral and written presentation, as well as in-depth knowledge of the publishing industry.

Make industry connections

Our course offers plenty of opportunities to network with other writers, agents, TV producers and performance poets. You'll be encouraged to identify useful career opportunities through extra-curricular activities including writers’ events and talks. 

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Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Graduate success

A large number of our graduates are employed in graduate positions within six months of graduating, and many have also experienced success from their freelance work as writers, and from the growing list of prestigious publications and accolades attached to their names.  

Our graduate successes include:

  • Stephen Thompson published No More Heroes, his fourth novel, in 2015, one year after finishing his MA. Stephen has also written the script for BBC 1 Sitting in Limbo documentary, first aired on 8 June 2020, and been nominated for two BAFTA awards (Best Single Drama, and Emerging Talent)
  • Naji Bakhti’s Between Beirut and The Moon, a coming of age story set against the turbulent background of his native country of Lebanon, was published by Influx Press in 2020
  • Jessica Wragg published her memoir Girl on the Block in 2019, which is due to become a TV programme produced in the US
  • Gunther Silva Passuni, who is originally from Peru, published his second work, Pasos Pesados (a novel in his native Spanish) in 2016

Job roles

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

  • Copywriter
  • Digital content producer
  • Freelance journalist
  • Screenwriter
  • Teacher

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

  • BBC
  • University of Lancaster
  • University of Winchester
  • Vogue

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Get immersed in London

You'll explore the city from a range of perspectives and genres and be encouraged to use London institutions and arts venues to support your learning, as well as networking in London's writing scene. 

Learn how to succeed as a writer

You'll learn practical skills such as how to use your creativity to promote your work, how to edit, how to choose a literary agent and how to use social media for self-promotion.

Gain publishing experience

You'll be able to choose how you contribute to our literary magazine, The Wells Street Journal – whether it's designing content, editing, organising the launch party or managing social media.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have a minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in a humanities-based discipline, however candidates with different or no qualifications will also be considered, and decisions made on the basis of their proven experience in the writing or creative industry (generally three years or more) and/or outstanding talent demonstrated in the portfolio. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative writing (maximum of 10,000 words), which should not exclusively include poetry.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference and one employment reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

Applicants will normally have a minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in a humanities-based discipline, however candidates with different or no qualifications will also be considered, and decisions made on the basis of their proven experience in the writing or creative industry (generally three years or more) and/or outstanding talent demonstrated in the portfolio. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative writing (maximum of 10,000 words), which should not exclusively include poetry.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference and one employment reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

Wells Street Journal

While on this course you'll be part of the team managing the Wells Street Journal, our student-led in-house magazine. Here's a video of the journal's December 2019 issue launch party:

What our students say

Photo of Pritti Bansal

Vritti Bansal

Creative Writing: Writing the City MA - 2013

Freelance food and travel writer

I was able to hone my writing skills under the expertise of my professors and supervisors, who were fantastic guides. Overall, the course helped me reach my goals of working as a food and travel writer for different publications by giving me the necessary technical knowledge and creative freedom.

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £8,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,000 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
7%93%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
4%96%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.

Our Humanities subjects are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.

For more details, visit our locations page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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