We are a dynamic, outward-looking and vibrant creative research community in the heart of London. We embrace creative projects working in conventional genres and creative projects that take an innovative approach to literary form.
The work of our Creative Writing faculty encompasses poetry, fiction, formally innovative writing, ekphrasis, fiction, short fiction, non-fiction, playwriting, performance, and art writing.
We offer a portfolio-based PhD in Creative Writing. Our Creative Writing doctoral students work closely with faculty supervisors to produce a book length portfolio for publication which includes a substantial critical element.
Many of our staff creative writers are also literary critics or professional writers. This enables us to offer a wide and varied provision to our doctoral students that leans into their professional development as writers to ensure they are supported in developing their profiles as writers and in gaining invaluable experience in developing and preparing their work for publication.
Our distinctive programme provides:
- Membership to the Institute of Modern and Contemporary Culture, through which students can gain practical experience organising public events, setting up reading groups, or collaborating with other students and staff on public engagement events.
- Feedback on a continual and regular basis through supervisions and workshops.
- Links to the University's unique arts and cultural spaces such as the Soho Poly theatre.
- A safe, inclusive, supportive research environment committed to the wellbeing of doctoral students.
- A strong community of fellow writers and researchers in the heart of London.
- The opportunity to audit modules on our Master's courses in Creative Writing and Professional Writing.
- The opportunity to participate in wider events and activities organised for MA students.
Current and recent PhD projects
- Subjectivity and Temporality in Narratives of Cognitive Decline
- Investigating the Ecology of Body Dysmorphia
- The Sensual Body and the Erotic Word: (Re)reading Libertine Literature
- Writing Nature from Between Hyphens: Neurodivergence, Islamic Ecology, and Embodied Encounter in Contemporary Nature Writing