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This one-year postgraduate course offers access to specialist teaching from leading writers and poets.
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MA Creative Writing / Course details
Year of entry: 2024
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Course description
Study on our MA Creative Writing master's course and you'll be part of the prestigious Centre for New Writing, where we bring together world-famous writers to teach people how to produce novels, short stories, creative non-fiction, poems and screenplays.
It's a place where talented writers and critics can meet to exchange ideas and opinions. The Centre is founded on the simple but important principle that good writing and good reading go together.
The course will see you study literary technique through reading and discussing the work of other contemporary writers in seminars, and you will have the opportunity to develop your own work via regular workshops and individual tutorials. Writers may choose to work on writing a novel and/or short stories and/or creative non-fiction and/or poems.
You'll benefit from seminars with Jeanette Winterson, workshops in fiction and poetry writing led by published, award-winning writers, and intensive, one-to-one instruction from writers-in-residence.
You will also have access to Literature Live, a fortnightly reading series bringing the best contemporary novelists and poets to Manchester, skills-related sessions delivered by professionals in the publishing industry, and regular visits from literary agents and editors.
We work with talented, committed students - whatever their style or genre - and we pride ourselves on giving students detailed, individual feedback both in writing and face-to-face.
Special features
Literature events
Manchester Literature Festival holds literary events across Manchester throughout the year, many in partnership with the University. The Centre for New Writing also hosts a regular public event series, Literature Live, which brings contemporary novelists and poets to the University to read and engage in conversation.
Find out more about literature in Manchester .
The Manchester Anthology
As an MA student at the Centre for New Writing, you will get the opportunity to have a piece of fiction or poetry published in The Manchester Anthology when you graduate.
Learn from experts
You will have the opportunity to engage in masterclasses and regular events with world-renowned Professor of Creative Writing, Jeanette Winterson. We also host a series of talks by visiting agents from the publishing industry.
Find out more about our people .
Teaching and learning
You will learn through a variety of teaching methods depending on the units you choose, including seminars, lectures and independent study.
Please note that both the full and part-time options are taught between 9am to 5pm. We do not offer evening classes.
Coursework and assessment
All writing workshops meet for two to three hours per week, and are worth 30 credits. You will also be offered three individual half-hour tutorials per semester to discuss the progress of your writing. Each workshop is assessed by a portfolio of poetry or fiction.
Seminars meet for three hours per week and are also worth 30 credits. They will usually be assessed by one 6,000-word essay or the equivalent.
Over the summer, you will complete a 'dissertation' of 12,000 to 15,000 words of fiction or 15-20 poems. This is worth 60 credits.
Course unit details
You will undertake units totalling 180 credits. Core units combine to make 120 credits, with the remaining 60 credits allocated to the dissertation.
There are no mandatory units as part of this course. Students are required to choose a combination of workshops and seminars based on their individual focus, either poetry or fiction writing.
You may choose to take two workshops - one in fiction writing and one in poetry - or you may take one workshop and one seminar. Typical seminars will be The Art of Short Fiction and Poetics.
Students wishing to focus on poetry writing will take a poetry workshop and a seminar on Contemporary Poetry.
Students wishing to focus on fiction writing will take a fiction writing workshop and a seminar in Contemporary Fiction.
Dissertation
Your dissertation will comprise 15,000 words of your own fiction writing, or 16 to 25 poems.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL60010 | 60 | Mandatory | |
| ENGL70041 | 30 | Optional | |
| ENGL71212 | 30 | Optional | |
| ENGL71411 | 30 | Optional | |
| ENGL71512 | 30 | Optional | |
| ENGL71611 | 30 | Optional | |
| ENGL71721 | 30 | Optional | |
| ENGL71732 | 30 | Optional | |
| ENGL71742 | 30 | Optional | |
| ENGL71831 | 30 | Optional | |
| SALC63312 | 30 | Optional | |
| Displaying 10 of 11 course units | |||
Take your inspiration from one of the best university libraries in the country, as well as the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama and the special collections at the John Rylands Library, which include Shakespeare folios, a Gutenberg Bible and extensive modern literary archives.
Attend lectures and exhibitions at the internationally renowned Manchester Centre for Anglo-Saxon Studies, as well as cutting-edge research talks at the English Research Seminar and Critical MASS: the American Studies research seminar.
Away from campus, the city of Manchester is home to an excellent network of public libraries , as well as a wealth of literary and arts institutions, venues and attractions such as the Portico Library , the International Anthony Burgess Foundation , Elizabeth Gaskell's House , HOME and Chetham's Library .
You will also find independent publishers such as Carcanet Press, Comma Press, Cillian Press and Saraband in Manchester, along with bookshops such as Blackwell's (which is located on campus), Waterstones, Chorlton Bookshop and Chapter 1 Books.
Manchester Literature Festival holds events featuring an array of authors each year, while other literary events also take place around Manchester throughout the year, including talks and spoken word events.
Learn more about our facilities .
Disability support
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Manchester metropolitan university: creative writing.
| Institution | |
|---|---|
| Department | |
| Web | |
| [email protected] | |
| Telephone | 0161 247 6969 |
| Study type | Taught |
Distance Learning (Part-Time), 2 years starts Jan 2025
At the heart of the Manchester Writing School are our masters programmes in Creative Writing, available to study on campus in Manchester and also from anywhere in the world via online distance learning.
On our Master of Arts (MA) Creative Writing programme, you will explore and practice techniques and styles of modern and contemporary writing and apply these through the development of your own creative work. You will undertake a taught element blending writing workshops with reading units and an elective, and then complete your studies through submission of an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script.
You will specialise in one of the following routes: **Novel Writing (including Short Fiction), Poetry, Writing for Children & Young Adults, Scriptwriting (for stage, screen or radio) or Creative Non-Fiction.**
The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The Novel, Poetry and Scriptwriting routes are available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only). The Writing for Children and Creative Non-Fiction routes are online (part-time) only. We have intakes to the programme in September and January each year.
You can also choose to pursue our MFA Creative Writing masters.
**Features and Benefits** - One of the most successful programmes of its kind in the UK today - with more than 100 students and graduates publishing first books in the past ten years.
- Extensive calendar of events - including The Manchester Children's Book Festival, The National Creative Writing Industry Conference, Manchester Writing Competition Gala, Poetry Festivals, book launches, podcasts, and question and answer sessions with guest writers at Manchester Met and Manchester arts venues.
- Industry links - strong links to the publishing industry with visits from major agents, editors and publishers.
- Flexible learning - classes for core Workshop and Reading units take place in the evenings (6-8pm UK time) during the autumn and spring semesters. Full-time students usually have classes two evenings per week, and part-time students one evening per week.
- Extended piece of writing - all MA students will complete an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script, supported by a term of one-to-one supervision.
- Gain an MFA - students who successfully complete the MA can continue their studies with an additional year, completing a further 120 credits (which includes writing a full-length book or script) and gaining an MFA.
- Live online teaching - the course can be completed entirely online, with core Workshop and Reading unit teaching for distance learning students via weekly online classes in Microsoft Teams.
- Academic expertise - taught by high-profile writers and critics including: Carol Ann Duffy DBE, Susan Barker, Laura Barnett, Andrew Biswell, Malika Booker, Kirsty Bunting, Sarah Butler, Eleanor Byrne, David Cooper, Nikolai Duffy, Paul Evans, Catherine Fox, Rachel Genn, Chloe Germaine, Blanka Grzegorczyk, Oliver Harris, Andrew Michael Hurley, Sarah Ilott, Rachel Lichtentsein, Anjum Malik, Alistair McDowall, Andrew McMillan, Livi Michael, Helen Mort, Kim Moore, Gregory Norminton, Adam O'Riordan, Minoli Salgado, Michael Symmons Roberts, Monique Roffey, Jean Sprackland, Simon Stephens, Joe Stretch, Alex Wheatle MBE, Julie Wilkinson and Lara Williams.
- Visiting Fellows - our course features contributions from our visiting fellows, including: Ed Caesar, Mandy Coe, Tim Cresswell, Amanda Dalton, Steve Dearden, Guy Garvey, Colin Harvey, Jennifer Makumbi, Rachel Mann, Shirley May, André Naffis-Sahely, Ra Page, Stephen Raw, David Shook, Hugh Stoddart and Barry Wood.
- Home to Manchester Poetry Library - Manchester Poetry Library is the North West's first public poetry library and holds over 10,000 books and recordings that can be explored through the online catalogue, in person and through the annual programme of events.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | In order to apply, you will need to submit a completed application form, a sample of creative writing, a critical review and one reference. You can apply online or download an application form here: mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/postgraduate-taught-course. On the application form, you will be asked to give a personal statement and should use this to tell us a bit about yourself and give a good sense of what you have been reading and writing, what has led you to apply for our course, and which one of our specialist routes you are applying for. Personal statements should be up to 500 words long. For the creative sample, applicants to the Novel, Children's/YA and Creative Non-Fiction routes should submit up to 2,000 words of prose (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work); poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems; and scriptwriting applicants should submit up to 15 minutes running time of script (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work). The critical review should focus on a piece of 21st century work, be up to 500 words long, and show evidence of close reading, explaining what it is about the piece you find useful as a writer. Both the creative and critical samples should be relevant to the specialist route to which you are applying to (Novel OR Poetry OR Writing for Children/YA OR Scriptwriting OR Creative Non-Fiction). Your reference can be from anyone of professional standing (e.g. a current/former employer or tutor) who can vouch for your suitability for study at postgraduate level or the quality of your writing, or, if you are unable to obtain a reference from someone who is familiar with your written work, simply verify your identity. Please collate and submit the application form, writing sample, review and reference, where possible. It will not speed up the processing of your application if you send some elements now with others to follow. We have intakes into the programme in September and January each year. We normally aim to respond to applications within four weeks of receipt of all four elements: application form, writing sample, review and reference, although it may take a little longer outside of term time. In each application assessed we will be looking for evidence of: A very high standard of written English; Applicants whose first language is not English are required to produce evidence of English Language proficiency. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5, with no sub-component below 5.5, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. If your application meets these criteria, a tutor may contact you to arrange a telephone or face-to-face interview at a mutually convenient time. |
Full-Time, 1 years starts Jan 2025
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | In order to apply, you will need to submit a completed application form, a sample of creative writing, a critical review and one reference. You can apply online or download an application form here: mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/postgraduate-taught-course. On the application form, you will be asked to give a personal statement and should use this to tell us a bit about yourself and give a good sense of what you have been reading and writing, what has led you to apply for our course, and which one of our specialist routes you are applying for. Personal statements should be up to 500 words long. For the creative sample, applicants to the Novel, Children's/YA and Creative Non-Fiction routes should submit up to 2,000 words of prose (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work); poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems; and scriptwriting applicants should submit up to 15 minutes running time of script (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work). The critical review should focus on a piece of 21st century work, be up to 500 words long, and show evidence of close reading, explaining what it is about the piece you find useful as a writer. Both the creative and critical samples should be relevant to the specialist route to which you are applying to (Novel OR Poetry OR Writing for Children/YA OR Scriptwriting OR Creative Non-Fiction). Your reference can be from anyone of professional standing (e.g. a current/former employer or tutor) who can vouch for your suitability for study at postgraduate level or the quality of your writing, or, if you are unable to obtain a reference from someone who is familiar with your written work, simply verify your identity. Please collate and submit the application form, writing sample, review and reference, where possible. It will not speed up the processing of your application if you send some elements now with others to follow. We have intakes into the programme in September and January each year. We normally aim to respond to applications within four weeks of receipt of all four elements: application form, writing sample, review and reference, although it may take a little longer outside of term time. In each application assessed we will be looking for evidence of: A very high standard of written English; Applicants whose first language is not English are required to produce evidence of English Language proficiency. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5, with no sub-component below 5.5, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. If your application meets these criteria, a tutor may contact you to arrange a telephone or face-to-face interview at a mutually convenient time. |
| Location | Main Site Academic Division Oxford Road All Saints Manchester M15 6BH |
Part-Time, 2 years starts Jan 2025
Distance learning (part-time), 2 years starts sep 2024, full-time, 1 years starts sep 2024, part-time, 2 years starts sep 2024, distance learning (part-time), 2 years started jan 2024, full-time, 1 years started jan 2024, part-time, 2 years started jan 2024, distance learning (part-time), 2 years started sep 2023, full-time, 1 years started sep 2023, part-time, 2 years started sep 2023, master of fine arts - mfa (pg), distance learning (part-time), 3 years starts jan 2025.
You will specialise in one of the following routes: Novel (including Short Fiction), Poetry, Writing for Children & Young Adults, Scriptwriting (for stage, screen or radio) or Creative Non-Fiction.
The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The novel and poetry routes are available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only). The writing for children and creative non-fiction routes are online (part-time) only. The scriptwriting route is available to study on campus only. We have intakes to the programme in September and January each year.
One of the most successful programmes of its kind in the UK today – with more than 100 students and graduates publishing first books and having work produced, with many more achieving publication in journals and magazines, winning writing awards and prizes, setting up small presses and anthologies, and finding roles in the publishing industry. Extensive calendar of events - which may include author Q&As, book launches, festivals, podcasts and performances at Manchester Met, partner venues across the city, and online. Industry links - strong links to the publishing, arts and cultural industries, and visits from guest speakers which may include agents, publishers and producers. Flexible learning - classes for core Workshop and Reading units take place in the evenings (6-8pm UK time) during the autumn or spring semesters. Full-time students usually have classes two evenings per week, and part-time students one evening per week. Live online teaching - the course can be completed entirely online, with core Workshop and Reading unit teaching for distance learning students via weekly online classes in Microsoft Teams, and some elective units also available online (availability varies each year). Option units - all students take 30 credits of optional units and can choose from a range of 15 and 30 credit creative writing units or options from courses across arts and humanities subjects, including English studies and publishing. Option units run in the spring semester; delivery models and scheduling vary depending on choice and availability. Extended piece of writing - all MA students will complete an extended piece of writing from a proposed full-length book or script, supported by one-to-one supervision. Gain an MFA – students can continue their studies with an additional year, completing a further 120 credits (which includes writing a full-length book or script) and gaining an MFA. Academic expertise - taught by high-profile writers and critics. Home to Manchester Poetry Library - Manchester Poetry Library is the North West's first public poetry library and holds over 12,000 books and recordings that can be explored through the online catalogue, in person and through the annual programme of events. Manchester City of Literature - Manchester has been designated an international UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its thriving live literature scene, with a diverse range of regular author events, writers’ forums, networking opportunities and open mic nights.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | In order to apply, you will need to submit a completed application form, a sample of creative writing, a critical review and one reference. You can apply online or download an application form here: mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/postgraduate-taught-course. On the application form, you will be asked to give a personal statement and should use this to tell us a bit about yourself and give a good sense of what you have been reading and writing, what has led you to apply for our course, and which one of our specialist routes you are applying for. Personal statements should be up to 500 words long. For the creative sample, applicants to the Novel, Children's/YA and Creative Non-Fiction routes should submit up to 2,000 words of prose (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work); poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems; and scriptwriting applicants should submit up to 15 minutes running time of script. The critical review should focus on a piece of 21st century work, be up to 500 words long, and show evidence of close reading, explaining what it is about the piece you find useful as a writer. Both the creative and critical samples should be relevant to the specialist route to which you are applying (Novel OR Poetry OR Writing for Children/YA OR Scriptwriting OR Creative Non-Fiction). Your reference can be from anyone of professional standing (e.g. a current/former employer or tutor) who can vouch for your suitability for study at postgraduate level or the quality of your writing, or, if you are unable to obtain a reference from someone who is familiar with your written work, simply verify your identity. Please collate and submit the application form, writing sample, review and reference, where possible. It will not speed up the processing of your application if you send some elements now with others to follow. We have intakes into the programme in September and January each year. We normally aim to respond to applications within four weeks of receipt of all four elements: application form, writing sample, review and reference, although it may take a little longer outside of term time. In each application assessed we will be looking for evidence of: A very high standard of written English; Applicants whose first language is not English are required to produce evidence of English Language proficiency. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 overall, with no sub-component below 5.5, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. If your application meets these criteria, a tutor may contact you to arrange a telephone or face-to-face interview at a mutually convenient time. |
Full-Time, 2 years starts Jan 2025
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | In order to apply, you will need to submit a completed application form, a sample of creative writing, a critical review and one reference. You can apply online or download an application form here: mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/postgraduate-taught-course. On the application form, you will be asked to give a personal statement and should use this to tell us a bit about yourself and give a good sense of what you have been reading and writing, what has led you to apply for our course, and which one of our specialist routes you are applying for. Personal statements should be up to 500 words long. For the creative sample, applicants to the Novel, Children's/YA and Creative Non-Fiction routes should submit up to 2,000 words of prose (a complete piece, or an extract/extracts from a longer work); poetry applicants should submit up to 15 poems; and scriptwriting applicants should submit up to 15 minutes running time of script. The critical review should focus on a piece of 21st century work, be up to 500 words long, and show evidence of close reading, explaining what it is about the piece you find useful as a writer. Both the creative and critical samples should be relevant to the specialist route to which you are applying (Novel OR Poetry OR Writing for Children/YA OR Scriptwriting OR Creative Non-Fiction). Your reference can be from anyone of professional standing (e.g. a current/former employer or tutor) who can vouch for your suitability for study at postgraduate level or the quality of your writing, or, if you are unable to obtain a reference from someone who is familiar with your written work, simply verify your identity. Please collate and submit the application form, writing sample, review and reference, where possible. It will not speed up the processing of your application if you send some elements now with others to follow. We have intakes into the programme in September and January each year. We normally aim to respond to applications within four weeks of receipt of all four elements: application form, writing sample, review and reference, although it may take a little longer outside of term time. In each application assessed we will be looking for evidence of: A very high standard of written English; Applicants whose first language is not English are required to produce evidence of English Language proficiency. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 overall, with no sub-component below 5.5, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. If your application meets these criteria, a tutor may contact you to arrange a telephone or face-to-face interview at a mutually convenient time. |
| Location | Main Site Academic Division Oxford Road All Saints Manchester M15 6BH |
Part-Time, 3 years starts Jan 2025
Distance learning (part-time), 3 years starts sep 2024, full-time, 2 years starts sep 2024, part-time, 3 years starts sep 2024, distance learning (part-time), 3 years started jan 2024.
On our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme, you will explore and practice techniques and styles of modern and contemporary writing and apply these through the development of your own full-length book or script.
MFA students undertake all of the elements of our MA Creative Writing programme (a taught element blending writing workshops with reading units, an elective, and a dissertation), then take an additional unit about the publishing, literary and arts industries and submit a full-length manuscript: a completed novel or short story collection, poetry collection, book for children or young adults, script for stage, screen or radio, or book of creative non-fiction.
You will be introduced to professionals from the publishing industries, which may include literary agents, publishers, broadcasters and arts practitioners, and the School has strong links with many major arts, educational and cultural organisations. Our MFA model is exceptional in coaching students through the development and completion of a full-length book under the sustained guidance of distinguished, practising writers and seeing those students achieve success in publishing.
The MFA is available to complete over two years full-time or three years part-time. The Novel, Poetry and Scriptwriting routes are available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only). The Writing for Children and Creative Non-Fiction routes are online (part-time) only. We have intakes to the programme in September and January each year.
Applications are also welcome from those already holding an MA in Creative Writing (180 credits) from Manchester Metropolitan or other universities who would like to top-up to an MFA by taking an additional 120 credits (including the Manuscript unit).
**Features and Benefits** - One of the most successful programmes of its kind in the UK - with more than 100 students and graduates publishing first books in the past ten years.
- Extensive calendar of events - including The Manchester Children's Book Festival, The National Creative Writing Industry Conference, Manchester Writing Competition Gala, Poetry Festivals, book launches, podcasts, and question and answer sessions with guest writers at Manchester Met and arts venues.
- Industry links - strong links to the publishing industry with visits from major agents, editors and publishers, and experts from theatre, film and broadcasting.
- Flexible learning - classes for core Workshop and Reading units take place in the evenings (6-8pm UK time) during the autumn or spring semesters. Full-time students usually have classes two evenings per week, and part-time students one evening per week.
- Full-length manuscript - MFA students submit a full-length manuscript: a completed novel or short story collection, poetry collection, book for children or young adults, feature-length script or book of creative non-fiction, completed over a full year with one-to-one editorial input from a dedicated Manuscript Mentor. Manuscript students also attend a term of weekly hour-long seminars with guests from publishing and the literary arts.
- Live online teaching - the course can be completed entirely online, with core teaching for distance learning students via weekly online classes in Microsoft Teams.
- Academic expertise - taught by high-profile writers and critics including: Carol Ann Duffy DBE, Susan Barker and Laura Barnett.
- Visiting Fellows - our course features contributions from our visiting fellows, including: Ed Caesar, Mandy Coe and Tim Cresswell.
- Home to Manchester Poetry Library - the North West's first public poetry library which holds over 10,000 books and recordings that can be explored through the online catalogue, in person and through the annual programme of events.
Full-Time, 2 years started Jan 2024
Part-time, 3 years started jan 2024, distance learning (part-time), 3 years started sep 2023, full-time, 2 years started sep 2023, part-time, 3 years started sep 2023.
Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) is a historic and internationally recognised institution that dates back to 1824. Known for the quality of its teaching, it is also ranked as one of the top 60 universities in the UK*.
The University, which is located in the heart of Manchester’s city centre, is home to a diverse community of more than 4,000 international students from over 100 countries. International students are offered comprehensive support throughout their journey at Manchester Met, including advice on employability skills, careers, accommodation, and immigration.
Studying at Manchester Met
Students are able to choose from a wide range …
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4 Best Creative Writing Classes in Manchester
Showing 4 courses that match your search.
South Manchester Writing Workshop
Manchester Writers
We meet every Tuesday, 7:30 to 9:30. Our focus is very much on getting published. That doesn't mean we don't welcome beginners and hobbyists of course. You'll find discussion of characterisation and dialogue development, for example, in a normal evening's work.
Website: http://www.manchester-writers.org.uk/
Categories: Fiction, Essay, Poetry, Nonfiction, Short Story, and Book
Start date:
Open all year round
Prerequisites: No prerequisites
Essay and Debate
Manchester Writing
This course teaches the art of persuasive argument through developing a thesis and using evidence effectively. Students will enhance their writing skills across introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs, and sharpen their public speaking abilities by debating with peers on contrasting viewpoints.
Website: https://www.manchesterwriting.com/
Categories: Essay
Dive into the world of storytelling, mastering both fiction and nonfiction. This course focuses on plot construction, captivating openings, character creation, voice modulation, descriptive richness, sentence diversity, and potent verb usage, all aimed at nurturing skilled storytellers and discerning readers.
Categories: Fiction, Essay, Nonfiction, and Book
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Creative Writing Summer School
Manchester Writing School
The Manchester Writing School offers a two-day intensive course, providing a glimpse into one of the UK's leading literary centres. Participants engage in masterclass workshops, seminars, and talks delivered by practicing writers and critics. The program includes fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, and creative non-fiction sessions, offering a supportive environment for both personal and professional writing.
Website: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/english/courses/short/creative/
So you’re looking for creative writing classes in Manchester
The 1911 children’s book The Secret Garden and the 1971 dystopian The Clockwork Orange might not seem like they have much in common on the surface. But they do share one important similarity: both authors were born in Greater Manchester. If such a city can inspire such disparate works, then you can bet that it would be a good place to take a creative writing class.
This directory of the best writing courses in Manchester is meant to help you locate the right one for yourself. We’ve included filters for price and genre so that you can quickly sort through the writing classes. And before you commit to any one writing class, consider the following questions:
- Who is the instructor?
- What is the price of the writing course?
- How far away is the writing course in Manchester? Is there a remote alternative?
- How long could the course last?
Got any questions about finding the right writing class in Manchester for you? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] . Good luck!
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Writers in Manchester
Novels, plays, flash fiction, poetry, spoken word, non-fiction, novellas, street art, comic books – whatever your literary bag, manchester has got you covered..
From supportive short courses for those who are ready to tentatively dip their toes into the world of literature, to creative writing degrees offered by two world-class writing schools, there are opportunities available at every level to develop your practice in Manchester.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s an overview of what’s on offer…
For those looking for a higher education qualification in their discipline, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English and Creative Writing. In both cases, their academic staff is second to none and you’ll find yourself being taught by some of the most well-known and respected names in the industry, including authors and poets whose books may well already line your shelves.
If you’re not in the market for a degree, then there are plenty of short courses on offer. Manchester Metropolitan University has several of these available, ranging from a scriptwriting masterclass to a course on how to build a children’s story, plus an excellent summer school programme. Away from the city’s academic classrooms, Comma Press offers short story courses and Commonword regularly run creative writing workshops. Local publishers such as Fly On The Wall Press offer regular writing workshops.
The Writing Squad offer an excellent free two year programme of workshops and 1-1 support is for writers aged 16-22 who live, work or study in the North of England and go on to support writers through their careers.
Tired of writing on your own? We hear you. We know that writing is one of life’s greatest joys – but we also know it can be a lonely pursuit! Fortunately, Manchester has some fantastic regular writing groups to help inspire you and ultimately develop your craft.
Commonword is a writing development organisation that provides opportunities for new and aspiring writers. It’s home to the well-established Identity group, which takes part in masterclasses, workshops, seminars, and more.
Commonword also hosted Young Identity for six years of its life. Now a charity in its own right, Young Identity delivers poetry and spoken word workshops for young people and helps to develop some of the most exciting new young performers on the scene. The group has worked with big names such as Kae Tempest, as well as performing all over the UK and internationally.
There are also a number of traditional creative writing groups, where writers of all disciplines can meet up on a regular basis to share their work and give each other thoughtful feedback. The Monday Night Group of Writers is one of the city’s most established groups, Manchester Muslim Writers meet once a month and run sessions for poets, novelists, screenplay writers, playwrights and bloggers, and Manchester Women Writers hold their welcoming weekly writing group once a week in City Library. Your local library is a great place to enquire about creative writing groups on your doorstep too, as many of them host their own as often as weekly.
Spoken word nights
Call us biased but we think Manchester has one of the best spoken word scenes in the country (if not the world!). There is an undeniable feeling that our city is at the cutting edge when it comes to nurturing spoken word talent – and with more than a dozen regular nights taking place across the city, there’s room for everyone to take their place at the mic stand.
Of those 12+ nights, there’s Word Central hosted by Tony Curry and taking place at Manchester Central Library, Verbose Manchester at The King’s Arms in Salford and Bad Language which has its home in the Northern Quarter’s Gullivers, and Sayin? Manchester usually based at Niamos in Hulme. Plus loads more! Our event page is a great place to keep up to date and if you’re hosting your own spoken word night, please do add it to our calendar .
Competitions
Submitting your work to a competition, whether you scoop the first prize or not, can boost your writing. Competitions can push us to hone our work, give us a newfound focus, and add structure to our writing.
Manchester Metropolitan University hosts the annual Manchester Writing Competition, offering prizes for both fiction and poetry. The competitions are open to both new and established writers and there are some significant prizes to be won, with both offering £10,000 to their respective winners.
The International Anthony Burgess Foundation runs a yearly journalism prize in Partnership with The Observer. Poets & Players, who are known for their programming of poets and musicians at the Anthony Burgess Foundation, also host a yearly poetry competition, with past judges including Jackie Kay, Pascale Petit, and Jacob Polley. The winner of the competition receives a cash reward and the chance to read their poem at a Poets & Players event.
Although not based in Manchester, New Writing North supports writing and reading in the north of England. The Northern Writers’ Awards were founded in 2000 and invites writers from across the north of England to submit their unpublished work-in-progress for judging. The scope for the awards is broad, so it’s worth checking to see if your chosen practice fits the bill.
Manchester City of Literature regularly posts about upcoming opportunities and competitions, so be sure to keep an eye on our social media feeds for up to date information.
To learn more about what’s happening in the city or to upload your own upcoming workshop, activity or organised event, visit our Events page and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter , where we regularly send out opportunities and updates for writers.
RELATED EVENTS, NEWS AND INFO
Park write – nature writing, oldham open mic #3, young identity workshops at old trafford, oldham writing festival, online edition crafting a short story collection with gaynor jones, crafting a short story course, young identity workshops (central library), national creative writing industry day 2023, creative writing workshop with amy vreeke, manchester writing school: creative writing summer school, short story writing with tania hershman (6 sessions), author branding: online social media course with isabelle kenyon, sj bradley’s online short story course, comma press online short story course with sj bradley, the portico sadie massey awards, manchester writing school.
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English Literature and Creative Writing
Explore our undergraduate courses, taught master's courses, and postgraduate research programmes.
Undergraduate
- English Literature BA (3 years)
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- English Literature with Creative Writing BA (3 years)
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Taught master's
- Creative Writing MA
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Postgraduate research
- Creative Writing PhD
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Creative writing workshops events in Manchester, United Kingdom
How To Create A Meaningful Life & Career
Tomorrow at 7:30 PM GMT+1
Rhiannon Brittain, Life and Career Coach
Free Creative Writing Workshop: Ocean
Mon, Sep 2, 6:00 PM GMT+1
London Writing School
2-Day Data Analytics Training Workshop
Sat, Aug 24, 9:00 AM GMT+1
Absolute Beginner Creative Writing Workshop
Sun, Oct 13, 2:00 PM
Orchard Square
Queer Storytelling and Creative Writing
Sun, Aug 25, 11:00 AM
Social Refuge
Creative Writing Class (for adults!)
Tue, Sep 3, 7:00 PM
Reserve Wines Shop Didsbury
Creative Writing Class (for adults!): plot development
Tue, Sep 10, 7:00 PM
Creative Writing Class - 10th Nov
Sun, Nov 10, 1:00 PM
Haigh Woodland Park
Park Write - Place Writing
Sat, Aug 24, 2:00 PM
Crumpsall Park
Writing Workout
Mon, Sep 9, 6:30 PM
The Writers Workshop
Art For Social Change - Writing Workshop
Sun, Oct 13, 1:00 PM
Creative Self-Care Workshop
Thu, Sep 12, 1:00 PM
The Turnpike Gallery
![Creative Writing [5 Week Course] primary image](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F583757749%2F72263867759%2F1%2Foriginal.20230826-172331?w=512&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&rect=0%2C170%2C800%2C400&s=2debb55a24e2babc7e991fd70d982a86 "creative writing courses in manchester")
Creative Writing [5 Week Course]
Tue, Sep 17, 6:00 PM
Poetry at the Pank
Fri, Sep 6, 11:00 AM + 1 more
Pankhurst Centre
Write from the Art *in the Graves Gallery*
Sat, Sep 7, 1:30 PM
Graves Gallery
Local Legends - Writing Workshop
Sun, Sep 8, 1:00 PM
LGBTQ+ South Asian Creative Writing with Clare Ramsaran
Today at 12:00 PM
The Manchester Museum
Creative Collage Workshop
Sat, Sep 7, 2:00 PM
92 Degrees Coffee
How to run writing workshops
Sat, Sep 14, 10:00 AM
ExObjects writing workshop: What are you wearing today?
Wed, Sep 25, 2:00 PM
The Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery, Leek
Being Human Festival Stories of Ourselves Creative Writing Workshop
Thu, Nov 7, 1:00 PM
Bolton Central Library
Writers' Secrets: Writing Workshop with Catherine Cole and Jenny Newman
Sun, Sep 29, 11:30 AM
SMITHDOWN SOCIAL ARTS HUB
Community Sharing : LGBTQ+ South Asian writing
Wednesday at 6:00 PM
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English, Publishing and Creative Writing
Continue a journey filled with creative possibilities – from writing your own full-length book to exploring the world of the Gothic or understanding the eco-systems of the publishing industry.
Course listing
Introduction.
The Department of English is home to several exciting and vibrant MA programmes. The department has close links to Manchester Poetry Library, the North West’s first public poetry library, is a key collaborator in Manchester’s UESCO City of Literature status, and hosts a varied programme of events that you can get involved in.
MA/MFA Creative Writing is based in the hugely successful Manchester Writing School and is taught by award-winning writers and critics with direct experience of the creative, editorial and publishing processes. You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in a route that interests you with the support of our internationally-renowned academics.
The programme for MA English Studies draws upon the wide-ranging expertise of the staff and various research centres, including the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies, Centre for Migration and Postcolonial Studies, and Manchester Centre for Nineteenth-Century Studies. We are ranked 8th out of 92 UK universities for our Research Power in English Language and Literature (REF 2021).
Our MA Publishing will enable you to develop specialist skills in print and digital publishing, and pursue a variety of careers in the book and magazine industries. You’ll also benefit from our extensive industry connections with the many publishing houses in Manchester, giving you the chance to enhance your employability with a placement.
Find out more from our staff and students
- Dr Sarah Ilott
- Dr Paul Wake and Dr Chloe Germaine
- Professor Andrew McMillan
- Professor Simon Stephens
- Dr Rachel Lichtenstein
- Professor Monique Roffey
My research directly supports teaching on the MA English Studies unit ‘Narrating the Nation’, which focuses on twenty-first century Britain in the context of encroaching nationalisms.
Students are encouraged to take part in live research projects, such as working with us to develop the ecogame ludography, and are also invited to take part in our annual symposium and game jam – Multiplatform.
We’re really hoping you will expand your own ideas of what your work could do.
Over the last few years I’ve been encouraging quite exciting collaborations between our writers and our actors.
Creative non-fiction is a broad term that basically covers all writing where we’re telling compelling true stories.
The Manchester Writing School is a place for students to pollinate and cross pollinate their ideas.
From formulating my own ideas and defining my own thesis, to research skills and time management, the course has provided me with the necessary skills to be successful as a fully autonomous scholar.
It feels a privilege to know that we are working with leading researchers and champions of the gothic genre, from Walpole to today and beyond.
Courses (5)
Creative writing, english studies, secondary english with qts*.
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MA Creative Writing / Entry requirements
Year of entry: 2024
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Academic entry qualification overview
We normally expect students to have a First or Upper Second class honours degree or its overseas equivalent in a humanities-based subject area.
English language
An overall grade of IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in writing and no skill below 6.5 is required or 100+ in the TOEFL iBT with a minimum writing score of 25 and no skill below 22.
If you have obtained a different qualification, please check our English language requirements to ensure that it is accepted and equivalent to the above requirements.
English language test validity
Other international entry requirements.
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Our MA Creative Writing master's course offers specialist teaching from leading writers and poets in a UNESCO City of Literature.
Course overview At the heart of the Manchester Writing School are our masters programmes in Creative Writing, available to study on campus in Manchester and also from anywhere in the world via online distance learning.
Study on our MA Creative Writing master's course and you'll be part of the prestigious Centre for New Writing, where we bring together world-famous writers to teach people how to produce novels, short stories, creative non-fiction, poems and screenplays. It's a place where talented writers and critics can meet to exchange ideas and opinions.
Course information. In creative writing, students study and practise the art and craft of writing in a wide range of established and new forms, from prose fiction and poetry to screenwriting and writing for computer games. A range of award-winning and internationally celebrated writers teach on the BA programme, including Helen Mort, Andrew ...
The Creative Writing summer school will introduce you to some of the most important techniques of fiction and poetry writing. You will experience the creative writing workshop, helping you to develop a useful critical language with which to engage with your own work and the work of others. The first half of the summer school will be dedicated ...
Study more than 1,000 years of writing in English, engaging with literary and cultural theory, studying texts in their historical contexts, and reflecting on different cultures and traditions. Develop creative writing skills in fiction and poetry through workshops led by some of the most adventurous poets, novelists, and science-fiction writers ...
Creative Writing courses at The University of Manchester. Whether you want to study Creative Writing at an undergraduate, MA or PhD level, we have a course or programme in poetry, prose or screenwriting to meet your needs.
Course description Study on our MA Creative Writing master's course and you'll be part of the prestigious Centre for New Writing, where we bring together world-famous writers to teach people how to produce novels, short stories, creative non-fiction, poems and screenplays. It's a place where talented writers and critics can meet to exchange ideas and opinions. The Centre is founded on the ...
Find out about the Centre for New Writing at The University of Manchester - its courses, events, award-winning writers, alumni and teaching staff.
Study Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. Explore course details and what's involved. From start dates, entry requirements and more.
English and Creative Writing If you want to get serious about creative writing, the Manchester Writing School - with a proven reputation for developing gifted students into award-winning professional writers - is the ideal place to start.
Our MA Creative Writing master's course offers specialist teaching from leading writers and poets in a UNESCO City of Literature.
Creative Writing Summer School. The Manchester Writing School offers a two-day intensive course, providing a glimpse into one of the UK's leading literary centres. Participants engage in masterclass workshops, seminars, and talks delivered by practicing writers and critics. The program includes fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, and creative non ...
Courses For those looking for a higher education qualification in their discipline, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English and Creative Writing.
If you want to get serious about creative writing or publishing, the Manchester Writing School - with a proven reputation for developing gifted students into award-winning professional writers and industry experts - is the ideal place to start.
Course overview At the heart of the Manchester Writing School are our masters programmes in Creative Writing, available to study on campus in Manchester, City of Literature, or from anywhere in the world as part of our dynamic international online distance learning community.
Overview If you are interested in taking the nest steps towards a career in creative writing, film or media industries the Access to HE Diploma (Professions in English, Writing and Media) is the course for you!
Course description BA English Literature with Creative Writing is a small, specialised creative writing pathway within an English Literature degree, in which you will take 33% of your credits in creative writing in your second and third years. The course covers the full range of English literature from Old English to the present day.
Browse a full list of undergraduate degrees, taught master's and PhDs in English Literature and Creative Writing at The University of Manchester.
Manchester Writing School. Manchester Metropolitan was one of the first universities in the UK to teach creative writing and is home to one of the world's largest and most successful writing schools. Working through its courses and its projects to enable new writing and to take it to new audiences, Manchester Writing School at Manchester ...
Creative writing workshops events in Manchester, United Kingdom Save this event: The Magic of Creative Writing: A Workshop Share this event: The Magic of Creative Writing: A Workshop
MA/MFA Creative Writing is based in the hugely successful Manchester Writing School and is taught by award-winning writers and critics with direct experience of the creative, editorial and publishing processes. You'll have the opportunity to specialise in a route that interests you with the support of our internationally-renowned academics.
An overall grade of IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in writing and no skill below 6.5 is required or 100+ in the TOEFL iBT with a minimum writing score of 25 and no skill below 22. If you have obtained a different qualification, please check our English language requirements to ensure that it is accepted and equivalent to the above requirements.