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Bangor university: creative writing.

A course in creative writing may be the first step towards a writing career, or a chance for more experienced writers to develop their work from a new perspective. Creative writing at Bangor University offers a range of opportunities for postgraduate study in a dynamic critical and creative environment. Bangor University has significant experience in this discipline and a flourishing postgraduate community.

Our MA in Creative Writing is taught by staff who are both published writers and practising academics thoroughly experienced in the challenges of university research.

Full-Time, 1 years starts Sep 2024

Part-time, 2 years starts sep 2024, full-time, 1 years started sep 2023, part-time, 2 years started sep 2023, postgraduate diploma - pgdip.

Between the mountains and the sea in North Wales, Bangor University’s campus is surrounded by a breathtaking natural landscape. Bangor offers the highest quality teaching in a supportive learning environment with courses across the arts, humanities and sciences. Most postgraduate taught courses are offered on a full-time and part-time basis, allowing you to fit your studies around your life. In addition, the selection of distance learning courses, as well as ‘blended’ courses that combine remote and face-to-face study opportunities allow for further personalisation.

Bangor University provides strong support for  research activities , and there are several subject related specialist resources …

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Creative Writing (English Medium) MA

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days ?

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MA - Master of Arts

Bangor University

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About This Course

A course in creative writing may be the first step towards a writing career, or a chance for more experienced writers to develop their work from a new perspective. Creative writing at Bangor University offers a range of opportunities for postgraduate study in a dynamic critical and creative environment. Bangor University has significant experience in this discipline and a flourishing postgraduate community.

Our MA in Creative Writing is taught by staff who are both published writers and practising academics thoroughly experienced in the challenges of university research.

Research Opportunities

Practising writers are regularly invited to share their insights with students.

An MA in Creative Writing may lead to a career as a novelist, poet or playwright. Planning and developing a substantial writing project is a good preparation for future funded or commissioned writing, as well as for an academic career in practice-based research. This course also offers a range of skills that can be applied in other contexts, for example editing, publishing, journalism and arts administration. The ability to use language fluently and persuasively is essential for success in almost any field, and the flexibility of working across genres in this course offers an excellent grounding in creative language use.

What students say

Plenty of places to study, and great facilities. Easy access to the library and the staff are always happy to.. Read more

Mental health team needs work... Read more

Modules (Year 1)

A 2.ii undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant subject that should normally include an element of Creative Writing (e.g. Creative Writing or Literary Studies) and a demonstrated interest in Creative Writing. Applicants with equivalent qualifications or experience and applications from working professionals with non-graduate qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Candidates may be asked to submit a short sample of work (poetry and/or prose) in support of their application.

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£8,250 per year

Students from Domestic

The above mentioned fee is for 23-24 entry. There may be a slight increase in the year 24-25.

£18,000 per year

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Latest Creative Writing reviews

Review breakdown, how all students rated:, bangor university , bangor (wales).

Bangor University offers an exceptional experience set amidst the captivating landscapes of North Wales, where courses spanning the...

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Bangor (Wales) LL57 2DG

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Creative Writing

Entry requirements.

A 2(i) Honours degree in a relevant field (please contact us if you are not sure if your degree is relevant) and demonstrated interest in creative writing. Potential students are invited to submit a short sample of their work with their application.

Months of entry

Course content.

A course in creative writing may be the first step towards a writing career, or a chance for more experienced writers to develop their work from a new perspective. Creative writing at Bangor University offers a range of opportunities for postgraduate study in a dynamic critical and creative environment. Bangor University has significant experience in this discipline and a flourishing postgraduate community.

Our MA in Creative Writing is taught by staff who are both published writers and practising academics thoroughly experienced in the challenges of university research.

Information for international students

International students whose first language is not English: An IELTS score of 6.5 with no element below 6.0 is required.

For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages on the International Education Centre section of our website.

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• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

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Creative Writing, MA, PG Dip

Bangor University, the United Kingdom

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Other courses at bangor university, study options for this course, about creative writing, ma, pg dip - at bangor university.

A course may be the first step towards a writing career, or a chance for more experienced writers to develop their work from a new perspective. The School of English at Bangor University offers a range of opportunities for postgraduate study in a dynamic critical and creative environment. One of the first institutions in the UK to offer creative writing at degree level, Bangor has significant experience in this discipline and a flourishing postgraduate community.

Specialist writing staff are closely involved in teaching and supervision, and have a range of expertise in poetry, fiction, literary editing and the interface between creative and critical writing. Staff members are published and award-winning authors, and are also involved in a variety of editing and judging activities; Zoe Skoulding is editor of Poetry Wales, Ian Gregson is editor of Salt Wales and Kachi Ozumba was a judge for the Commonwealth Short Story competition in 2010 and 2011. The school benefits from the presence of the poet Professor Carol Rumens as a visiting professor, and the frequent visits of honorary professor Philip Pullman, who offers both readings and workshops.

Our students are successful. A number of recent or existing postgraduate students have successfully published collections of poems or short stories that have arisen from their studies here at Bangor. These include John Tanner, Zoe Skoulding, and Nessa O’Mahoney. Others have published stories including Terri Lee Hackman, Zoe Perrenoud, and Lisa Blower (who won the 2009 Guardian Short Story Competition) or individual poems and other forms of writing.

The environment in Bangor couldn’t be better for studying creative writing, situated as it is between the mountains and the sea. It is a place where creativity is the norm rather than the exception.

Entry requirements

For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.

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Creative Writing (English Medium) MA Bangor University

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MA - Master of Arts

Bangor University

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About This Course

A course in creative writing may be the first step towards a writing career, or a chance for more experienced writers to develop their work from a new perspective. Creative writing at Bangor University offers a range of opportunities for postgraduate study in a dynamic critical and creative environment. Bangor University has significant experience in this discipline and a flourishing postgraduate community.

Our MA in Creative Writing is taught by staff who are both published writers and practising academics thoroughly experienced in the challenges of university research.

Research Opportunities

Practising writers are regularly invited to share their insights with students.

An MA in Creative Writing may lead to a career as a novelist, poet or playwright. Planning and developing a substantial writing project is a good preparation for future funded or commissioned writing, as well as for an academic career in practice-based research. This course also offers a range of skills that can be applied in other contexts, for example editing, publishing, journalism and arts administration. The ability to use language fluently and persuasively is essential for success in almost any field, and the flexibility of working across genres in this course offers an excellent grounding in creative language use.

Modules (Year 1)

Tuition fees.

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Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

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Research newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications that consistently publish book reviews using the Review Outlets database, which includes information about publishing schedules, submission guidelines, fees, and more.

Well over ten thousand poets and writers maintain listings in this essential resource for writers interested in connecting with their peers, as well as editors, agents, and reading series coordinators looking for authors. Apply today to join the growing community of writers who stay in touch and informed using the Poets & Writers Directory.

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Bangor Daily News

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A new Bangor book club is bringing strangers together to read in silence

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On a sunny Friday evening when downtown Bangor is teeming with people eager to begin the weekend, a dozen people sit in a coffee shop in silence curled over books and e-readers.

The group is Bangor’s new chapter of the Silent Book Club, an international phenomenon in which people gather in cafes, stores and libraries to read together for an hour.

Unlike traditional book clubs that require participants to read the same book and discuss it, Silent Book Club members can read whatever they want and no discussion is required. The events also support whatever local business or organization hosts the gatherings.

Since launching in San Francisco in 2012, the concept of Silent Book Clubs has exploded in popularity. Globally, there are more than 900 chapters in 50 countries, which are run by local volunteers.

Bangor is one of seven Silent Book Club chapters in Maine. Others are located in Old Town, Waterville, Biddeford, Westbrook and Portland, which has two chapters.

Elizabeth Simonds of Levant founded the Bangor group, which held its first meeting in March. Simonds said she was looking for flexible opportunities to socialize that didn’t revolve around going to a bar or restaurant after having her first child.

“I wanted something that was more of an activity and I think Bangor has a great presence of readers and writers,” Simonds said. “This is a very fluid event and open to all ages and abilities, as long as someone can read independently.”

Bangor’s Silent Book Club meets on the second Friday of every month at Chimera Coffee. Attendees can gather, get a drink or a snack and settle in from 6 to 6:30 p.m., then read from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Often members mingle and discuss what they’re reading before the hour begins, but it’s not required.

About 18 people came to the Bangor chapter’s first and second meetings in March and April, and about a dozen people attended the May meeting on Friday. While there are a few familiar faces that come each month, Simonds said each event has welcomed mostly new people.

The events are free and reading materials of all kinds, including audiobooks, e-readers and graphic novels, are welcome, Simonds said. Guests can stay for as long as they’d like and socializing isn’t required.

Jess and Seth Braun of Carmel attended their first Silent Book Club meeting on Friday to meet new people without the added pressure to read a certain book and think of something intelligent to say about it.

Jess Braun is also looking to foster her love of reading, which she recently rediscovered after purchasing an e-reader in December.

“Growing up, I used to read a lot, but then I got a concussion in 2016 and fell off the wagon.”

“In this year alone, I’ve read 35 books — I can’t put it down.”

The couple recently moved back to the Bangor region after living in Massachusetts for two years during the pandemic. In that time, many of their local friends moved away, leaving them with few friends nearby.

“This is an easy way to minimize distractions and have designated time to read,” Seth Braun said. “A lot of the time at home, I’ll read for five minutes, then go on my phone, and go back and forth. I’m also nosey and want to see what other people are reading.”

Brenna MacDonald, a local writer, has attended every meeting of the Bangor chapter since the first event in March. She said she came seeking book recommendations and new friends who share her love of reading and writing.

While it may seem strange to read silently in a room with other people, MacDonald said the events are unique because they foster a sense of quiet camaraderie that caters to introverts.

“Reading is a very solitary activity, so it’s a unique experience to do something solitary with other people who are doing the same,” MacDonald said. “It’s surreal and silly, but why not?”

More articles from the BDN

Kathleen o'brien.

Kathleen O'Brien is a reporter covering the Bangor area. Born and raised in Portland, she joined the Bangor Daily News in 2022 after working as a Bath-area reporter at The Times Record. She graduated from... More by Kathleen O'Brien

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Creative and Professional Writing BA (Hons) Undergraduate - September 2024/25* Entry

Course details.

• Start Month September
• UCAS Code W890
• Qualification BA (Hons)
• Duration 3 years
• Placement Year Yes
• International Experience Year Yes

About This Course

This degree course will enable you to develop a personal creative practice as a writer, offering imaginative approaches to many areas of writing and critical insights into literary. Alongside established forms of creative writing, such as the short story, the novel and poetry, other modules include journalism, screenwriting and publishing that connect your writing skills with a range of vocational possibilities. Taught by research experts and published writers, this course will equip you with a solid grounding in the critical and practical skills you need to build a writing career. During your time with us, you will become adept at conducting research. In modules that touch on such topics as the history of film and documentary, literary theory, and news media, you will also develop skills related to editing, blogging, and publishing. As such, you will hone the skills needed within the creative industries, building your expertise and experience so that you can make a living as a professional writer.

Why choose Bangor for this course?

• Small group teaching and lectures, one-to-one supervision.
• Creative Writing is part of a vibrant Arts and Culture scene that includes Pontio, the University’s £40 million Arts Centre, local theatres, poetry groups and student societies.
• Former students have gone on to edit, publish and write creatively in a variety of literary fields and media contexts.

Additional Course Options

This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.

The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements. 

You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Careers and Employability Services.

You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch.  

This course is available with an International Experience Year option where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year.  You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.

Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons. With international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinations and partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills. 

You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch. 

Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on the  Student Exchanges section of our website.

Watch - Lynn Tan

Course Content

Each of your chosen modules will have around 2-3 hours of face-to-face teaching each week. Teaching usually takes the form of small seminars, lectures, and workshops, where you will get the chance to meet and engage with your peers.

Assessment methods can take the form of written coursework, take-home exams, as well as oral presentations.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Creative and Professional Writing BA (Hons) Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

General University Facilities

Library and archive services.

Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.

We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.

We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.

Learning Resources

There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.  The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:

• Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
• Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line. 

Course Costs

General university costs.

Home (UK) students

• The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,000 per year (2021/22 entry and 2022/23 entry).
• The fee for all placement, international, and sandwich years is £1,350 (2021/22 and 2022/23).
• More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.

International (including EU) students

• International Student Tuition Fees
• International Student Living Costs and Scholarships

Additional Costs There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:

• If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
• If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).

Course-specific additional costs Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:

• Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
• Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
• Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.

Entry Requirements

Offers are tariff based, 96 - 128 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.:

• A Levels: English Literature/English Language/English preferred but not required; General Studies and Key Skills not normally accepted.
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: MMM - DDM 
• Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: MMM- DDM
• City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080): considered on a case-by-case basis
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: including grade H5 in English Literature/Language
• Access: pass required
• Welsh Baccalaureate: We will accept this qualification in conjunction with other level 3 qualifications
• T Levels: T Levels in a relevant subject considered on a case-by-case basis
• Extended Project Qualification: Points can include a relevant Extended Project (EPQ) but must include a minimum 2 full A-levels, or equivalent.

We are happy to accept combinations of the qualifications listed above, as well as alternative Level 3 qualifications such as City & Guilds, Access and Cambridge Technical Diplomas. 

We also welcome applications from mature learners.

International Candidates: International Candidates: school leaving qualifications that are equivalent to A levels/Level 3 and/or college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information can be found on our  International pages .

*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to  www.ucas.com .

General University Requirements

To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com .

We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.

All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.

As part of the University’s policy, we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.

We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Bangor section of the website.

EU and International Students' Entry Requirements

For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.

Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College , an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.

Studying Creative and Professional Writing opens up a range of career options in the creative industries, including publishing, editing, digital content creation, and cultural management. Our graduates have also gone on to work in a variety of other sectors, including the civil service, business and commerce, law, and teaching.

Opportunities at Bangor

The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. 

The Bangor Employability Award (BEA)

The BEA is a comprehensive online course that you can work through at your own pace, taking you through all the steps you need to take to explore, prepare and apply for your dream career.

Internships

Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.

Student Volunteering

Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website .

Foundation Year

A 'with Foundation Year' option is available for this course. Apply for  English Language and English Literature (with Foundation Year) .  

What is a Foundation Year course?

If you don’t have the required qualifications for the degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you.

The Foundation Year is an excellent introduction to studying this subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to go on to study this course at degree-level.

When you have successfully completed the Foundation Year, you can progress on to the first year of this degree-level course.

Explore More in Creative Writing and Professional Writing

Our Creative and Professional Writing degree is an innovative, practical programme that encourages you work across a variety of disciplinary pathways. You will learn to hone your ideas and inspiration and learn to express yourself and communicate to a wider audience. 

Key Facts from Discover Uni

"come to bangor - you're going to absolutely love it" steve backshall.

[0:04] Croeso i Ddiwrnod Agored Prifysgol Bangor! [0:07] Welcome to Bangor University Open Day! [0:29] I honestly couldn't have thought of a better place as a stepping stone [0:32] to use to further my career than coming to Bangor. [0:35] I think it was the best decision I've ever made. [0:51] Come to Bangor - you're going to absolutely love it!

Got any questions? Chat to students and staff

Do you have any questions about life as a student at Bangor? Our students are on hand to tell you about their experience here. If you've got any questions about the course, our lecturers will be happy to help.

Do you have a question about life as a Bangor University student? Our ambassadors will be happy to help you find the answer.

They can tell you more about studying here, about the amazing Clubs and Societies we have, and how they made friends and settled in to life at university. 

Chat to current students

If you have any questions about the course, our lecturers are on hand to help. Below are some examples of frequently asked questions. Can you think of any more? 

• What are the qualities of a successful Creative Writing and Professional Writing student at Bangor?
• How can I prepare myself to study Creative Writing and Professional Writing at Bangor?
• How will I know that Creative Writing and Professional Writing at Bangor is the right choice for me?

*The year of entry refers to the academic year in which the course begins rather than the calendar year. E.g. a course with a March 2024 start date will be shown as 'March 2023/24 Entry' because the academic year starts in September making 2023/24 the relevant academic year. Similarly, a course with a January 2023 start date will have 'January 2022/23 Entry' because 2022/23 is the academic year of entry for that course.

Welsh University of the Year

and Top 50 in the UK Daily Mail University Guide 2024

Top 20 for Teaching Quality

and #44 in the UK The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

4th Highest Climber

and #54 overall in the UK The Guardian University Ranking 2024

university in the UK in the Unifresher’s Alternative League Table 2023

university in the UK in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023

university in the UK in the 2022/23 People and Planet University League

university in the World for Responsible Consumption and Production in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

university in the World in the overall Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

university in the World in the Times Higher World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings

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