unisa creative writing modules

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Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at UNISA

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing is a four-year program that is designed to nurture and guide aspiring student writers in the four major genres: poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama.

Qualification admission requirements

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee.

Pay the application fee once you’ve received your student number:

R120 for online applications

Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030)

Send the proof of payment to [email protected]

Visit  www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo  for banking details and payment information.

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa, or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.

Student fees

Click here  to find out more about Unisa’s student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Applications for admission to Unisa’s undergraduate qualifications (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas & degrees) will be open from  11 August to 15 October 2024 .

Please take note of the following:

All applications for admission must be submitted online. No self-help stations will be available for applications.

Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Additional support for this qualification via TVET colleges

Unisa has an agreement with various Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to offer classes in a selected number of qualifications. These classes have proved to generally improve the throughput rate of students who enroll for them.

Take note of the following :

Make sure that your TVET college of choice offers support in your qualification. 

Apply for admission during Unisa’s application period via your TVET college or via Unisa.

Registration

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa’s offer. Visit  www.Unisa.ac.za/register  for registration information.

What can a creative writing degree do?

Fiction Writer. If your ultimate goal is to write fiction books or short stories, earning your creative writing degree can help.

Speech Writer.

Play Writer.

Television or Movie Script Writer.

Additional Writing Career Tracks.

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Creative Writing Jobs by Salary

Apply for admission

Undergraduate qualifications.

• Qualifications
• All qualifications

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing

Semester 2 applications for the 2024 academic year will be open for limited undergraduate qualifications from 15 april to 10 may 2024..

Admission requirements

Student fees and funding your studies.

• Application for admission

Registration

Qualification admission requirements.

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements, should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:

• R140 for online applications
• Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number ( ie YOUR 8 digit STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030 )
• Send the proof of payment to [email protected]
• Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.

Student fees

Click here  to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Applications for admission to  undergraduate qualifications   for the 2025 academic year to be open from  21 August to 11 October 2024 .   

Please take note of the following:

• All applications for admission must be submitted online. 
• Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Additional support for this qualification via TVET colleges

Unisa has an agreement with various  Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to offer classes in a selected number of qualifications. These classes have proved to generally improve the throughput rate of students who enrol for them.

Take note of the following :

• Make sure that your  TVET college of choice offers support in your qualification. 
• Apply for admission during Unisa's application period via your TVET college or via Unisa.

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.

Curriculum / modules

• Apply for admission

Short Learning Programmes

• Find a Short Learning Programme
• All Programmes

Short Course in the Introduction to Creative Writing (72052)

Duration: semester, target group:, admission requirements:, registration periods:, course leader details:, programme administrator:, purpose statement:, ccwr01a - introduction to creative writing.

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You're viewing degree information for International students

You're considered an International student if you are:

• NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
• NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Literature)

Degree Level Undergraduate

Degree info for International students

Start date February July

Campus Magill

Duration 3 year(s) full-time

Mode On-campus

Program Code MBAA

Prerequisites None

Assumed Knowledge None

Fees AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

Admissions Student Profile

• IELTS total [6.0]
• IELTS reading [6.0]
• IELTS writing [6.0]

International Admission by Country See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code 097508C

Entry requirements

Admission criteria.

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy .

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites, assumed knowledge, english language entry requirements, admission requirements by country.

Degree overview

• Enhance your employment prospects by studying a double major. Taking two majors will develop your capabilities to explore and understand diverse ways of thinking, which is highly regarded by prospective employers.
• Gain international experience as part of the Hawke Ambassador Volunteer Experience Program , or stay local and take part in the Hawke Professional Experience Program .
• You could continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with English as a Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher  before selecting your courses.
• Engage with industry partners and organisations as part of your studies through the optional Professional Directions Program .
• Study at a university ranked No. 1 in SA for learning resources in Creative Arts 1 and quality education in Arts and the Humanities 2 . 
• UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities 3 , we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities. 3 UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

As a student studying the Creative Writing and Literature major you will explore historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays, films and plays.

You will focus on:

demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the contexts and cultural influences of a wide range of literature and the theory and practice of creative writing.

being equipped to work independently and collaboratively to construct effective arguments and produce creative and critical texts across a wide range of genres and written media.

having a defined set of writing, editing and relevant analytical skills that can be used in a broad range of professional contexts.

You will also graduate with advanced writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem-solving skills that can be transferable across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher Grade Point Average (GPA), you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree . You could also continue your studies with a Master of Teaching and teach English in Australia and overseas. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 444521.

If you apply to the Master of Teaching packaged degree option (444521), you will apply into the Bachelor of Arts and in your first year select your specialisation as Creative Writing and Literature.

What you'll learn

The Creative Writing and Literature major allows you to delve into a variety of creative forms and texts. You will study historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays, films and plays. As you begin to create your own great classics, you will also learn how different written and multimedia texts have impacted cultures around the world. Under the guidance of highly experienced academics:

• develop analytical skills
• develop creative writing skills
• explore how different written and multimedia texts have impacted on the cultures of the world.

This degree allows you to select two majors, ensuring you graduate with an in-depth knowledge of areas of interest to you. You can choose your second major from:

Aboriginal Studies

Applied Linguistics

• Criminology and Criminal Justice (new in 2024)

Cultural Studies

• English Language*

History and Global Politics

• Languages (French/Italian/Japanese)
• Law, Politics and Policy

You will also complete two core courses, four courses from a selected list of minors, and two electives.

*only available to those whose second language is English.

Degree structure

French Studies

Italian Studies

Japanese Studies

Creative Writing and Literature

Law, Policy and Politics

Criminology and Criminal Justice

1. Students are required to complete their second major from: Aboriginal Studies, Applied Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice, History and Global Politics, Languages (French/Italian/Japanese), Psychology, Sociology, or Law, Policy and Politics. Students who wish to complete the Criminology and Criminal Justice major, or a major or minor learning area from the list of available university major and minor options should contact the Program Director for approval and enrolment advice. International student visa holders cannot select Criminology and Criminal Justice as a specialisation or major.

2. Students intending to undertake a Master of Teaching (Secondary) should consult with their program director for a schedule of recommended courses.

1. This course is one of two core courses that provide a foundation for the program.

2. Students complete either Electives or Professional Directions Program courses 1 and 2. Students may be directed to complete English Language courses in place of their electives.

3. A minor consists of four courses (18 units), two of which must be at Level 1 (Introductory) and two at Level 2 (Intermediate).

4. The Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course can be chosen in place of the minor sequence and is equivalent to 18 units. Students who choose this option will swap their first year (Level 1 Introductory) minor sequence to Elective 1 and Elective 2. Students can then choose to study the Hawke course in their second year (Level 2 Intermediate). Students will be required to complete the two available Level 2 Intermediate course options at second year in the opposite study period to undertaking the Hawke course.

5. Students are advised to select their minor from within the majors offered by the MBAA Bachelor of Arts.

6. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 36 units.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

• individual and group presentations
• critical analysis
• reflective journals
• research assignments
• case studies
• online quizzes
• assignments

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Literature)

This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in two different areas of interest.

You'll have the opportunity to study a portion of your degree overseas, as part of the University’s  Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience Program (full semester) or Hawke Professional Experience Program (part semester). In this program you will volunteer with an international non-government organisation (NGO), usually in an overseas destination.

You could continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with English as a Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

Career outcomes

Your career.

Graduates from this specialisation are qualified to embark on careers within the creative industries, advertising and publishing fields as authors, editors and researchers. You may gain employment in fields such as:

• document design
• electronic publishing
• administration
• public relations

You could also pursue teaching roles when you continue your studies with a Master of Teaching (Secondary).

Further career pathways are available depending on your combination of majors.

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together as the packaged option.

If you apply to the Master of Teaching packaged degree option (444521), you will apply into the Bachelor of Arts and in your first year select your specialisation.

Alternative Pathways

Australian There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

• UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences 
• UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences) 
• SAIBT Diploma of Arts

International There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more .

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees. 

Learn more arrow-small-right

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Australia’s University of Enterprise

Study at South Australia’s No. 1 university for graduate careers* and unlock your full potential.

*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics , which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side  of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages , or explore our student accommodation by Scape  on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our  international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

• career advice and mentoring
• help with student visas and health cover
• personal counselling
• academic counselling
• fees and finance help
• common rooms
• prayer rooms
• security officers
• accommodation services  
• as well as services offered through our student association, USASA .

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers  face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline  facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As an arts student, you will have access to:

• An on-campus Multimedia Languages Lab, where you can connect in real-time with native speakers from around the world
• The Hartley Playhouse Theatre – a 200-seat auditorium ideal for live performances
• An on-campus TV Studio, featuring one of the largest green screens in SA and home to national television shows aired on Channel 44
• A broadcast-standard digital radio studio that produces UniCast, a 24 hour online radio station
• A purpose built, multi-room ProTools recording studio for live band, multitrack, ADR and foley recordings
• A purpose-built high-end Media Suite with Dolby Atmos for screening for industry meetings and client screenings.

Your program director

I am Director of the Bachelor of Arts Programs, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, and Fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy, UK.  My academic background is in Languages and Applied Linguistics (BA Hons, PhD), following extensive experience in clinical practice across a range of health and medical domains in Australia. My work places a strong focus on developing reciprocal, trusting relationships in my teaching, mentoring and engagement with students, and in my research in partnership with colleagues, community and industry. My teaching and research inform each other. I coordinate and teach core courses in the Bachelor of Arts, and my research focuses on language and communication in professions and organisations in various contexts. These include state and nationally funded projects in health care, aged care, education, counselling, and policing.   The upshot is that our Bachelor of Arts program develops each student’s interests, strengths and aspirations, enabling each student to explore and prepare for a wide range of career and life goals. The unique double major structure combines theory and practice with real-world experience to develop strong interdisciplinary skills that are highly valued by industry, government and community. 

Dr Fiona O'Neill

Program Director

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our  How to Apply page . The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the  University's registered Education Agents .

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online  here .

Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit  http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees .

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through  SATAC . Key dates for applications can be found  here .

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our  How to Apply page . You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our  calendar of events  in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

Student accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

Find out more

Future study opportunities

Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Related degrees

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts (Languages)

Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)

Bachelor of Arts (Cultural Studies)

Bachelor of Arts (History and Global Politics)

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)

Bachelor of Arts (Law, Policy and Politics)

Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)

Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Criminal Justice)

The world’s 5th most liveable city, Adelaide is welcoming and multicultural. It is an ideal home away from home.

International students

UniSA welcomes students from around the world. Discover what you can study, how to apply, and our support services.

Accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long- or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376 Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854 Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

List of All U.S. Colleges with a Creative Writing Major

Writing has been my passion practically since I learned to read in kindergarten. I would write stories about princesses and my family dog, Gansett. When it came time to look at colleges, I was set on attending one with a strong creative writing program. Ultimately, I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars.

Today, colleges across the country offer creative writing as a major. Because writing skills are essential for a wide range of careers, and because most curricula emphasize broad liberal arts competencies, a degree in creative writing can set you up for success in numerous fields, whether you want to be an editor or a lawyer.

Interested in majoring in creative writing? Learn which schools offer the major and what to look for in a program.

Overview of the Creative Writing Major

Creative writing is about more than spinning tales. For your major, you’ll generally need to pursue a curriculum grounded in literature, history, foreign language, and other humanities courses, along with distribution courses, if the college requires them.

Most creative writing majors must participate in workshops, in which students present their work and listen to peer critiques, usually with a certain number of advanced courses in the mix. In some cases, colleges will ask you to specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, poetry, or playwriting. 

To succeed in creative writing, you’ll need to have a tough spine, in order to open yourself up to feedback from your classmates and instructors. You may need to give readings in public — if not as an undergraduate, certainly during your career. Of course, a passion for creating is essential, too, as is a willingness to revise your work and learn from the greats and your peers.

A creative writing major opens up doors to many careers, including journalism, content marketing, copywriting, teaching, and others. Even careers that don’t center around writing often have a strong writing component: you’ll need to write reports, deliver presentations, and so on.

Some writers go on to earn an MFA, which will help you hone your craft. It’s also often a prerequisite for teaching creative writing at the college level.

What to Look for in a College as a Creative Writing Major

Published authors on faculty.

Many world-renowned authors have another claim to fame: professorships. Writers who have taught their craft include (among many others):

• Maya Angelou (Wake Forest University)
• Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University)
• Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University)
• Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California)
• Eula Biss (Northwestern University)
• Toni Morrison (Princeton University)

Be aware that as an undergraduate, you may not be able to learn from the greats. That’s why it’s important to look into which courses these faculty teach before you have dreams of being mentored by Salman Rushdie — who is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at NYU.

Genres Offered

While many schools that have creative writing majors offer fiction and poetry courses and tracks, there are some niche genres that could be more difficult to find. If you’re interested in playwriting, for example, you won’t find that at every school. Before you decide on a program, be sure it includes the genres you’d like to explore further, whether that’s flash fiction, creative nonfiction, or something else.

Workshopping Opportunities

The core of most quality creative writing curriculum is workshopping. This means sharing your work in your classes and listening to your peers discuss and critique it. While this may sound intimidating, it can do a lot to help you hone your work and become a better writer. Look for colleges that make this the bedrock of their curriculum.

Showcasing Opportunities

Are there opportunities to present your work, such as college-sponsored readings where undergraduates can participate? Or, perhaps the school has a great literary journal. At my school, students could submit their plays and have them performed by fellow students. 

List of All U.S. Colleges With a Creative Writing Major

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

No matter what major you’re considering, the first step is ensuring you’re academically comparable to students who were previously accepted to the college or university. Most selective schools use the Academic Index to filter out applicants who aren’t up to their standards.

You’ll also want to demonstrate your fit with the school and specific major with the qualitative components of your application, like your extracurriculars and essays. For a prospective creative writing major, the essay is particularly important because this is a way to demonstrate your writing prowess. Activities might include editing your school’s newspaper or literary journal, publishing your work, and participating in pre-college writing workshops.

Want to know your chances of being accepted to top creative writing schools? Try our Chancing Engine (it’s free). Unlike other calculators, it takes your individual profile into account, including academic stats and qualitative components like your activities. Give it a try and get a jumpstart on your journey as a creative writing major!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

8 Best universities for Creative Writing in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 1.73K citations received by 1.77K academic papers made by 8 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. National Research University Higher School of Economics

For Creative Writing

2. Moscow State University

3. Russian State University for the Humanities

4. RUDN University

5. Moscow State Pedagogical University

6. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

7. Moscow State Linguistic University

8. Moscow State Institute of International Relations

Universities for Creative Writing near Moscow

Art & Design subfields in Moscow

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