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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate the MA in Creative Writing
This qualification is an opportunity to develop your skills as a writer in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and scriptwriting for film, radio or the stage. You'll be able to write in a genre of your choice and experiment with at least one other genre through inspiring practical activities. You’ll work towards producing a substantial piece of your own creative writing to a professional standard. You'll also hone your practice through sharing, reading and critiquing the writing of your peers in online forums.
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. You'll study one compulsory 60-credit module and one compulsory 120-credit module. You must pass part 1 before progressing to part 2.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802)
This module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting through practical writing, reading and research activities.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026
MA Creative Writing part 2 (A803)
Specialising in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction or script writing, you will work towards a substantial piece of creative writing produced to a professional standard.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
12003 Oct 2026
Please note that MA Creative Writing part 2 (A803) is worth 120 credits. Fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore, the fee for this module will be double that of the 60-credit module, MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802).
By studying the MA in Creative Writing, you’ll:
You’ll learn online, supported by expert tutors and structured writing activities.
You’ll be awarded a Master of Arts in Creative Writing upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MA (CW) (Open) after your name.
Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you leave the programme before you qualify for a masters degree you can qualify for a Postgraduate Certificate in Humanities (C20) after successfully completing 60 credits.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the MA in Creative Writing part-time, completing one module per year over a two-year period. Typically, this translates to 16–20 hours of study per week for the 60-credit module and 20–25 hours of study per week for the 120-credit module.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

You must complete the MA in Creative Writing within 10 years.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), preferably with at least a 2:1 classification. Although your degree does not need to be in creative writing or a closely related subject, you will need some knowledge of creative writing to successfully complete this qualification, as the MA in Creative Writing assumes all candidates have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursuing this subject at undergraduate level. Please note that this is not a qualification for those who are just starting to write creatively.
If your degree is not in creative writing or a closely related subject, we strongly recommend that you read the preparatory work indicated in MA Creative Writing part 1. Alternatively, you could undertake our free online creative writing short courses ‘Writing what you know’, ‘Start writing fiction’ and ‘Creative writing and critical reading’ on OpenLearn to ensure that your skills – writing, reading, editorial, reflective, analytical – are at an appropriate standard.
If you don’t have a Creative Writing degree, when you apply, please make sure to provide evidence of any writing experience, such as through short courses, workshops, publications or any preparatory work you've undertaken.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
The fees and the funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are for guidance only.
Modules starting in the 2026/27 academic year are open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed.
We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£7,900*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about postgraduate loans and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
If you wish to pursue a freelance writing career, this masters degree will equip you with the necessary writing and editorial skills, as well as provide you with a raft of highly valued transferable communication and collaborative skills necessary to the modern writer’s portfolio of occupations.
If you’re aiming for an academic career in higher education, this qualification will provide a route towards a higher-level research or writing practice degree (e.g. PhD), which is essential for such a career. A masters degree can help to enhance your career prospects as a teacher in secondary, further education and higher education; most HE Creative Writing teaching now demands an MA in the subject. An MA can also strengthen your credentials for teaching or facilitating workshops in non-academic (public, private or community) settings.
If your aim is to enter professions associated with the media, culture, creative or knowledge industries, or if you already have a career in one of these areas and are seeking a further qualification as a means of career development, then a masters degree can prove invaluable. This degree is pertinent to careers that call on knowledge of the craft of writing, editing or critiquing (for instance, journalism, publishing, copywriting, communications, public relations, marketing and publicity, arts administration and programming, content creation, computer game development). It may also be relevant for careers that demand skills in the creative use and analysis of texts of various sorts, critical thinking and organisation, independent research and problem solving, or an understanding of culture in a broad sense.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.
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This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.
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