Creative Writing and Publishing

Entry requirements

A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject.

For September 2025 entry: A creative writing portfolio is required from applicants that meet our entry requirements as an Additional Selection Measure. This portfolio should be between 3,000-5,000 words. The portfolio can be specialised by genre or made up of a combination of fiction, poems (equivalent of 10 poems), screenplay, creative non-fiction, and/or extract from a novel.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Blend storytelling artistry with essential publishing skills. Gain hands-on experience with the Bournemouth Journal and Writing Prize. Join a diverse international cohort, expand your global perspective and prepare for a dynamic publishing career.

Why study MA Creative Writing and Publishing at BU?

• • Versatile Writing and Publishing Skills: Master creative writing across various genres and forms while gaining essential skills in editing, marketing, design, and production, enabling you to navigate the publishing world independently.
  • Real-Life Publishing Experience: Work on real-life projects with BU’s own Bournemouth Journal, providing you with invaluable practical experience and a strong portfolio that will impress potential employers.
  • Expert Guidance and Mentorship: Learn from seasoned writers and industry professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, helping you refine your craft and understand the intricacies of the publishing industry.
  • Engage in Prestigious Writing Competitions: Participate in BU’s renowned international competitions, including The Bournemouth Writing Prize and the New Media Writing Prize, to showcase your talent, gain recognition, and connect with the writing community.
  • Cultural and Critical Analysis: Deepen your understanding of the cultural and critical contexts that influence writing and publishing, enriching your own practice and broadening your perspective on the literary world.
  • Global Perspective and Networking: Join a diverse international student body, enhancing your learning and preparing you for a global writing and publishing career. Expand your horizons with opportunities to study or work abroad.
  • Co-Creation Projects with Other Degrees: Collaborate with staff and students from media production, media communication and other courses on initiatives that celebrate diversity, inclusion and empathy through the creation of short films, interactive multimedia stories and AI animated photographs. These include Allies in Action, Rising Voices, Digital Storytelling in the Community, and Memory Markers.

Flexible study

The MA Creative Writing and Publishing course offers you the option to study full-time or part-time, either in person or online (online option applies to September intakes only). Lectures and online resources are combined with weekly small-group seminars to explore key texts, ideas, and concepts in more depth. If you are an online student, all your classes will take place virtually – bringing together a diverse cohort of students from all over the world and engaging with literary media texts and industry practices at the widest level.

Information for international students

IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in writing, speaking, listening and reading.

Fees and funding