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Master of Creative Writing (MCW)

    Overview

    The course will be taught through a combination of group writing workshops and one-on-one supervision by an established writer. It will be supplemented by special events featuring guest writers and public readings.

    Further information can be found on the Master of Creative Writing webpage

    Making an application

    Places in the course are limited. To apply for the MCW, you will need to have either:

    • An honours degree in English (or a related field) with a GPA of B+ or above, or
    • A substantial publication record as a creative writer

    In your application you’ll need to supply the following documents:

    • CV, with any publication history (maximum 5 pages)
    • Project proposal (maximum 2 pages)
    • Creative writing portfolio of published or unpublished work or a combination (maximum 15 pages)
    • Names of 2 referees who can speak to your creative writing and/or professional experience
    • Academic transcripts for any previous qualification

    Click the 'Apply now' button above to get started.

    Applications for 2025 will close on Friday, 25 October 2024.

    Contact

    Dr Lynley Edmeades
    Email lynley.edmeades@otago.ac.nz

    English and Linguistics programme
    Email english@otago.ac.nz

    Regulations for the Degree of Master of Creative Writing (MCW)

    1. Admission to the Programme

      1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
      2. Every applicant will:
        1. submit a portfolio of creative writing (published or unpublished, or a combination) for the consideration of the selection committee; AND
        2. have either:
          1. an honours degree in English (or a related field) with a GPA of B+ or above, or
          2. a substantial publication record as a creative writer
      3. In considering an applicant’s qualifications, regard will be given to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant’s performance in the programme.

    2. Structure of the Programme

      1. The programme of study shall consist of the preparation and presentation of a high-quality and original manuscript of creative writing (in a genre, or a mix of genres, as agreed upon with the Course Convener).
      2. The manuscript shall be limited to 40,000 words of text, exclusive of appendices, footnotes, bibliography or equivalent. If the manuscript comprises a collection of poetry, it shall be limited to 50 pages.
      3. A candidate shall, before commencing the programme, secure the approval of the Course Convener for the supervisor(s) and for the selection of written works to be created.
      4. A candidate may not present work that has previously been accepted for another degree or that has been previously published (online or in print; online publications include blogs and social media posts).
      5. The Senate shall approve the proposed area of study on the recommendation of the Course Convener and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

    3. Duration of the Programme

      A candidate shall normally complete the degree within one year of study.

    4. Withdrawal from the Programme

      Where a candidate withdraws from the programme before completion, no qualification shall be awarded.

    5. Examination of the Manuscript

      1. The Head of School or Head of Programme concerned (or nominee) shall appoint a Convener of Examiners who shall oversee the manuscript examination.
      2. The manuscript shall be assessed by at least two examiners, at least one of whom shall be external to the University.
      3. The candidate’s supervisor shall not be an examiner but may make a report on the work of the candidate to the Convener of Examiners.
      4. Each examiner shall supply a written report on the manuscript, on the basis of the work submitted, recommend a mark and grade as well as an overall result selected from the options specified in clause (e) below.
      5. The examiners may recommend that the manuscript:
        1. be accepted without requiring amendments;
        2. be accepted subject to minor corrections being made at the discretion, and to the satisfaction, of the Convener of Examiners;
        3. does not meet the criteria for the award of the degree, but, where this is viable, may be revised and resubmitted for examination;
        4. does not meet the criteria for the award of the degree, and should be rejected without right of resubmission.
      6. Amendments (regulation 5(e)(ii)) and revisions (regulation 5(e)(iii)) shall be completed by a specified date to be determined by the Convener of Examiners.
      7. A candidate shall be permitted to revise and resubmit the manuscript for examination once only.
      8. If a revised and resubmitted manuscript is finally accepted, the result shall be either ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ (i.e. ungraded) and without eligibility for the award of the degree with distinction or credit.
      9. Where the examiners cannot agree on a result, the Convener of Examiners should so report to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) or nominee who shall arrive at a decision after consulting a referee who should normally be external to the University.

    6. Level of Award of the Degree

      The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

    7. Variations

      The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

    This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

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