Creative Writing - MA

During this programme, you will:  

• Learn from a distinguished faculty, including award-winning novelists like Joseph O’Connor, Donal Ryan, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, and poet Emily Cullen, along with guest masterclasses from acclaimed writer Kit deWaal. 

• Expand your literary knowledge by analysing the works of renowned writers and experiencing masterclasses and readings by the writers themselves.  

• Develop your creative writing skills and get a practical understanding of the entire writing process, from redrafting to submission and publication.   

• Research, design, and execute a practical project that makes a meaningful impact on the local community—ranging from memoirs and short stories to novel chapters, poetry collections, and song lyrics. 

• Immerse yourself in local literary attractions like UL Creative Writing Festival, Limerick Literary Weekend in Honour of Kate O’Brien, Doolin Writers’ Weekend, the Eigse Michael Hartnett Poetry Arts and Literary Festival and more. 

Key Information:

• Delivered on campus
• Complete full-time in one year or part-time over two years
• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters
• Two core modules in semester one, three in semester two
• Choose one elective module each semester
• >Collaborate on a community project linked to writing festivals, schools, or arts organisations
• Submit a Creative Writing dissertation in the summer (or final) semester
• Dissertation projects may include fiction, poetry, memoir, or song lyrics

You will learn through a blend of:

• Lectures, masterclasses, and writer readings
• Supervised research and community-based learning
• Regular feedback from faculty and peers through group work and assessments
• Workshops and readings have featured acclaimed writers including Louise O’Neill, Claire Keegan, Roddy Doyle, and others 

Full-time 

Autumn Semester 

Core modules: 

• Creative Writing 1 (EH6051) will help you develop your skills through analysing the works of established writers, understanding frameworks associated with a specific genre, and learning to critically reflect on your work and the works of others.
• Project Development for Creative Writers (EH6061) will introduce you to the publishing industry and its changing realities and offer a chance to work with industry professionals, including literary agents, commissioning editors and publishers.
• Creative Writers in the Community 1 (EH6091) will provide you with the skills and experience necessary to deliver a community engagement project like a writing workshop or a literary event.   

Electives (choose one):  

• Gender and Sexuality in Irish Writing (EH6021)
• Literature, Film, and Human Rights (EH6031)
• Situating Irish Gothic (EH6072)  

Spring Semester 

Core modules:  

• Creative Writing 2 (EH6082) will help you develop your writing skills through peer review and create a portfolio of creative pieces worthy of publication.
• Individual Creative Writing Project / Dissertation Rehearsal (EH6112) will provide you with tutor support to produce a finished, publication-ready writing piece, a list of target publishers, and the draft of the proposed Master's level dissertation in Creative Writing.   
• Creative Writers in the Community 2 (EH6152) will help you integrate the theory and practice and deliver your creative writing project in a real community setting.
• Principles of Storytelling and Writerly Reading (EH6132) will explore the concept of storytelling through the essential elements of fiction and drama. 

Electives (choose one):  

• Politics and American Literature (EH6012)
• Postcolonial Theory and Literature (EH6022)
• Issues in Modern and Contemporary Poetry (EH6032)
• Feminist Literary Theory (EH6042)
• Irish Americas in Literature and Culture (EH6062)  

Summer Semester 

• Creative Writing Dissertation (EH6013) will bring together the research strategies, literary analysis and techniques you acquired during the programme to develop a creative writing portfolio. 

Part-time  

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

• Creative Writing 1 (EH6051) As above.
• Choose one elective  

Spring Semester 

• Creative Writing 2 (EH6082): As above
• Choose one elective  

Summer Semester 

• Part-time students will not participate in the Summer Semester in year 1. 

Year 2 

Autumn Semester 

• Project Development for Creative Writers (EH6061)
• Creative Writers in the Community 1 (EH6091) 

Spring Semester 

• Individual Creative Writing Project / Dissertation Rehearsal (EH6112)
• Creative Writers in the Community 2 (EH6152)
• Principles of Storytelling and Writerly Reading (EH6132)  

Summer Semester 

• Creative Writing Dissertation (EH6013)

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8,) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline. 

• You must submit a 3,000-word sample of creative writing. This can be one single piece or several pieces.   

Other Entry Considerations:  

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of Documents:  

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• Personal statement that should include:
• Your reasons for choosing the MA Creative Writing programme at UL over other available options.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the faculty’s teaching expertise and publishing record.
• Awareness of the MA programme structure and how it aligns with your goals.
• Your personal motivations for pursuing this programme
• Portfolio
• Up to 3,000 words of creative work (one single piece or several pieces) This may include: a novel extract, short story, poetry collection or screenplay. 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - Full Time €8,700 - Part Time €4,400 per annum*

Non EU -  Full Time €19,500 - Part Time €10,500 per annum*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. Only the full-time version of this programme qualifies for a study visa. 

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

Our graduates have: 

• Successfully published nationally and internationally
• Shortlisted or won major literary prizes, including;
• Hennessy New Writer of the Year Award
• RTE Francis McManus Award
• Listowel Writers’ Week Bryan MacMahon Short Story Award
• Arts Council Next Generation Award Irish Writers’ Centre Novel Fair Award 

Pippa Slattery graduated from our Creative Writing MA in 2021.  

“My confidence in my writing has developed immensely. Because of the MA, I now feel like I’m on my way to becoming an author, not just a writer.”  

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below. 

Online Information Sessions 

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Pippa Slattery, MA Creative Writing 2020/21

“My confidence in my writing has also developed immensely. Because of the MA, I now feel like I’m on my way to becoming an author, not just a writer.”

 

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William Keohane

“If you love writing, I would encourage you to pursue it. This MA is the perfect way to do that.”

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