Overview

The University of Limerick offers a Master of Arts in Creative Writing, taught by internationally successful authors including our Chair of Creative Writing, Professor Joseph O’Connor (author of the million-selling Star of the Sea), Donal Ryan (The Spinning Heart) and Giles Foden, (The Last King of Scotland). This one-year programme enables students to develop their skills in creative writing through careful consideration of the work of established writers; through study of the elements of a piece of creative writing; through assignments that enable students to master strategies for revision of their work; and through an understanding of the requirements of the submission and publication process. Through coursework students consider the role of plot, characterization, dialogue, and point-of-view in crafting compelling fiction and drama.
Students experience teaching-visits from leading contemporary authors.  Our Creative Writing students experience teaching-visits, seminars and readings from outstanding contemporary authors. Recent visitors have included Colum McCann, Claire Keegan, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Colin Barrett, Sara Baume and Pulitzer prize winner Richard Ford.
Students gain practical experience through working on our literary journal The Ogham Stone and in the preparation of their dissertation portfolios. Ireland was the homeland of some of the twentieth century's most accomplished writers, and the city of Limerick has a rich history in creative writing, memorialized in the Frank McCourt museum, and celebrated annually with several literary festivals - the Limerick Literary Weekend; the Eigse Michael Hartnett Poetry Arts and Literary Festival; and Cuisle, the Limerick International Poetry Festival.

For Further Information, please contact:
The Course Director: Professor Joseph O’Connor
School of Culture and Communication
Telephone: +353(0)61 202623
Email: joseph.oconnor@ul.ie

Programme Brochure

Programme Content

Entry Requirements

Applicants must normally have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject, or equivalent prior learning or experience that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement. This might include creative work in writing or the arts.
Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University.  The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary.

Portfolio

Admission will also be based upon a piece or pieces of creative work up to 3000 words submitted by the student as part of the application process. This might be a novel extract, a short story, a set of poems or a screenplay. This creative work will be assessed by a small committee of staff, who will judge submissions on their originality, technique, and intellectual rigour.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

What to include with your application

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• Portfolio
• Supporting Statement
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• A copy of your birth certificate/passport