PhD

Creative Writing

The Department of English and Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University provides an excellent environment for postgraduate study, research, and creative work. The main University library is well stocked with standard texts and critical works on a very wide range of topics. The National Library of Wales, adjacent to the campus, is one of the UK’s five copyright libraries, holding one of the most extensive collections of books and manuscripts in Europe.

As a department that values a stimulating research ethos highly, we place great emphasis on the provision of high-quality teaching, supervision and facilities for our postgraduate community. As a result, our postgraduate community is dynamic and thriving. It is very pleasing to note that our graduates secure employment in teaching, academia, publishing, and various other professional fields.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area and Merit performance at Masters level (either complete or in process). Consideration will be given to applicants who can demonstrate a significant body of relevant professional experience in lieu of academic qualifications.

English Language Requirements IELTS 7.5 with minimum 7.5 in each component

Other Requirements Submission of a satisfactory writing portfolio. Please note that the above requirements are a minimum for entry, and successful applicants are likely to be able to demonstrate consistent academic performance at the higher levels (i.e. at least high 2.1 / high Merit). Marks transcripts must be provided at the point of application.

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Course Overview

This is a research-based course, with 'research' in this context implying everything that is required to bring to completion a novel or substantial collection of poems, as well as to provide a critical/analytical account of the work produced. You will be expected, under the guidance of your supervisor, to demonstrate your skills in handling a sustained creative project, while at the same time establishing a critical framework for your writing. Your research will be closely supervised throughout by one or more core members of the Department’s Creative Writing staff.

Please visit our School's Research pages for information regarding our staff, areas of interest, facilities and other information.

All academic staff in the Department of English and Creative Writing are active scholars and experts in their fields. They are either qualified to PhD level or have commensurate experience. Our Lecturers either hold or are working towards a Higher Education teaching qualification and the majority of academic staff also hold the status of Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.