Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
Improve your skills in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and other forms of writing. Gain an understanding of the theories and histories of writing and develop the core skills that will allow you to structure, write and edit write at an advanced level.
We proudly offer Australia’s most research-intensive creative writing program, built on a commitment to integrate creative writing and critical reading. Our program encourages diversity and experimentation to support your ideas and ambitions: we'll help you find, and develop, your literary voice.
Studying with us also means gaining access to Sydney’s literary life. You'll be exposed to a ceaseless calendar of readings, performances, major cultural events, and myriad professional guests.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP, an earlier closing date may apply – check the closing dates section below. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
To qualify for the Master of Creative Writing you must complete 72 credit points including:
Recognition of Prior Learning / credit for previous studies is available for this course, refer to Admission requirement below.
Under normal progression, you shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. You must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first 4 units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study.
You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Admission to candidature for the Master of Creative Writing (1.5 years full-time) requires:
All applicants for the Master of Creative Writing must also include a portfolio of 1,500 to 3,000 words of prose writing or 10 to 15 pages of poetry with their application.
If you have completed previous studies in a related area or have relevant work experience, you can reduce the length of your studies or receive credit based on the Recognition of Prior Learning criteria below.
Admission to candidature for the Master of Creative Writing (1 year full-time) requires:
If you do not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry to the Master’s degree, you may be able to enter via a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the same subject area and upgrade to the Master’s after successful completion of the shorter course
If you want to improve your creative writing skills and understand the theories and histories of writing, this course will suit you.
Some Creative Writing students have become published writers during or after their candidature; many have found careers in advertising, publishing, script writing, journalism and editing as well as teaching.
