Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting January 2027 — Apply anytime.
- Starting September 2027 — Apply anytime.
- Starting January 2028 — Apply anytime.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for postgraduate study as early as possible.
Language
English
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- PTE Academic: 68
- IELTS: 7.5
Credits
45 alternative credits
Students are expected to complete a minimum of 45 credits of institutionally-provided research training within the first two years.
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Creative Writing
Overview
This Creative Writing programme offered by Aberystwyth University doctoral programme supports the creation of substantial original work while encouraging deep engagement with literary analysis and scholarly reflection. Students undertake an extended creative project, such as a novel or poetry collection, alongside critical investigation that contextualizes, examines, and evaluates their creative practice. The programme combines artistic development with rigorous intellectual inquiry, enabling candidates to explore both the process and significance of their work.
Key Facts
Working under close supervision from experienced writers and scholars, candidates refine their creative voice, develop advanced research capabilities, and produce original contributions to contemporary literature. Access to extensive library resources and major archival collections supports both creative and critical dimensions of the degree. Graduates are prepared for careers in higher education, publishing, professional writing, research, editing, and other fields that value advanced communication and literary expertise.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Literary Criticism
- Creative Practice Research
- Narrative Studies
- Contemporary Literature
- Manuscript Development
- Writing and Critical Reflection
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- PTE Academic: 68
- IELTS: 7.5
Other requirements
General 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 portfolio of existing critical writing.
- 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.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 38,478 AUD / year (≈ 20,270 GBP / year)
- Domestic (Citizens or residents): 9,943 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Living costs
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
1,329-2,468 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Creative Writing.
Available Scholarships
- AberDoc Scholarship — Aberystwyth University — Grant 20780 GBP — Deadline 08 Jan 2027 — Merit-based
- International Accommodation Award — Aberystwyth University — Grant Various benefits — Deadline Not specified — Merit-based
- International Accommodation Award — Aberystwyth University — Grant Various benefits — Deadline Anytime
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — U.S. government — Grant Various benefits — Deadline 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — ServiceScape — Grant 1000 USD — Deadline 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — ACES Education Fund — Grant 3500 USD — Deadline 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation — Grant Various benefits — Deadline Not specified — Merit-based
- Scholarships for PhD Students — Junhua Li — Grant 19000 GBP — Deadline Not specified — Merit-based
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Boustany Foundation — Grant Various benefits — Deadline 28 Feb 2027 — Merit-based
- Amberscholar Scholarship — Amber Scholar — Grant 6000 USD — Deadline 31 Jan 2027 — Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — IvyPanda — Grant 1000 USD — Deadline 31 Oct 2026 — Merit-based
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Voice Talent Online — Grant 1000 USD — Deadline 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Salvado Law — Grant 1000 USD — Deadline 13 Jan 2027 — Merit-based
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Anonymous Hope Fund — Grant 3000 USD — Deadline 31 Dec 2026 — Need-based
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids — UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) — Grant 22500 GBP — Deadline Not specified
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Leopold Figl Foundation — Grant Various benefits — Deadline 31 Dec 2026 — Need-based
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — IELTS from 6 to 9 — Grant 1500 USD — Deadline Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant 12000 USD — Deadline 11 Jan 2027