• Toll free: 1800 258 5772

University of Auckland

Auckland , North Island ,New Zealand

Master of Creative Writing

The MCW is for writers working on a large-scale creative writing project: a novel, short story collection, full-length work of creative nonfiction, or poetry collection.

The program is convened by the award-winning novelist and short story writer, Paula Morris. Acclaimed poet Selina Tusitala Marsh co-supervises poets in the programme.

The best portfolio each year wins the Sir James Wallace Master of Creative Writing Prize of $5,000, New Zealand’s richest prize for a creative writing student.

Campus Information

City Campus

The City Campus is right in the heart of Auckland. You are within walking distance of all the main cultural, entertainment and commercial hubs.

Intakes

  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

COE
10 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

This programme will equip you with the skills you need to finish your book through putting pen to paper. Our graduates have published books with a range of publishers including Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury, Auckland University Press, Huia and USP Press. These graduates include Linda Olsson, Emily Perkins, John Adams, Sonja Yelich and Renee Liang.

 

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Programme requirements
 
The MCW is a highly competitive programme.

You should have a book project in mind or already underway and demonstrate a clear creative focus and accomplishment in your chosen genre.

To enrol in a MCW you need to have completed one of the following at a recognised university (or similar institution):

  • A four-year bachelors degree
  • An honours degree
  • A three-year bachelors degree, and a professional qualification in writing or at least three years of professional experience in writing

Professional experience can include previously published creative writing, working in a field involving writing such as journalism or copywriting, involvement in writers’ groups or participation in writing events.

You will also need to submit a portfolio of creative writing that is judged by the convenor to be of sufficient standard for entry into the programme.