MFA Creative Writing is the perfect course to set yourself on the path to becoming a writer. This popular degree, pursued by students interested in honing their writing skills, is offered by various universities across the world. In this blog, we explore more about MFA Creative Writing including the top universities, eligibility and scope after graduation!
Full form | Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing |
Duration | 1-2 years |
Eligibility | Completed Schooling, Bachelor’s Degree |
Further Study Options | PhD |
Job Options | Writer, Editor, Journalist, Professor, etc. |
Salary | The average annual salary ranges between INR 2-15 Lakhs (India) |
This Blog Includes:
What is MFA Creative Writing
Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a 1-2 year postgraduate degree course. It trains students to specialise in either prose or poetry. It allows students to explore and practice techniques and styles of modern and contemporary writing and apply these through the development of their own creative work. This program often combines teaching with creative writing workshops and requires students to submit a creative writing dissertation at the end of the program. Undertaking this degree could help you pursue careers as a writer, editor, journalist, digital marketer or professor.
Also Read: Creative Writing Courses in UK
Top Universities for MFA Creative Writing
Various universities offer master courses in creative writing. Here is a list of those top 20 ranked universities around the world according to English Language and Literature as ranked by QS World Rankings 2021:
University | Location |
University of Oxford | Oxford, United Kingdom |
University of Cambridge | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
Harvard University | Cambridge, United States |
The University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, United States |
Yale University | New Haven, United States |
Stanford University | Stanford, United States |
Princeton University | Princeton, United States |
The University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, United States |
Columbia University | New York City, United States |
University of Toronto | Toronto, Canada |
University of Chicago | Chicago, United States |
UCL | London, United Kingdom |
King’s College London | London, United Kingdom |
New York University (NYU) | New York City, United States |
University of British Columbia | Vancouver, Canada |
Duke University | Durham, United States |
The University of Sydney | Sydney, Australia |
The University of Manchester | Manchester, United Kingdom |
The University of Melbourne | Parkville, Australia |
Eligibility Criteria for MFA Creative Writing
To be eligible for MFA Creative Writing, the following are generally the requirements:
- Students must have completed their class 12th in any stream.
- A bachelor’s degree, honours or otherwise, in relevant subjects such as anthropology, botany, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, geography, etc. Minimum GPA specified by the university.
- Applicants will be required to submit a sample of Creative Writing, upon which the admission will be determined.
- Relevant experience such as internships or part-time jobs may be taken into consideration.
- If you are planning to study abroad, you have to give English language proficiency tests like IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE and clear the minimum score requirement specified by the chosen university.
If you need help with applying for the MFA Creative Writing program at top universities abroad, can contact Leverage Edu for end-to-end counselling and a hassle-free study abroad journey!
Also Read: Feature Writing
Documents Checklist
Following documents are required while applying for MFA Creative Writing:
- Completely filled application form
- A personal statement explaining why you are suitable for the course
- A writing sample
- Copy of bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Copy of English Language Proficiency Scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Self-attested X & XII marksheet and certificates
- 2 references, if applicable
- Passport/Identification Card
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- Proof of funds
Also Read: Creative Writing Scholarships
Scope after MFA Creative Writing
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects growth for master’s in writing careers through 2026, including an 8% increase for writers and authors, a 9% increase for public relation specialists, and an 11% increase for technical writers. Depending upon your specialisation whether, in poetry, fiction or nonfiction, students can pursue a variety of career options post completing their MFA Creative Writing degree. Individuals can work in industries like education, publishing, journalism or in academics. The program trains you to become a skilled writer, communicator, and editor. Students can also choose to become a professor at a university or college.
Also Read: Explore a Career in Script Writing
Average Salary
In India, the annual salary of creative writers can range from Rs 2 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs, depending upon the field and experience. Whereas, the national average salary for a Creative Writer is $53,090 per year (INR 40,158,92) in the United States.
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