Creative Writing PhD
Lancaster University
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.1) View reviews

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Different course options
2 options available
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

Lancaster University

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

OCT-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Lancaster University

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Lancaster University

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

48 months

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Subjects

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Creative Writing
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Location

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Domestic
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EU
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Course info

Why Lancaster?Study online or join us on campus to be close to the Lake District, home of the Romantic poets, and inspiration for many writers sinceBenefit from our supervisory strengths in contemporary poetry, fiction, creative-critical writing, creative non-fiction and script writingComplete a significant creative writing project, whether you want to craft a novel or create an entire scriptBe inspired by our rich programme of literary events on campus, online, and in the city’s historic ...Read more

Why Lancaster?

Study online or join us on campus to be close to the Lake District, home of the Romantic poets, and inspiration for many writers since

Benefit from our supervisory strengths in contemporary poetry, fiction, creative-critical writing, creative non-fiction and script writing

Complete a significant creative writing project, whether you want to craft a novel or create an entire script

Be inspired by our rich programme of literary events on campus, online, and in the city’s historic Castle Quarter

Join a vibrant, supportive community of PhD students working across a range of literacy genres and research projects

We have a team of award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights with the expertise and experience to bring your creative project to life. Our staff have a range of impressive accolades including the BBC National Short Story Award, Waterstones’ Children’s Book Prize and Pigott Poetry Prize.

Your unique project

Wondering what a PhD in creative writing looks like? It depends what project you decide to work on. Typically, we would expect a critical writing piece around 20,000 words long and a creative writing piece of around 60-80,000 words. Your creative work can be an extract or a complete piece or collection of prose fiction/non-fiction, a collection of poetry, or a completed script for stage, screen or audio. These are examples; we’re happy to discuss other forms and unique projects with you.

Finding the right supervisor is key to your success as they’ll act as a critical friend. We expect you to already have one in mind while completing your application and to contact them before submitting your application. Most students have one or two supervisors, but you might have more depending on the nature of your project.

Online or on campus?

Our pioneering virtual learning and research facilities mean you can study from anywhere in the world. Our campus students enjoy a lively programme of departmental events and both distance and campus students meet in termly Work in Progress sessions.

If you haven’t studied a Master’s in Creative Writing at Lancaster, you’ll need to complete the core Creative Writing module Research Methods and Professional Practice. You can take this module in person or online.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
65/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
6th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
10th
What students say
E
Ella
10 Jan 24

The best aspects is my degree, it was the best catered to what I wanted when trying to find a university. The campus itself is also good, the library especially. Being a campus..Read more

I
Ifunanya
07 Dec 23

It’s fine. I like the college..Read more

Modules

Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Students need to have: Master's degree or equivalent in English literature or literature in other languages, usually with an average of at least 65% for UK MAs. 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in English Literature or related subject, for example literature in other languages.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

The fee mentioned is for 2024-25 academic year and there may be a slight increase in the fee for 2025-26 entry.

£21,920 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£21,920 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Creative Writing reviews

Creative Writing
Creative Writing
E
Ella
10 Jan 24
English Language and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
The best aspects is my degree, it was the best catered to what I wanted when trying to find a university. The campus itself is also good, the library especially. Being a campus...
Read more
I
Ifunanya
07 Dec 23
English Language and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
It’s fine. I like the college...
Read more
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How Creative Writing students rated:

Student rating
( 4.0) 13 reviews
5 star
24%
4 stars
53%
3 stars
23%
2 stars
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1 star
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How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 1,456 reviews
5 star
33%
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3 stars
13%
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Uni info

Lancaster University
Bailrigg Lancaster Lancashire LA1 4YW United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Lancaster  1.7 miles away

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