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PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
Lancaster University
Full Time
OCT-25
3 years
Select a course option
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
Lancaster University
Full Time
OCT-25
3 years
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
Lancaster University
Part Time
OCT-25
48 months
Select a an exam type
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.
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.
Students living in
Domestic
£4,786 per year
Students from Domestic
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
Students from EU
The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.
£21,920 per year
Students from International
The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.
University of Central Lancashire