Creative Writing PhD
Key information
Full-time - 4 years
- Start dates:
- October 2023
- January 2024
- April 2024
- July 2024
Part-time - 8 years
- Start dates:
- October 2023
- January 2024
- April 2024
- July 2024
Why choose this programme
We belong to the interdisciplinary School of Literature and Languages, which has research-active staff in English literature, film studies, translation studies, theoretical and applied linguistics, and literary and cultural studies as well as creative writing.
Our research in modern and contemporary writing includes both literary-critical and creative work. In particular, we explore:
- the work of living writers
- the tradition and future of innovative writing
- the environment and climate change
- the nature of publishing as an innovative and radical political enterprise
- literature and the body.
We’re part of TECHNE, an Arts and Humanities Research Council AHRC)-funded doctoral training partnership, which provides access to comprehensive academic and professional training programmes, as well as the possibility of funding for your studies.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School of Literature and Languages 10th for research impact, with 75% of our case studies rated as having outstanding impacts, in terms of reach and significance (4*). REF is the UK’s system for independently assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions. Our submission to REF included contributions from the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).
What you will study
Our Creative Writing PhD will train you in critical and analytical skills, research methods, and knowledge that will equip you for your future career. It normally takes between three to four years to complete our full-time PhD.
You’ll be assigned two supervisors, who will meet with you regularly to read and discuss your work and make sure you’re on track. For us, writing is essential for understanding and developing new perspectives, so you’ll be submitting written work right from the start of your course.
In your first year, you’ll refine your research proposal and plan the structure of your work with the support of your supervisors. As you go into your second and third year, you’ll work more independently, and your supervisors will guide you on how to present at conferences and get your work published.
After 12-15 months, you’ll submit a substantial piece of work for examination, which will give you the opportunity to gain additional guidance on your research to-date. Following submission of your thesis, a viva will be conducted, which is a discussion of your thesis with a panel of academic experts.
We’ll support and develop your writing and research skills, through our Researcher Development Programme, additional subject-specific training, and by meeting visiting scholars including our writers and poets in residence. Our Creative Writing PhD students also often take part in regular readings and events such as the New Writers Festival and Surrey Poetry Festival.
Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Research themes
- Experimental poetry
- Historical prose fiction
- Literary prose fiction
- Contemporary commercial/genre prose fiction.
Our academic staff
See a full list of all our academic staff within the School of Literature and Languages.
Schools and departments
Research areas
Research facilities
You’ll be allocated shared office space within the School of Literature and Languages and have full access to our library and online resources. Our close proximity to London also means that the British Library and many other important archives are within easy reach.
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a good first degree (a minimum 2:1 or equivalent) and an MA in a relevant topic. In exceptional cases, students with a good first degree will be considered for Creative Writing where there is a substantial or promising creative portfolio.
International entry requirements by country
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 7.0 or above with a minimum of 6.5 in each component (or equivalent).
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants meeting the expected entry requirements, assessment of application, successful interview and suitable references where required.
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, are subsequently confirmed as having PhD.
Fees
Start date: October 2023
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £18,600
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £9,300
Start date: January 2024
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £18,600
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £9,300
Start date: April 2024
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £18,600
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £9,300
Start date: July 2024
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £18,600
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £9,300
For fees payable in 2022/23, these will increase by 4 per cent, rounded up to the nearest £100 for subsequent years of study. Any start date other than October will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
Overseas students applying for 2022 entry should note that annual fees will rise by 4% rounded up to the nearest £100.
View a complete list of all fees for our research programmes.
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey. Find out more.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
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Course | Status |
---|---|
Creative Writing PhD Full-time, October 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 23 June 2023 |
Creative Writing PhD Full-time, January 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 13 October 2023 |
Creative Writing PhD Full-time, April 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 1 March 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Full-time, July 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 19 April 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Part-time, October 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 23 June 2023 |
Creative Writing PhD Part-time, January 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 13 October 2023 |
Creative Writing PhD Part-time, April 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 1 March 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Part-time, July 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 19 April 2024 |
How to apply
If you are applying for a studentship to work on a particular project, you should enter the details of the specific project that you wish to apply for rather than your own research proposal.
Code of practice for research degrees
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF).
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/2023 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682 222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH