Creative Writing PhD
Key information
Full-time - 4 years
- Start dates:
- July 2024
- October 2024
- January 2025
- April 2025
Part-time - 8 years
- Start dates:
- July 2024
- October 2024
- January 2025
- April 2025
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.
Our diverse mix of subject specialities mean that we are a vibrant and imaginative community with lots of opportunity for intellectual exchange.
We are 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*). 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.
As a doctoral student in the School of Literatures and Languages, you’ll receive a structured training programme covering the practical aspects of being a researcher, including grant-writing, how to publish in journals, and how to applyfor academic jobs.
Assessment
After 12-15 months, you’ll submit a substantial piece of work for a confirmation examination. The confirmation examination will be conducted by two internal members of staff not on your supervisory team and will give you the opportunity to gain additional guidance on your research-to-date.
Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.
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.
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 themes
- Experimental poetry
- Historical prose fiction
- Literary prose fiction
- Contemporary commercial fiction
- Genre prose fiction.
Our academic staff
See a full list of all our academic staff within the School of Literature and Languages.
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.
The University offers excellent training opportunities and a range of research seminars and events. These provide a valuable opportunity to meet visiting scholars whose work connects with our own research strengths across literature, theory, and creative writing.
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree 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).
Application requirements
Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our application guidance.
After registration
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants:
- Meeting the expected entry requirements
- Being shortlisted through the application screening process
- Completing a successful interview
- Providing suitable references.
Fees
Start date: July 2024
Full-time
- UK
- £4,712
- Overseas
- £18,600
Part-time
- UK
- £2,356
- Overseas
- £9,300
Start date: October 2024
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £20,200
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £10,100
Start date: January 2025
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £20,200
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £10,100
Start date: April 2025
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £20,200
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £10,100
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
- Any start date other than September 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).
View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Apply online
If you are applying for a studentship to work on a particular project, please provide details of the project instead of a research proposal.
Read our application guidance for further information on applying.
To apply online first select the course you'd like to apply for then log in.
1. Select your course
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2. Sign in
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Course | Status |
---|---|
Creative Writing PhD Full-time, July 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 19 April 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Part-time, July 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 19 April 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Full-time, October 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 1 July 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Part-time, October 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 1 July 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Full-time, January 2025 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 18 October 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Part-time, January 2025 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 18 October 2024 |
Creative Writing PhD Full-time, April 2025 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 28 February 2025 |
Creative Writing PhD Part-time, April 2025 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 28 February 2025 |
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 to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is 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
Contact Admissions TeamAddress
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH