Join our international community of writers at the University of Lincoln and produce a work of literary excellence with one of our dedicated expert mentors. Our low-residency MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing is an innovative and exciting programme that provides opportunities to work closely with professionals from the publishing and creative industries. As a fine arts rather than an English programme, it is designed to encourage you to improve your craft as a writer, develop your philosophy of composition, explore contemporary forms of literature, learn about the publishing world as well as the creative industries, and - most importantly - write the book you've always wanted to write.
Creative Writing at Lincoln is considered a centre of excellence, with a strong tradition of student-focused, innovative, and emancipatory pedagogies. As a result, our Creative Writing alumni have published work in international journals and anthologies, secured publishing and agency contracts, won literary prizes and writing grants, and have gone on to work in publishing, academia, journalism, broadcasting, marketing, project management, and television.
Creative Writing at Lincoln is considered a centre of excellence
Our low-residency model allows you to create and work to your own schedule
Join an international community of artists and writers
Benefit from readings, workshops, and discussions with visiting experts
Lincoln has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize (2023)
Postgraduate study at Lincoln ranked top 10 in the UK*
*Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023
This programme is primarily delivered online following a low-residency model, and concentrations include Poetry, Fiction (YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction), Creative Non-Fiction, Scriptwriting, Literary Translation, Conceptual and Experimental Literature, and many hybrid forms. The MFA at Lincoln also has a strong focus on employability and aims to prepare you for a professional writing and/or publishing career. You will gain hands-on editorial experience working on The Lincoln Review, our international literary journal, and enjoy the opportunity to apply for competitive internships with our industry partners.
Our distinctive Master of Fine Arts programme allows you to benefit from the following key features:
Bespoke Mentorship: Develop the skills required to become a professional writer through our bespoke mentorship model. Under expert supervision, devise and complete a full-length, publishable output.
Lincoln Masterclasses: Benefit from our Lincoln Masterclasses - readings, workshops, and discussions led by visiting writers, editors, publishers, and other experts from the publishing world and creative industries.
Summer Residency: Enjoy yearly residencies in the beautiful historic city of Lincoln, where we will gather for workshops, lectures, readings, and social events. There may also be optional literary trips to London or Paris depending on demand.
Professional Internship: Gain hands-on editorial experience working as an editor for The Lincoln Review, our international literary journal. TLR showcases new poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, translations, art, and photography from both established as well as emerging and underrepresented voices from around the world. Past contributors have included Carol Ann Duffy, Gèzim Hajdari, Jee Leong Koh, Tom Pickard, Robert Shearman, Virgil Suärez, Helen Tookey, Joan Ure, Maria Luise Weissmann, Jennifer Wong, Franz Wright, and Nurit Zarchi.
Flexibility: Live the writing life without leaving home. There's no need to quit your job and pack your suitcases, as our low-residency model allows you to create your own schedule and complete work when it suits you.
This module offers student writers the opportunity of a “professional editorship” with The Lincoln Review, the University of Lincoln’s international literary journal. Students have the opportunity to learn about issues, principles, and practices related to the management of publishing organisations; editing, marketing, solicitation of work, design, layout, copyright and ethical issues; as well as the process of editing, designing, and publishing a professional literary journal.
This module considers the relationship between literature and its context as a means of exploring students' own writing. Students will have the opportunity to study contemporary works that have been acclaimed by critics and popular genre titles in order to discuss what the basis of their appeal is as singular texts, as a genre and as a commodity in contemporary culture.
During this practice-led module, student writers will concentrate on the production of an extended creative writing manuscript, which is ultimately intended for publication as part of their ongoing professional development. This is contextualised by a reading as a writer essay in the Form and Genre module, which will articulate the student writer’s own aesthetic practice and writerly philosophy, and situate their own writing in the field of literary production.
During this practice-led module, student writers will concentrate on the production of an extended creative writing manuscript, which is ultimately intended for publication as part of their ongoing professional development. This is contextualised by a reading as a writer essay in the Form and Genre module, which will articulate the student writer’s own aesthetic practice and writerly philosophy, and situate their own writing in the field of literary production. Note that this is module applies to the part-time route.
During this practice-led module, student writers will concentrate on the production of an extended creative writing manuscript, which is ultimately intended for publication as part of their ongoing professional development. This is contextualised, in The Mentorship 1 (Part A) by a reading as a writer essay in the Form and Genre module, which will articulate the student writer’s own aesthetic practice and writerly philosophy, and situate their own writing in the field of literary production. Note that this module belongs to the part-time route.
This module is designed to introduce student writers to, and further their knowledge of, various publishing industries (commercial, trade, and independent), fields of contemporary literary production, and the role(s) of the creative writer within the publishing world and other creative and cultural environments. Students will engage in both professional research and professional practice, which will be developed and encouraged via lectures, seminars, and workshops.
It is intended that experiencing both traditional and new media and the crossovers between them will stimulate students’ creativity and encourage them to be experimental in both their subject matter and mode of presentation. Throughout this module, students will also examine some of the other career options that can come through Creative Writing, such as working as editors for publishers and elements of journalism or copywriting as part of a portfolio career.
This practice-led module reflects the ethos of this programme as expressed in terms of activities, experiences, and types of assessment. The activity of writing is primary and it follows that workshop participation is central to the experience of the programme. Poetics is central to the philosophy of the programme, as a speculative writerly discourse about how writing is to be made, with a particular focus towards the student writers situating themselves within the field of contemporary literary production (in both philosophical and practical terms).
This module enables student writers to develop their knowledge of the field of literary production in lecture and seminar situations, studying a range of contemporary literary works across various forms and genres. Students will be encouraged to investigate literariness in terms of a practising writer rather than that of the literary critic, although critical terms will be used. Works will be selected to demonstrate epochal or societal relevance (e.g., works that exhibit or inhibit notions of postmodernity or postmodernism). More importantly, the field of literary production will be conceptualised using contemporary creative writers’ own writings upon writing, or poetics. This will be integrated into the ongoing practice of the student writer's developing practice.
This module offers student writers the opportunity of a “professional editorship” with The Lincoln Review, the University of Lincoln’s international literary journal, as well as the opportunity to pitch a project to a literary professional.
Students have the opportunity to learn about issues, principles, and practices related to the management of publishing organisations; editing, marketing, solicitation of work, design, layout, copyright and ethical issues; as well as the process of editing, designing, and publishing a professional literary journal.
During this practice-led module, student writers will, or will continue to, concentrate on the production of an extended creative writing manuscript, which is ultimately intended for publication as part of their ongoing professional development. This is contextualised by a statement of poetics via the Poetics module, which will articulate the student writer’s own aesthetic practice and writerly philosophy, and situate their own writing in the field of literary production.
During this practice-led module, student writers will, or will continue to, concentrate on the production of an extended creative writing manuscript, which is ultimately intended for publication as part of their ongoing professional development. This is contextualised by a statement of poetics via the Poetics module, which will articulate the student writer’s own aesthetic practice and writerly philosophy, and situate their own writing in the field of literary production. Please note that this module is part of the part-time route.
During this practice-led module, student writers will, or will continue to, concentrate on the production of an extended creative writing manuscript, which is ultimately intended for publication as part of their ongoing professional development. This is contextualised by a statement of poetics via the Poetics module, in The Mentorship 2 (PART A), which will articulate the student writer’s own aesthetic practice and writerly philosophy, and situate their own writing in the field of literary production. Please note that this module is part of the part-time route.
This practice-led module reflects the ethos of this programme as expressed in terms of activities, experiences, and types of assessment. The activity of writing a concise literary output is primary and it follows that workshop participation is central to the experience of the programme. Poetics is central to the philosophy of the programme, as a speculative writerly discourse about how writing is to be made, with a particular focus towards the student writers situating themselves within the field of contemporary literary production (in both philosophical and practical terms).
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
The yearly residency is your opportunity to meet others on the programme in-person, gain inspiration from the the unique blend of rural and city that Lincoln offers, and participate in thought-provoking workshops, discussions, lectures, and readings. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
The University is in the centre of the city of Lincoln. A small city with lots of character, where you can walk down medieval streets, write in one of the many coffee shops in town, or gain inspiration from the idyllic surrounding countryside.
The main University campus is situated alongside the Brayford Pool and is in the centre of Lincoln.
Bars and restaurants line the Brayford Pool and are a short walk from Lincoln High Street.
Overlooking the city, Lincoln Castle and has witnessed nearly 1000 years of history and houses an original copy of Magna Carta. More recently it has been a part of the University's graduation ceremonies.
Lincoln is surrounded by scenic countryside and small villages. The Lincolnshire Wolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is also only a short distance away.
Situated inside a former warehouse, our library is a clear link to Lincoln's industrial past. The many free books and journals it keeps, which can be accessed online, make it an invaluable resource for our students.
An iconic part of the Lincoln skyline, Lincoln cathedral has inspired numerous artists and writers, including D. H. Lawrence.
Set in the heart of an idyllic farm, our Riseholme Campus has stunning views of the Lincolnshire countryside.
The most picturesque street in Lincoln, Steep Hill is lined with independent shops and pubs, many based in medieval buildings.
The celebrated poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson is one of Lincolnshire's most famous sons, and his statue stands in Lincoln Cathedral's grounds. Lincoln is home to the Tennyson Research Centre, an unparalleled collection of the poet's manuscripts, proofs, letters, photographs, and personal belongings
It is no exaggeration to say that Creative Writing at Lincoln Changed my Life. Within just a year, I had written my first book, secured a publishing contract, and won an international literary prize. Now, just a few years later, I have published my second book, my third is complete, and I'm a Creative Writing lecturer myself.
Fee Griffin
MA Creative Writing
Student writers will be continuously assessed through a variety of exercises. These range from creative and critical writing, poetics, book reviews, reader reports, and professional pitches. The final piece of work required is a full-length creative project (prose, poetry, script, or hybrid). Submitted works are collated into portfolios, with evaluations on style and technique.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
- A 2:2 in a relevant subject at undergraduate (to enrol from Year 1).
- An MA in a relevant subject at postgraduate (to enrol onto Year 2 only).
- Applicants taking a non-traditional route into study can access the course following a successful interview and upon submission of a quality writing sample and appropriate references.
For Year 1 entry, overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
For further advice on IELTS and the support available, please contact the International College by email at internationalcollege@lincoln.ac.uk.
Studying Creative Writing at Lincoln greatly enriched my knowledge of the industry through its internship with The Lincoln Review. The skills and knowledge built by postgraduate study enabled me to secure a publishing contract for my first book, alongside numerous grants and journal appearances. I certainly would not be where I am in my career without it.
Jade King
MA Creative Writing
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
Born and raised in the South East of England, Amy Lilwall was awarded her MA entitled “The Contemporary Novel: Practice as Research” by the University of Kent in 2012. In 2018, she was awarded her PhD in the same subject by the same institution. Her thesis novel, The Biggerers, was published by Point Blank in 2017; the paperback was released in 2019. Amy writes dystopian realist novels as she particularly enjoys the juxtaposition of fantasy and the mundane. Amy has completed five subsequent manuscripts, which are currently with her agent. Amy has written for Lithub, Writing in Education, peer-reviewed journals Short Fiction in Theory and Practice, New Writing: The International Journal for the Practice and Theory of Creative Writing, TEXT, Axon, and The Quint. She has had short stories published in The Lit and by Fairlight Books. Amy was a lead contributor to On the Hill, a podcast about the history of Falmouth cemetery. Currently, Amy is the co-producer of On Silence literary podcast produced in collaboration with postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln. She is also a guest editor for The Lit literary journal published by The Literary Platform. Prior to teaching at Lincoln, Amy was a Lecturer in Creative Writing at Falmouth University. Amy is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing and Co-Director of the MFA Creative Writing and Publishing at the University of Lincoln.
Daniele Pantano is a Swiss poet, essayist, literary translator, and artist. He has published over thirty volumes of poetry, essays, translations, and conceptual literature, and his work has been translated into a dozen languages and featured in various international journals and magazines, including Asymptote, The Baltimore Review, Conjunctions, Evergreen Review, Four Way Review, Guernica, Harper’s Magazine, International Literary Review, International Poetry, Jacket, Literary Hub, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Mailer Review, Modern Poetry in Translation, Plume, Poetry Daily, Poetry International, Poetry London, Style, Verse Daily, 3:AM Magazine, and 32 Poems. Some of his most recent books include The Damned: Selected Poems of Georg Trakl (Broken Sleep Books, 2023), Home for Difficult Children: A Memoir in Verse (Black Lawrence Press, 2022), Robert Walser: The Poems (Seagull Books, 2022), Chiens dans des champs en friche: Selected Poems by Daniele Pantano (Editions d’en bas, 2020), ORAKL (Black Lawrence Press, 2017), and Robert Walser: Fairy Tales (New Directions, 2015). Pantano taught at the University of South Florida (where he was also Director of the Writing Center), served as the Visiting Poet-in-Residence at Florida Southern College, and directed the Creative Writing programme at Edge Hill University, where he was Reader in Poetry and Literary Translation. He is currently Associate Professor (Reader) in Creative Writing, Programme Leader for the MA Creative Writing, and Co-Director of the MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing at the University of Lincoln.
For the last thirty years, Associate Professor in Creative Writing Chris Dows has combined his career as a professional author with teaching creative writing at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Starting as a comic book writer, for fifteen years he worked on everything from gothic horror through to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and The Jackie Chan Adventures. His regular “Treknology” column has appeared in The Official Star Trek Magazine for over twenty years, and he has also authored the YA fantasy novel Panthea and the WWII drama Lokomotive. Chris recently worked for Games Workshop’s Black Library Press, writing over a dozen short stories, the novel Kharn: The Red Path, and enjoyed great success in the audio drama format, including the trilogy Scions of Elysia, Renegades of Elysia, Martyrs of Elysia, the critically-acclaimed Titans’ Bane, and the three-part action-adventure Augur of Despair. His most recent short fiction work can be found in his collection Cherry Blossom Headshot and within the relaunched Star Trek: Explorer magazine.
Robert Paul Weston’s fiction has been heard on The New Yorker Radio Hour and appeared in The Stinging Fly, The Normal School, The New Orleans Review, The Raleigh Review, Litro, Postscripts, and others. He is also the author of several award-winning novels for children and young adults, including Zorgamazoo (Penguin/Razorbill, 2008), Dust City (Penguin/Razorbill, 2010), and Blues for Zoey (Flux, 2015). His books have been translated into Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, and Turkish, and won prizes around the world, including the California Young Reader Medal, the Silver Birch Award, the Children’s Choice Award, and an Edgar Allan Poe Honour for Best Young Adult Mystery. He teaches Creative Writing at the University of Lincoln, where he is Faculty Fiction Editor of The Lincoln Review.
Sherezade García Rangel is a writer, researcher, and podcaster who teaches Creative Writing at Lincoln. She is the award-winning founder, producer, and host of On The Hill podcast, producer of Everyday Peacebuilding through the Arts (MAP Podcast) and co-producer of On Silence (The Lincoln Review). As a Research Fellow at the Wiley Digital Archives (Royal Geographic Society) she studied representations of Venezuela in colonial records. Her work has appeared in Transnational Literature’s “New Voices: Ones to Watch,” Multimodal and Digital Creative Writing Pedagogies, Writing in Practice, Lighting Birds (Stellaria Media), Gutter Magazine, From Glasgow to Saturn, and others. Her novel, The Wounded Me, will be published by Blackwater Press in 2025. Her interests include dark economies, archival research, narrative podcasting, international literary fiction, magical realism, and unusual creative non-fiction.
Creative Writing at Lincoln is led and taught by experienced writers with works across a number of genres.
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
