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How Much Does It Cost to Get an MFA in Creative Writing?

Getting an MFA in Creative Writing is a popular choice among people looking for a professional master’s degree. Aspiring writers can benefit from the degree, which typically takes about three years to complete. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how much does it cost to get the degree, including tuition, fees, and living costs.

Is It Worth It?

The price for an MFA in Creative Writing varies greatly from institute to institute and from country to country. However, a rough estimation for the cost of studying in the UK would be £14,000 per year. Living costs in London could add another £17,000 to that total. Those with a lesser amount of financial resources would be looking at a much higher cost of study.

The question is: is it worth it? Is the three year MA Creative Writing degree from the University of Kent worth it? The answer is: it totally depends on you. We’ll explore some of the various factors that could affect that answer now.

Why Study Creative Writing At University?

We’re living in a golden age of literature. Never before has there been more availability of literature courses, writers, and reading material. A bachelor’s degree in English Lit or Writing would put you in the company of some of the greatest minds of all time – from William Shakespeare to Joseph Conrad. While it’s great to be surrounded by literature all the time, there comes a point when you have to leave the comfort of your studies and enter the real world. That’s when things can get a little tricky.

Being a creative writer is a very subjective career. You’ll be writing for yourself, maybe for pleasure, but you’ll also be writing for clients. Being a good writer is all about having a talent for describing things in the way the reader wants to hear them described. Being able to connect with readers is very important, and it’s something that you learn through experience. The good news is, you have lots of experience. You’ve been writing for as long as you can remember, either recreationally or with a focus on improving your craft. Now’s the time to put that skill to use.

Which City Should I Study In?

An MFA in Creative Writing is very versatile. You’ll be able to study in a range of cities and in a range of accommodation. The important thing to consider is your level of commitment. If you’re looking for an intensive three year program, then you may want to consider some of the smaller cities or study abroad for a semester or more. There are plenty of well-deserved city breaks on the market these days if you don’t want to leave the country.

If you’re looking for something less intensive, then you may want to consider one of the bigger cities. It’s often said that size matters when it comes to city life. The more people you have living in the city, the more opportunities there will be for you to explore the local culture. If you want to get a good feel for British culture, then you could head to London for your studies.

How Long Will My Studies Take?

The duration of your studies will depend on you. Most students finish their degrees in about three years. If you want to be a professional writer in the near future, then you may want to consider applying for extenuating circumstances and getting a head start on your studies. The University of Kent grants you with an MA in Creative Writing after only a year of studying.

You’ll still need to enroll for at least another year to be able to apply for progression onto the graduate program. However, getting an MFA in Creative Writing is very competitive. It’s not unusual for applicants to be turned down on account of not having the desired funding. If you can find the money for it, then you should definitely apply and see if you get accepted. The sooner you start your studies, the sooner you’ll be able to begin progressing onto the next stage of your educational journey.

Do I Need A Master’s Degree For This Career?

An MFA in Creative Writing isn’t a pre-requisite for becoming a successful creative writer. Plenty of people get by just fine with a bachelor’s degree in English Lit or Writing. It all depends on what you want to achieve. If you want to be a professional writer, then you may want to consider further education. Getting a master’s degree will put you ahead of the competition. It will also give you the opportunity to explore various fields of writing, such as fiction or non-fiction, which many people don’t get the chance to do. However, if you want to be a successful creative writer, then you don’t necessarily need a master’s degree. You just need to be able to showcase your talent and be able to connect with readers.

What city should I study in? What city should I avoid? How much do my studies cost? These are all important things to consider if you’re thinking about getting an MFA in Creative Writing. With the right guidance and support, as well as a little bit of luck, you’ll be able to start your studies and pursue your dream. What are you waiting for?