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What to Do With an MFA in Creative Writing?

With the explosion of online open-access writing platforms, like Quora and Medium, as well as traditional publishing platforms, like Bloomsbury and HarperCollins, more artists and writers are gaining recognition and earning a living from their creative work. According to the Creative Writing graduate employment survey conducted by Creative Scotland, there are currently 124,500 creative workplaces in the UK and more than 200,000 jobs exist in the creative industries. This means there is plenty of job opportunities for those who study creative writing!

If you’re interested in pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing, then join the 126,500 other students who’ve already done it – over half a million people studying creative writing around the world. As well as boosting your resume, you’ll develop your skills as a creative writer and gain first-hand experience of what it means to be a professional in the industry. Plus, with so much of the work done for you online, you’ll have the freedom to pursue your creative projects and take time off when you need it.

The Perfect Resume Builder

Let’s face it, not all of us are born with a silver spoon in our mouth and a knack for getting jobs. For those of us who need to work our way up the corporate ladder, a solid resume is essential. An MFA in Creative Writing will give you the perfect resume for any industry, whether you want to go into journalism, copywriting, or fiction. You’ll develop the skills necessary to land that first job and then impressively develop your skills while doing your MFA. An MFA in Creative Writing is one of the most in-demand and versatile degrees available.

A typical MA/MFA in Creative Writing syllabus will include classes in fiction, non-fiction, playwriting, poetry, and screenwriting, as well as studio practice and theory classes. Aside from boosting your resume, you’ll develop your critical thinking and analytical skills as you navigate your way through an academic course.

A Degree From One Of The Most Influential Academies

The MFA in Creative Writing is one of the few degrees granted by reputable universities that aren’t attached to a foundation or an institution. The University of St Andrews, for example, awards the MFA in Creative Writing and the MPhil in Writing. Similarly, King’s College London awards the MFA in Creative Writing and the MPhil in Writing.

The curriculum isn’t easily available online, so students have to travel to attend classes. The teaching is incredibly diverse, too, with an emphasis on both classic and contemporary writing. You’ll learn from some of the best creative writing tutors in the world. For more information, check out the individual school websites.

A Degree From The UK’s Premier University

One of the things that makes an MFA in Creative Writing so valuable is its flexible format. It is possible to graduate with an MA in Creative Writing and gain employment immediately, something that is considerably easier to do than secure an internship or apprenticeship. This is possible because the course is designed in a way that makes it suitable for those who are already working and interested in continuing their studies. Alternatively, you can complete an MFA in Creative Writing and gain work experience by taking a dissertation year, pitching and publishing projects, or looking for paid internships in London.

A degree from the University of Sussex, for example, is undoubtedly worth its weight in gold. Its Creative Writing department is one of the most prominent in the country and it has a fantastic reputation for welcoming and embracing graduates from diverse backgrounds. Its MA in Creative Writing is an accredited and globally-recognised degree that covers all aspects of creative writing, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. From the very first day of your studies, you’ll be encouraged to develop your skills and encouraged to find your voice as a writer. Not only that, but you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad if you’re lucky enough to be selected for an Open Experience year. This is an excellent chance to travel and further your studies abroad, which is something that we highly recommend.

Now, if you’re still reading this and thinking that an MFA in Creative Writing isn’t for you, then perhaps an MPhil in Writing is. Phil stands for Philosophy, Humanities, and Language Studies, and it’s a relatively new addition to the graduate scheme. The MPhil in Writing is a full-time taught postgraduate degree that can be studied purely online. It is the ideal graduate degree for those who are unable to secure a job in their chosen field. Those who study an MPhil in Writing will develop a comprehensive knowledge of English literature, and they’ll also be able to carve out a niche for themselves in the field of communication or journalism. We recommend this option for those who aren’t sure about pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing.

Ultimately, both of these degrees are fantastic options that will benefit you in the future. Not only will they provide you with a solid academic foundation, but you’ll also develop your skills as a professional and gain valuable experience that you can take with you to further your career. So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing your applications for university now!