Highlights
Tuition fee
44970 NZD / year
9392 NZD / year
Unknown
Tuition fee
44970 NZD / year
9392 NZD / year
Unknown
Duration
12 months
Duration
12 months
Apply date
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Campus location
Auckland, New Zealand
Campus location
Auckland, New Zealand
Taught in
English
Taught in
English

About

The Creative Writing programme at the University of Auckland is a one-year, full-time postgraduate course designed for authors. This public study mode degree allows you to develop a substantial manuscript under expert guidance, fostering your unique literary voice within a dedicated community of diverse writers.

Overview

The Creative Writing programme at the University of Auckland offers a rigorous environment for authors to complete a significant literary manuscript. This postgraduate qualification is specifically designed for those working on large-scale projects, including novels, poetry collections, or full-length works of creative non-fiction.

Why Creative Writing at University of Auckland?

Students benefit from the expertise of award-winning staff, including renowned novelists and former Poets Laureate. The university provides a vibrant community where writers engage in weekly workshops and seminars, gaining insights from a prestigious roster of local and international visiting practitioners. These guests represent diverse fields such as publishing, film, radio, and theatre, offering a comprehensive perspective on the contemporary literary landscape.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

  • International fee: NZD 44970 per year
  • National fee: NZD 9392 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

  • Creative Writing
  • Advanced Fiction, Poetry, or Creative Nonfiction
  • Writing Workshops and Peer Critique
  • Creative Process and Craft Techniques
  • Literary Analysis and Reading as a Writer
  • Research and Reflection in Creative Writing
  • Revision Strategies and Manuscript Development
  • Professional and Ethical Practice in Writing
  • Supervised Creative Writing Project

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates of this programme have achieved significant success in the literary world, with many securing contracts with major international and local publishers such as Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury, and Allen & Unwin. The course refines the professional skills necessary for a career as a published author or literary practitioner. Alumni have gone on to win regional and global literary prizes, establishing themselves as prominent voices in contemporary fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. While the degree focuses on creative research, it serves as a prestigious platform for those looking to enter the professional writing industry or pursue further specialised creative practice.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

  • The MCW is a one-year, full-time programme of study with entry in Semester Two only. You will enrol in CREWRIT 797 Creative Writing (120 points).
  • If you are writing a novel, short stories or creative non-fiction, you are expected to produce a portfolio of between 40,000 and 80,000 words. Poetry collections should have a minimum of 80 pages. 
  • Class contact time and peer interaction are an essential part of the programme. In both semesters of the MCW, you must be able to attend two weekly classes workshops and seminars. In the workshop you will submit drafts for discussion and give considered feedback to the other writers in your cohort. The weekly seminar is a forum for thinking and talking about writing. In these classes we discuss published work and explore the key issues of technique you need to consider in your work.

Key information

Duration

  • Full-time
    • 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

English
TOEFL® IBT
OR
90
PTE Academic
58
IELTS
6.5

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

  • Auckland, New Zealand

What students do after studying

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA admission requirements GPA
Required

English requirements

TOEFL® IBT
OR
90
PTE Academic
58
IELTS
6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation
Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

  • Trusted by 300k learners
  • 98 accuracy using real exam data
  • 4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To enrol in a MCW you need to have completed one of the following at a recognised university (or similar institution):

  • A four-year bachelors degree 
  • An honours degree
  • A three-year bachelors degree, and a professional qualification in writing or at least three years of professional experience in writing
Professional experience can include previously published creative writing, working in a field involving writing such as journalism or copywriting, involvement in writers’ groups or participation in writing events.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Auckland and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
  • International

    Non-residents
    44970 NZD / year
    44970 NZD / year
  • Domestic

    Citizens or residents
    9392 NZD / year
    9392 NZD / year

Living costs

Auckland

New Zealand
1400 - 2200 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Creative Writing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Provided by university
Grant
10000 NZD
Deadline
21 Oct 2026
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

University of Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Mundus MAPP
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Headway
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Moving Mates
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACU (The Association of Commonweath Universities)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Anytime
AUFIN Global Impact Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

AUFIN Education & Scholarship
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Admit Lab
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Voice Talent Online
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

Institute of Customer Management
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Diamant Gerstein
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Commonwealth Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

Institute of Customer Management
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Ayn Rand Institute
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
17 Sep 2027
Annual Students' Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

StudyCorgi
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
Global Access Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

Institute of Customer Management
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

CryptoRunner
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

ACES: The Society for Editing
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Pinsky Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Leopold Figl Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Teen Changemakers Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Bipolar Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Florida Rentals
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
WMI Scholars Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Wells Mountain Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships

Read more about eligibility

European Commission
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Shield Your Body
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
The MyUS Community Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

MyUS
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 GBP
Deadline
Not specified
Pearl Lemon Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Pearl Lemon
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
17 Sep 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

StudyCorgi
Location not available

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