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Overview

Programme Overview

The MCW is for writers working on a large-scale creative writing project: a novel, short story collection, full-length work of creative nonfiction, or poetry collection.

The programme is convened by the award-winning fiction writer and essayist Paula Morris. Selina Tusitala Marsh, a former Poet Laureate, co-supervises poets in the programme.

Each week writers meet for both workshops and seminars. Our visitors include local and international writers; practitioners from the world of film, radio and theatre; and speakers from the publishing and literary arts world.

Recent visiting writers include Airini Beautrais, Teju Cole, Michel Faber, Aminatta Forna, Stephanie Johnson, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Elizabeth McCracken, Amy McDaid, Frankie McMillan, Karlo Mila, Ben Okri and Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

Master of Creative Writing sampler (PDF 497KB) 

Programme Structure

The MCW is a one-year, full-time programme of study with entry in Semester Two only.

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.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

This programme will help refine the skills you need to finish your book and develop your creative practice. Our graduates have published books with a range of publishers including Allen and Unwin, Penguin Random House, Cuba Press, Bloomsbury, Auckland University Press, Canterbury University Press, Huia and Text. These graduates include Rosetta Allan, Caroline Barron, Rose Carlyle, Gina Cole, Jack Remiel Cottrell, Daren Kamali, Angelique Kasmara, Renee Liang, Amy McDaid, Linda Olsson, Emily Perkins and Ruby Porter. As the MCW is entirely comprised of creative practice research, it is not a qualifying programme for a PhD at the University of Auckland. If you are considering a PhD with a creating writing component please contact p.morris@auckland.ac.nz to discuss entry requirements.

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

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Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

The MCW is a highly competitive programme.

You should have a book project in mind or already underway and demonstrate a clear creative focus and accomplishment in your chosen genre.

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.

Further Programme Entry Requirements

You will also need to submit a portfolio of creative writing that is judged by the convenor to be of sufficient standard for entry into the programme.

English language requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0.  See alternative English language requirements.

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester Two08 April 202620 July 202616 November 2025

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

All candidates must submit two applications: one to the University of Auckland, and a separate portfolio application to English, Drama and Writing Studies.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for a four-year Bachelors degree

or

(ii) completed the requirements for a Bachelors (Honours) degree

or

(iii) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree, or have equivalent prior study

and

(a) completed the requirements for a professional qualification equivalent to one year of postgraduate study

or

(b) have at least three years of professional experience

and

b submitted a portfolio of creative writing which is judged by the Programme Director to be of sufficient standard for entry into the programme.

2 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University and pertains to the nature and level of study.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Arts.

Duration and Total Points Value

3 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points in the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

4 Research Masters

A student enrolled for this degree must pass 120 points: CREWRIT 797 Creative Writing.

5 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

6 a The creative writing project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor or supervisors appointed by the Academic Head.

b The project topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The creative writing project will include mandatory workshops and seminars as part of the supervision process.

d The project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Distinction

7 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

8 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

9 These regulations have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 120 points for all Creative Writing, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Creative Writing

Complete 120 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

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