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Maynooth University Department of English

Qualification : MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)

CAO/PAC code : MHK85

CAO Points :

Closing Date : 30 August 2025

The MA in Creative Writing combines workshops and seminars with one-on-one mentoring of writing projects. Students may take optional modules in literature or other creative modules from across the Faculty, such as Writing for Screen Media. Assessment is through shorter pieces of writing, such as craft essays and reflective journals, and a longer project. The MA, taught by award-winning, internationally-renowned writers, will focus on guiding each student to further develop their voice as a writer, as well as to enrich their existing interests as a writer with new perspectives and a grasp of stylistic approaches. Tactics for editing and revision will be taught in tandem with generative exercises and practices aimed at deepening each student’s relationship to their creative process. Students will have the opportunity to build and develop networks which will sustain their writing practice beyond the MA degree. 

Commences September 2022

B.A. degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree) with a subject mark in English, or a cognate discipline, of 2.1 or higher, or international equivalent. 

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree) which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Conrad Brunstorm

Head of Department

Department of English

Students take compulsory modules in Creative Prose (combined 20 credits), Literature, Creativity, and Society (10 credits) and Individual Project Development, which runs across two semesters (combined 20 credits). The creative dissertation (30 credits) is undertaken in the spring and summer (Semester 2). Students take 10 credits in optional modules from a selection offered in the Department and across the Faculty, including literature modules and Writing for Screen Media.
Course Duration: 2 years part-time

The skills gained in the MA equip students for careers in fields such as professional editing, professional writing, and the creative industries.

For some students, the MA serves as essential preparation for a PhD in Creative Writing.

Applications for postgraduate courses will open mid-October. Further information on how to apply for the course will be provided then. If you have any queries please contact [email protected]

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