/prod01/university-of-lincoln-cdn-pxl/media/responsive2017/images/course/coursebanner/Creative,Writing,MA.jpg )
Select Year of Entry
Dr Jacqueline Bolton - Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader
Dr Jacqueline Bolton is Senior Lecturer of Theatre and Drama in the College of Arts. Her primary research activity explores practices of contemporary theatre-making in Britain through research which unites the theoretical analysis of plays and performances with the material and ideological contexts - professions, institutions, histories, reading practices - from which they emerge.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MPhil/PhD Creative Writing
The School of English and Journalism offers advanced research opportunities within the subject of creative writing. This research programme aims to provide training for a career in writing, from fiction to screen and radio adaptation.
MPhil/PhD students have the opportunity to be supervised by published writers and to undertake research in areas including poetry, experimental fiction, the short story, the historical novel, television drama, film scriptwriting, and realism.
Regular research seminars and postgraduate study groups are designed to provide a stimulating environment in which to discuss and debate work. Creative Writing has strong links to English and Journalism, as well as with the Schools of Film and Media, History and Heritage, and Fine and Performing Arts.
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Creative Writing
The Lincoln School of Creative Arts offers advanced research opportunities within the subject of creative writing. This research programme aims to provide training for a career in writing, from fiction to screen and radio adaptation.
MPhil/PhD students have the opportunity to be supervised by published writers and to undertake research in areas including poetry, experimental fiction, the short story, the historical novel, television drama, film scriptwriting, and realism.
Regular research seminars and postgraduate study groups are designed to provide a stimulating environment in which to discuss and debate work. Creative Writing has strong links within the Creative Arts and with the Schools of Film, Media, and Journalism, and Humanities and Heritage.
How You Study
Study at MPhil/PhD level takes the form of supervised individual research. Students are expected to work on the writing practice of their choice for the duration of the study period. It is expected that, on a regular basis, students will produce appropriate written work for submission to their supervisors who will offer feedback and agree the next stage of work.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor(s), but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
How You Study
Study at MPhil/PhD level takes the form of supervised individual research. Students are expected to work on the writing practice of their choice for the duration of the study period. It is expected that, on a regular basis, students will produce appropriate written work for submission to their supervisors who will offer feedback and agree the next stage of work.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor(s), but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
How you are assessed
The assessment at this level of study takes the form of an 80,000 word thesis. The Creative Writing dissertation will comprise 60,000 words of creative writing, plus a 20,000 word analysis of the creative piece(s).
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
How you are assessed
The assessment at this level of study takes the form of an 80,000-word thesis. The Creative Writing dissertation will comprise 60,000 words of creative writing, plus a 20,000 word analysis of the creative piece(s).
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
Applicants should possess a relevant Master's degree.
Applicants will also need to submit a research proposal and a 3,000-5,000 word sample of creative writing along with the application form. The research proposal will allow the School to judge the quality of the application and decide whether there is an appropriate supervisor for the proposed project.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages : https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Please take note of the following guidance:
- A research proposal will only be considered if there are academics in the subject with an interest in your field. Please study the staff profiles closely to make sure there is at least one member of staff whose interests intersect broadly with your own. For more information on the School's research, please visit: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/ej/english/englishresearch/
- The research proposal should be 1,000 - 2,000 words in length.
- Clearly define the topic you are interested in and demonstrate understanding of your research area.
- Include two or three research questions that you will explore in your research.
- Outline the range of research methodologies you will use to undertake the research.
- Include a provisional bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
- You might include a brief literature review of the key works that relate to your topic, particularly if this helps to exemplify the point below.
- Explain clearly how your research contributes to existing scholarship in the area; what gaps will it fill? How will it further knowledge of the area?
- Sketch out a provisional plan of work that includes research/archival visits and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
- Make sure the proposal is well presented with sections and subheadings and is free of errors.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
Applicants should possess a relevant Master's degree or equivalent professional experience.
Applicants will also need to submit a research proposal and a 3,000-5,000 word sample of creative writing along with the application form. The research proposal will allow the School to judge the quality of the application and decide whether there is an appropriate supervisor for the proposed project.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages : https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Please take note of the following guidance:
- A research proposal will only be considered if there are academics in the subject with an interest in your field. Please study the staff profiles closely to make sure there is at least one member of staff whose interests intersect broadly with your own.
- The research proposal should be 1,000 - 2,000 words in length.
- Clearly define the topic you are interested in and demonstrate understanding of your research area.
- Include two or three research questions that you will explore in your research.
- Outline the range of research methodologies you will use to undertake the research.
- Include a provisional bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
- You might include a brief literature review of the key works that relate to your topic, particularly if this helps to exemplify the point below.
- Explain clearly how your research contributes to existing scholarship in the area; what gaps will it fill? How will it further knowledge of the area?
- Sketch out a provisional plan of work that includes research/archival visits and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
- Make sure the proposal is well presented with sections and subheadings and is free of errors.
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists where they can discuss the de-tails of their research proposal.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Members of staff involved in teaching Creative Writing have experience of teaching the subject at undergraduate and postgraduate levels – there are currently around one hundred students practicing Creative Writing at BA, MA, and PhD levels in what is a thriving area of the School of English and Journalism. Their research specialisms include:
- Poetry
- Experimental fiction
- The short story
- The historical novel
- Television drama
- Adaptation
- Film scripting
- Realism
- The publishing industry
Staff have published in a variety of these areas and have also worked in the publishing industry.
How to Apply
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October, February or May.
In addition to meeting peers across the University who are starting their research programme at the same time, there is access to a central training programme designed around the first three months of study, and targeted support aligned to each stage of the postgraduate research journey. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed with your supervisor on an individual basis.
Interviews
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
Career and Personal Development
A doctoral qualification may enhance and progress careers in the creative arts and may mark the beginning of a career in academia or research.
Postgraduate Events
Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.
Find out MoreDiscover More
Research at Lincoln
Our research themes cover a unique set of areas, reflecting our role as a civic university and our aspirations to become thought leaders.
Studentships
There are opportunities to get involved in exciting research projects by applying for a studentship.
Supporting your Research
Support is available across the University, offering a friendly, creative, and academically challenging research environment.