MA Creative Writing portfolio guide
You'll need this guide if you're applying for MA Creative Writing.
What to include in your portfolio
We don’t prescribe an ideal portfolio – as applicants are from many different backgrounds – but some examples of completed work could be poetry, short stories, short articles, screenplays or a mixture of mediums.
Aim for no more than 3 pieces of writing (e.g. 3 poems, 2–3 short stories, or a mixture of mediums) demonstrating your best work. This should total 4,000 words max. Poetry submissions have a lower word count, and we recommend about 5 poems.
Include a short description with each piece of work. If produced in response to a brief, include this.
You’ll also need to complete a personal statement. Indicate in your statement what you’ve been writing, and your ambitions in studying with us.
What we're looking for
We want your portfolio to demonstrate your:
- understanding of creative writing as a subject area and its application in a wider social and global context
- ability to express your creative process, decision making and realisation of a complete piece of work
- ability to reflect on what is, and is not, successful about your work
- creativity and communication skills
Your portfolio should show:
- enquiry, research and observations of the discipline of creative writing
- original idea generation
- conceptual development
- a very good level of technical ability
- an ability to select, present and communicate a range of work to a high professional standard
After you apply for a postgraduate course
Once you've applied for your postgraduate course, there's still lots you can do while you wait for a decision on your application.