MASTER'S PROGRAMMES

Our wide-ranging postgraduate courses provide a friendly, supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for all UK and international postgraduate students. (Image: Castle Quarter)

Purple flowers at the castle
Library postgraduate study space
University Library

Master's Programmes in English Literature and Creative Writing

The Department has three Master’s programmes, one in English Literature, with modules ranging from the Medieval to the Contemporary, and two within Creative Writing, one of which is by Distance Learning.

All teaching on our in-person programmes takes place on our beautifully landscaped campus, at the heart of which is the award-winning University Library with its bespoke Postgraduate Study Space.

We warmly invite all potential applicants to email us with any queries they may have, and we are always happy to have a conversation.

Locations, Libraries, Bursaries

Students on our in-person MAs also enjoy our rich programme of free literary events, many of which take place in Lancaster’s historic Castle Quarter. Our venues here include not only the spectacular Castle but also the beautiful medieval Priory and, indeed, The Storey, a wonderful Victorian-build arts centre, where students can drop-anchor at the Postgraduate Study Hub.

Finally, Lancaster-based students benefit from being close to the Lake District, home of the Romantic poets and indeed the archive-rich Wordsworth Trust, with whom we have a formal partnership, offering our students an annual study-day, all-year-round free entrance, and (on a competitive basis) four residential internships each year.

Libraries, Archives and Special Collections

Our students have access to a rich array of libraries, archives, and special collections, enabling them not only to develop as scholars, critics, and writers but also to learn skills relating to work as future archivists, librarians, and curators.

Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes

Both the University and the Department are always looking to support, encourage, and celebrate our students.

The Storey Institute
The Storey

MA in English Literary Studies

Literary studies here means not only a deep engagement with literature but the opportunity to explore, if you wish, how literature opens onto other worlds – politics, ecology, philosophy, psychology, theology, film, and fashion, etc. To support this, you can, if you wish, take one module from outside of the programme.

In addition to our many literary events, the programme has two annual open events to showcase the work of its students, both usually held in the impressive surrounds of the Castle – namely, a Spring Seminar featuring selected students, and a Summer Symposium at which all students are invited to present their work.

Master's Anthology Cover
Cover Design by @BethTrainBrown

MA in Creative Writing

Lancaster was one of the very first universities to teach Creative Writing, and we continue to lead in the discipline with our many celebrated author-tutors. Currently, our Creative Writing MAs publish an annual anthology, read their work at the launch night, and compete for a place within our annual student showcase at Lancaster’s city-run LitFest.

Tab Content: Modular

‌MA Creative Writing (Modular)

This innovative course offers you the opportunity to pursue a range of literary forms, choosing flexible study options within our long-established Creative Writing programme. As a member of a literary community undertaking a range of writing forms and styles, you will hone your creative skills whilst engaging with visiting writers and publishing professionals.

  • Duration: Full-time & part-Time available
  • Location: Campus based
  • Mode of Study: Modular

Tab Content: Distance Learning

MA Creative Writing (Distance Learning)

The Lancaster Distance Learning MA has rapidly evolved into an international programme, linking students working in diverse literary forms through virtual learning. You will be allocated a specialist tutor, be taught by participatory online methods, and attend a residential Summer School.

  • Duration: Part-time only
  • Location: Distance Learning (summer school on campus)
  • Mode of Study: Independent

Tab Content: With Literary Studies

MA Creative Writing with English Literary Studies

This course provides a rare opportunity to combine creative and critical writing at Master's level. It is your chance to learn from tutors who are leading experts in English Literary Studies and from experienced, published authors who teach on our Creative Writing programme.

  • Duration: Full-time & part-time available
  • Location: Campus based
  • Mode of Study: Modular

How to Apply

To apply for an MA or PhD programme please use the Lancaster University online application portal. For advice on what to include in an application, please see the programme entry requirements found on the course listings.

Guidance on How to Apply

Postgraduate Fees & Funding

Lancaster has a wide range of funding opportunities and offers scholarships and bursaries such as the Alumni Loyalty Scholarship and Postgraduate Loan Scheme. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences also offers a scholarship scheme, whilst external funding is available for PhD students from the AHRC.

Faculty Funding

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers a Postgraduate scholarship scheme, whilst external funding is available for PhD students from the AHRC. Forms and further information on these funding schemes can be found on the Faculty funding website. The Department contact for scholarship enquiries is: elcwteaching@lancaster.ac.uk.

Faculty Funding

Have a question about MA or PhD Study?

Further support is available via the 'How to Apply' link. If you have any questions about the programmes please email elcwteaching@lancaster.ac.uk. Please contact the University Postgraduate Admissions Team if you have any questions regarding the application process or entry requirements.

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