Creative Writing (online) MLitt: Online distance learning
Note: This programme is also delivered on campus. To find out more about this programme or the research opportunities available, visit our Creative Writing subject page
Panel Discussion and Q&A About This Degree
Watch a recording of our recent panel discussion and Q&A with students and staff from this degree.
If you're a talented and ambitious writer looking to develop your craft and take your writing to the next level, Glasgow's renowned Creative Writing MLitt is ideal. Develop your writing practice wherever you are in the world by gaining creative and critical skills on this exciting and supportive online course.
- Online distance learning
- Academic contact: Carolyn Jess-Cooke carolyn.jess-cooke@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- Online
- MLitt: 12 months full-time; 24 months part‑time
Why this programme
Find out more about Creative Conversations, our literary event series featuring internationally renowned writers.
Listen to students and staff answer questions about this programme in our Q&A.
- Our MLitt in Creative Writing is delivered within a clear three-part structure, focused on creative, critical and editorial skills.
- Our Creative Writing programme has gained an excellent reputation with writers, agents and publishers. The University's writing courses are among the most challenging and popular in the UK.
- These courses have helped launch the careers of an impressive list of acclaimed authors including, but not limited to: Anne Donovan, Helen Sedgwick, Kirsty Logan, Jen Hadfield, JL Williams, Louise Welsh, Zoe Strachan, Elizabeth Reeder and many others.
- You'll be taught by successful and well-regarded writers who specialise across diverse genres. We are happy to supervise students working in established genres but just as keen to see students mix genres or create new forms. In addition, you'll be able to tap into the University's strong network of literary agents and publishers, as well as an impressive list of published alumni.
- This online programme is 1 year full time. If you are already working full time or have family commitments, the course can also be completed on a part-time flexible study basis over 2 years.
Discover More
- Read our literary journal: From Glasgow to Saturn
- Listen to our podcast: Writing Space
- Visit our subject pages: Creative Writing Subject Pages
Take one of our free online short courses:
- Tartan Noir: Scottish Crime Writing - delve into the dark world of Tartan Noir as you explore the style and literary history of Scottish crime writing.
- Robert Burns: Poems, Songs and Legacy - dig deep into the life and works of Robert Burns
- Exploring Scottish Catholicism: Education, Philosophy, and Literature - investigate the intertwined threads that reveal the influence of Catholicism on Scotland’s cultural identity
Listen to our Stories from Glasgow Podcasts:
- For the Love of Outlander - learn how the novels and TV series inspired interest in Scotland's history, landscape and culture.
- Curious Travellers - discover how naturalist and antiquarian Thomas Pennant influenced travel writing and tourism
We also offer the MLitt in Creative Writing on campus as well as low-residency options for our Creative Writing Research Programmes.
Programme structure
The full-time programme consists of the following courses. The part-time programme consists of the same courses split over two years.
Semester 1
- Creative Writing: Craft and Experimentation 1 (DL)
- Creative Writing: Editing and Publication 1 (DL)
- Creative Writing Workshop 1 (DLearning)
Semester 2
Two optional courses should be taken. Typically, this would be the following two courses:
However, any suitable 20 credit Level 5 (SCQF level 11) online distance learning course offered by the college may be taken, subject to availability and agreement with the convenor.
Summer Semester
Programme outcomes
- Experiment with a range of voices, techniques and genres and consider major creative and editorial engagements
- Develop a critical understanding of a diverse creative, theoretic and critical texts
- Develop editorial skills
- Gain an understanding of literary techniques and ideas
- Access the work and thought of a wide range of literary artists
- Produce extended portfolios of creative and editorial work
- Understand the writing context (audience, publishing in all its forms, the legal framework, modes of transmission)
- Become disciplined in writing regularly in a stimulating workshop and tutorial environment in which writing skills can be acquired, discussed and honed
- Be part of a stimulating and critical peer group that reads, engages with, and appraises one others work
- Understand the means of literary transmission and how these means affect your own work
- Meet, hear and talk to professional writers and individuals from publishing and other transmission industries
- Display an understanding of the mechanisms (historical and contemporary) of literary textual transmission and other forms of transmission (including performance) in their various technological, commercial and artistic aspects
"I can honestly say that the programme was the best thing that has ever happened for my writing."
Nichola Deadman, Creative Writing student
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. More information: Student contract.
Career prospects
Skills gained in the study of our Creative Writing MLitt may lead to career opportunities in literary and cultural fields such as editing, publishing and arts development. Many of our alumni are successful authors. Our graduates have also gone into journalism, publishing, and a range of other professions. Positions held by recent graduates include managing director, freelance writer, author, copywriter and community arts worker.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2027-28
MLitt
Home & RUK
- Full-time fee: £11,481
- Part-time fee: £1,276 per 20 credits
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £26,460
Part-time fees:
- UK: £1,276 per 20 credits (180 credits in total)
- International & EU: £2,940 per 20 credits (180 credits in total)
The credits are split:
- Year 1: 80 credits (4 x £1,276/ £2,940) for Craft & Experimentation 1 and 2, and Workshops
- Year 2: 100 credits (5 x £1,276/ £2,940) for Editing & Publication 1 and 2, and Portfolio
Fee status
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
You will normally have a 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent), though this is not a pre-requisite. The primary basis for admission is the appraisal of a portfolio of your creative work.
Please include a portfolio of original work (poetry, fiction, life-writing or other prose, drama, and in some instances a portfolio of work in or of translation). A maximum of 20 pages (one side only, double spaced throughout) per submission will be considered, and the portfolio can contain prose, verse, script, or a combination of these.
We also require a letter of reference. Your referee should be an academic or a creative referee where possible. Where this is not possible, you can provide a referee who can vouch that you are who you say you are and that your work and achievements are your own. It is particularly helpful if your referee is familiar with your writing and can provide references on that basis.
English language requirements
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
For applicants from non-majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
Accepted English Language Tests
We accept a wide range of English language tests for entry to this programme. Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date, and requirements must be met using a single test.
IELTS Academic/IELTS Academic for UKVI/ IELTS Academic online
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- We do not accept General Training
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest and Home Edition)
Test taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 overall with no subtest less than 4.5
PTE Academic (test centre only)
- 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
- We do not accept the online PTE Academic
Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
LanguageCert Academic/Academic SELT/ Academic Online
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- 96 overall with no subtest less than 90
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
PSI Skills for English
- B2 Pass with Merit
Duolingo English Test
- 120 overall with writing at 120 and no subtest less than 110
Oxford Test of English Advanced
- 140 Overall with any two subtests at 126 or higher, and any two subtests at 136 or higher
Alternatives to English Language test
Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within 6 years of programme start.
TNE degree from UK university taught at a campus outside of the UK
- students must be awarded the degree by the UK university and must have completed the degree within 6 years of programme start.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study and remain valid for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS);
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University;
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/mlc/eas/pre-sessionalcourses/
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference, this should typically be an academic reference. However, where this is not possible, a reference from a current employer may be accepted. If you already have a copy of your reference on letterheaded paper, you can upload this with your application. Otherwise, you may provide your referee’s name and contact details on the online application, and we will contact them directly
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- A portfolio (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
We may also request additional documents, such as a personal statement or a sample of academic writing to support your application.
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.
Application deadlines
- Applications for this online programme will be accepted up until it starts.
More information about this programme
Related programmes
Online postgraduate
Creative Writing
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