creative writing exeter college

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I have found the Exeter University PhD Creative Writing programme to be inclusive, supportive, and vibrant. The supervisors' and staff go above and beyond conventional expectations; the resources and opportunities are superb.

PhD student, researching and writing at Exeter

About Creative Writing and Literary Culture

Welcome to exeter university’s hub for creative writing and literary culture..

Exeter is a unique and exciting place to study Creative Writing and literary culture, including Publishing Studies and Creativity.  We represent the beating heart of all things literary in the South West of the UK, being based in a UNESCO City of Literature, in the coastal haven of Cornwall, and part of a world-class English Department. We offer our students the opportunity to study with top writers and to engage with literary industry professionals at all levels of higher education.

Rich variety of courses available at all levels

Our students can pursue a rich variety of courses in creative writing and literary culture at all levels – undergraduate, MA, and PhD. Creative Writing students are taught by top writers; while Publishing and Creativity students are taught by publishing industry experts. Our students have the chance to explore the deep interconnections between the practices of writing and publishing within literary culture.

Dynamic student culture and inclusive teaching approach

We strive to give each of our students as dynamic, challenging, stimulating and rewarding an experience as possible, allowing every individual to thrive. Studying Creative Writing at Exeter will not only help you to improve your creative writing, introduce you to great literature, develop your critical reading skills and presentation abilities. It will hone your writing and self-expression to serve a rich variety of purposes, and set you up to be flexible, intelligent, and empathetic thinkers in any future career that you may choose.

Studying modules or courses in Publishing and Creativity will allow you to explore the integral relationship of creative writing and literary culture with the publishing industry, and other creative industries, and to explore ways in which writing reaches its audiences and has a global impact in a fast-changing, digitalising world.

Learn with top creative writers

Tutors in the Department have a wealth of experience in writing and the creative industries – from film to fiction writing – and are passionate about teaching in conjunction with their creative and academic practices.

Beautiful South West location

There are many unique advantages of being a student in Exeter. We are linked to the UNESCO City of Literature, and the RAMM Museum, and we have a University-wide specialism in climate and the environment. Being located in the beautiful South West allows our students the chance to explore the local coastline, beaches, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty during their studies, allowing space for reflection, and for the nurturing of wellbeing and the body as well as the mind.