Creative Writing MFA

The MFA programme is a more advanced degree than the MA, and in some instances can follow on from the MA. MFA students will be part of a smaller cohort which offers very close supervision of a work in progress for the duration of an academic year. It is best suited to students who are working to complete a full-manuscript and have already undertaken courses in craft and/or related fields.



• Develop your own writing skills under experienced tuition and supervision

• Structural and line editing of the work in progress is a core component and class groups in this module are from two to four students

• Taught by experienced, published staff of international reputation



What Will I Learn?

On successful completion of the programme, students will have:

• an ability to select , negotiate, adapt and implement approaches / techniques appropriate to the work in progress.

• an in-depth knowledge of successful works in the field / genre in which they are working.

• competence in preparing a manuscript, a synopsis and a biog. for presentation to a literary agent / publisher.

• insight into the different sources and methods of research, with particular emphasis on the assimilation of same into the work in progress.

• mastery of pacing, narrative coherence and ending.

• expertise in close editing and overall structuring a work of fiction.

• contributed to an anthology and attended a selection of the literary events and festivals for which the city is renowned.



This course is suited to students who have already acquired the skills associated with a course in creative writing and have a work in progress to which they now wish to devote the greater part of an academic year with a a view to offering that work for publication.

Module/Trimester/Credits

Stage 1 - Core

CRWT40260 Reading Like A Writer Autumn 10

CRWT40280 Creative Writing Workshop I Autumn 10

CRWT40150 Creative Writing Workshop III Spring 10

CRWT40290 Creative Writing Workshop II Spring 10

CRWT40300 Final Project Year-long (12 months) 50

This course is suited to students who have already acquired the skills associated with a full programme in creative writing [MA, M Phil Creative Writing, BFA, BA Creative Writing Major/Joint Major] or equivalent and have a work in progress to which they now wish to devote the greater part of an academic year with a view to offering that work for publication. Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7.5 (no band less than 7.0 in each element), or equivalent.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

1 year full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

Z197 Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Many graduates of the MA and MFA in Creative Writing establish successful writing lives, several securing publishing contracts. Others opt for roles in the wider community of literature, taking up positions in publishing houses, literary agencies and as book event organisers. Some proceed to PhD in Creative Writing programmes.