Writing

Course Overview

The MA in Writing is a one-year, full-time course. It covers a range of genres and forms, and it interacts with our other postgraduate offerings in publishing, literature and drama. The course thus builds on our strengths in the teaching of writing for page and stage, screen, journalism and other media. The course is open to applicants from any disciplinary background (within and beyond Arts) and welcomes all types of writing interests. A ‘Qualifier’ option is available for potential applicants who do not have a university degree but have a suitable publications record or sufficient experience in a related creative field.

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases). Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.



Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required EN590: Final Project: Portfolio

Required EN604: Writer's Seminar

Optional EN602: Writing Workshop: Fiction

Optional EN6112: Writing Workshop: Nonfiction 1

Optional EN601: Writing Workshop: Poetry

Optional EN527: Literature Of North America

Optional EN6111: Writing Workshop: Fiction 2

Optional EN603: Writing Workshop: Non-Fiction

Optional EN6101: Books Journalism

Optional EN573: Travel Literature

A university degree (minimum standard 2.2, or US GPA 3.0) or the equivalent in education and/or professional experience. Students will be accepted on the basis of their degree result (and/or experience), a sample of recent writing (3,000 words maximum) and a personal statement of interest (500 words maximum). Those who wish to explore possibilities for entry through the ‘qualifier’ option should contact the course director.

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2026

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gone on to work in the areas of teaching, journalism, publishing, editing, public relations and marketing. Graduates have also progressed to various doctoral programmes in the humanities—and it is now also possible to undertake a practice-led PhD in English/Creative Writing at University of Galway. Many graduates have concentrated on their development as independent writers, and over 60 books have been published by writers from this MA.