Why take a Creative Writing MA at the University of Southampton?

Are you a budding writer? Discover these ten reasons why you should take a Creative Writing MA at the University of Southampton.

1. You’ve always wanted to write, ever since you loved those special books you read at school, but it’s only now that you’re able to give yourself the time and space to pursue your vocation.
2. You have an incredible story that just needs to be told: perhaps it’s family history, the remarkable life of a grandmother, grandfather or other relation; perhaps it’s your own autobiography and you need help in finding how to shape your story.
3. You started a novel during lockdown, and now it’s time to get serious about finishing it. You have lots of ideas, you just have trouble knocking them into shape. What you really need is some help with literary technique. Oh, and some definite deadlines would help in getting it done.
4. You want to find a direct route in to publishing, editing or becoming an author yourself. You want to experience first hand the different stages of book production, including the editorial process, copy editing, cover design and marketing.
5. You already do one kind of writing, but you want to switch to another. You want to upskill yourself as a writer, trying out new voices and genres. A Creative Writing MA will be your way of pivoting your career in a different, more fulfilling direction.
6. You have always loved a particular kind of writing, perhaps fantasy or crime, and you want to discover if you could do your own original take on that genre, and make it something lots of other people would want to read.
7. You want to go back to university, and do the whole thing right this time. You want to be part of intense workshop discussions. You want a peer group, to stay in touch after the MA, and to support one another with feedback and encouragement.
8. You want to share your passion for great writing in the best, most committed book group you’re ever going to find: the University of Southampton’s community of world-renowned academics and writers who will teach and tutor you, and your fellow students.
9. You want to future-proof your writing skills against AI. Because it’s only truly creative writing that’s going to be doing what ChatGPT can’t.
10. You know you’ll regret it forever if you don’t at least give it a go.