PhD Degree in Creative Writing - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, and Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The PhD in Creative Writing at King’s offers a deeply immersive, practice-led journey crafted for writers who are ready to shape a full-length creative project and build a sustainable career in the literary world. Rather than traditional classroom-based study, the programme centres on independent creative development, supported by regular online supervision sessions scheduled throughout the year. While the degree carries no formal taught credits, full-time scholars participate in the Arts Faculty Researcher Skills training, available virtually for ease and flexibility.

What truly sets this PhD apart is the vibrant community surrounding it. Based in a UNESCO World City of Literature, candidates engage with an inspiring network of poets, novelists, scholars, and a dedicated Writer-in-Residence—many of whom are acclaimed and widely published. This environment nurtures creativity while offering valuable professional insight.

Throughout the programme, students refine their craft through advanced workshops, critical seminars, and sessions led by established authors. Under thoughtful academic mentorship, each candidate works toward completing a major creative project—be it a novel, poetry collection, screenplay, or another literary form—accompanied by a research-driven reflective thesis. This dual structure ensures that every creative decision is anchored in meaningful inquiry, allowing the final manuscript to embody both artistic vision and scholarly depth.

The course is rooted in the ethos of research-through-practice, supported by the Contemporary Cultures of Writing Research Group. Collaboration with peers is encouraged, helping writers grow in confidence, polish their voice, and gain the professional grounding necessary for careers in publishing, academia, and broader creative industries.

Eligibility

To qualify for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program in English, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold a Master’s degree in English or a closely related discipline from a regionally accredited institution for the Advanced Track. Applicants with only a Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field may apply through the Standard Track. Those entering without an MA must complete 48 credit hours beyond the BA to earn the PhD.

Present a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their Master’s program. Applicants applying with only a Bachelor’s degree must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5. Additional undergraduate credits earned after completing the BA cannot be used to raise the GPA for admission purposes.

Complete and submit the online application for the School of Graduate Studies.

Provide a Statement of Purpose outlining academic interests, professional goals, and reasons for choosing Morgan State University.

Submit a recent résumé or curriculum vitae.

Upload copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies by the issuing institution before final admission can be granted.

Request three letters of recommendation through the online application system. These should come from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.

Submit an academic writing sample of 15–20 pages that demonstrates analytical skills and preparedness for doctoral-level work.

For the Creative Writing concentration, provide an additional creative writing sample of 10–15 pages.

For the Film and Visual Storytelling concentration, include an overview of relevant experience and accomplishments in the field.

PhD Degree in Creative Writing Admission Process

If you are offered a place in the programme, you will receive instructions to complete your registration and submit a formal University application. This step is largely procedural, and once it is completed, your acceptance will be officially confirmed.

All applications are processed centrally through the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC).

Applicants are encouraged to apply online and follow the steps outlined in the Wits application overview.

When submitting your application, ensure that all required supporting documents are uploaded either during the initial application or later through the Self Service Portal. You can also track the status and progress of your application using the same portal.

International applicants are advised to review the dedicated section for additional requirements and guidance.

Future Scope

A PhD in Creative Writing can open doors to a wide range of exciting and fulfilling career paths. Many graduates become published authors, poets, playwrights, or screenwriters, turning their creative ideas into works that reach readers and audiences around the world. Others take their passion for storytelling into academia, teaching creative writing at universities or leading writing workshops. There are also strong opportunities within the publishing industry, where graduates may work as editors, literary agents, or in marketing and publicity roles.

Whether your goal is to see your book on store shelves or to guide and inspire future writers, a PhD in Creative Writing equips you with the expertise, confidence, and professional opportunities needed to build a meaningful career.

The University’s Careers Service is available to support you every step of the way — not just during your studies, but for up to two years after graduation. Through this service, you can access digital tools to help identify your strengths, explore different experiences to understand your development, and receive guidance on securing part-time work, internships, or graduate roles. You can also attend career events, participate in practice interviews, and receive tailored information to help you make well-informed decisions.

Students are encouraged to begin career planning from the very start of their research journey, even if they are still exploring their options. With online resources, one-to-one consultations, and a variety of workshops and events, the Careers Service offers comprehensive support to help you shape your future confidently and proactively.