Overview

The Creative Writing programme at the University of North Carolina Wilmington provides a comprehensive foundation for writers seeking to master their art. Students engage in a deeply committed community that values the creation of literature as a vital personal and collective endeavour within a modern research environment.

The curriculum encourages writers to explore diverse aesthetics and methods, moving beyond traditional genre boundaries to develop a unique voice. By fostering a safe yet challenging atmosphere, the department ensures that every student can grow both as an individual artist and a skilled professional communicator.

Instruction is delivered by a faculty of over twenty well-published writers and editors who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.

Why Creative Writing at University of North Carolina Wilmington?

The department is home to one of the most innovative programmes in the nation, featuring the unique Publishing Laboratory. This facility provides an applied learning experience where students participate in the process of editing, designing, and publishing literary manuscripts for a wide audience.

Students gain direct access to the publishing industry through a strategic partnership with HarperCollins Publishers. This connection offers invaluable insights into professional standards and networking opportunities with industry leaders, bridging the gap between academic study and a professional career in letters.

The university also houses award-winning journals such as Ecotone and Chautauqua, alongside the Lookout Books imprint. These platforms allow students to gain hands-on editorial experience, contributing to prestigious publications that have earned national accolades for their excellence in contemporary literature.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1258 per credit
National fee: USD 1258 per credit
Local fee: USD 311 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Creative Writing
Publishing
Environmental Writing
Manuscript Editing
Book Design
Literary Publishing

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for diverse roles within the global literary and media industries. Many alumni have successfully transitioned into professional careers as published authors, editors, and publishing professionals, supported by the practical skills gained in the Publishing Laboratory.

The rigorous training in craft and critical thinking also prepares students for roles in communications, journalism, and content creation. By working with established imprints and national journals during their studies, graduates enter the workforce with a portfolio of professional experience and industry connections.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Writing And Editing Artful Sentences

Poetry Writing Workshop

Forms Of Poetry

Fiction Writing Workshop

Forms Of Creative Nonfiction

Forms Of Fiction

Workshop Long Form Narrative

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Wilmington, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 385 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Your application to the MFA program in Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington will be submitted online to UNCW's Graduate School.

Along with your online application, you are required to upload an electronic copy of your manuscript (the writing sample), your personal essay (also called a statement of interest, purpose, or intent), and provide email addresses for three recommenders.

In addition to the application materials submitted online, you will need to mail to the Graduate School your transcripts.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20128 USD / year

≈ 20128 USD / year
Out-of-State

20128 USD / year

≈ 20128 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

4976 USD / year

≈ 4976 USD / year

Living costs

Wilmington

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Creative Writing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Wilmington

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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