University of Auckland

What you'll study

The MCW is centred on the production of a substantial, supervised creative project (a portfolio of writing or a creative thesis) supported by coursework in craft, theory and professional practice. Teaching typically combines small-group workshops, one-to-one supervision and seminars that examine narrative technique, voice, form, genre and revision processes.

• Workshops: peer-focused critique sessions across fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting.
• Supervised creative project: an extended portfolio or thesis developed under academic supervision and reflective commentary on practice.
• Craft and genre study: modules exploring elements such as structure, point of view, dialogue, poetic form and creative nonfiction research methods.
• Professional practice: training in submission strategies, publishing pathways, script pitching, literary entrepreneurship and preparing work for publication or performance.
• Context and criticism: seminars on contemporary writing, literary history and critical approaches that situate your creative work in broader cultural and theoretical contexts.

Students can usually tailor their programme to focus on particular forms or combine creative work with a small research component, and they benefit from opportunities to participate in readings, salons and collaborations across the university and the wider Auckland arts community.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree with a satisfactory academic record; applicants with a postgraduate diploma or equivalent professional experience may also be considered. Admission requires submission of a portfolio of original creative work and a statement of intent outlining the proposed project and objectives for study. Referees’ reports and a curriculum vitae that demonstrates relevant experience are usually requested. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to the level required by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MCW move into a range of creative and cultural careers. Typical pathways include:

• Professional writer: publishing novels, short stories, poems, creative non-fiction or scripts for stage, screen and radio.
• Publishing and editing: roles in editorial, commissioning, proofreading and literary agency work.
• Media and communications: content creation, copywriting, storytelling for digital platforms and brand communications.
• Screen and theatre industries: script development, dramaturgy and screenwriting for film, television and theatre.
• Arts administration and curation: programming, project management and arts advocacy within cultural organisations.
• Further study and academia: progression to research degrees or teaching roles in creative writing and related subjects.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland offers the MCW within a major New Zealand research university located in the nation’s largest city, providing access to a vibrant literary and cultural scene. Students benefit from experienced supervisors and visiting writers, connections with local publishers, festivals and performance venues, and interdisciplinary links across the humanities and creative arts. The programme emphasises both craft and professional readiness, supporting emerging writers to develop distinct voices and sustainable careers in the creative industries.