Overview

The Writing Poetry MA is a master's program that focuses on the development of poetry-writing and reflective abilities through reading, discussion, and revision. The program is led by award-winning tutors and offers expert tuition from nationally and internationally renowned poets.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this master's program, students will have:

• Advanced awareness of the processes of writing in their own work and that of others
• Advanced their creative ability through practice, reading, discussion, and revision
• Learned new ways to generate work and refine it through the development of enhanced revision skills
• A range of knowledge on the writing of poetry in English
• Enhanced sensitivity to verbal creativity
• An advanced ability to understand and judge the timing and duration of creative projects
• The ability to revise and prepare poetry for submission and publication
• Knowledge of the professional world of writing and publishing

Modules

The program consists of various modules, including:

• MA Writing Poetry: Portfolio (60 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Creative Writing: Workshop 1 (20 credits)
  • Creative Writing: Workshop 2 (20 credits)
  • Creative Writing: Masterclass 1 (20 credits)
  • Creative Writing: Craft (20 credits)
  • MA Writing Poetry: Summer School 1 (20 credits)
  • MA Writing Poetry: Annual Submission 1 (20 credits)
  • MA Writing Poetry: Summer School 2 (20 credits)
  • MA Writing Poetry: Annual Submission 2 (20 credits)

How You'll Learn

The program is typically delivered through workshops and masterclasses, focusing on reading, discussion, and revision of students' own work. Assessment methods include a portfolio.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked among the top universities globally, with:

• 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• A 65% increase in research power since 2014 (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Ranked among the top 140 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Ranked among the top 160 universities globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)

Facilities

The program is based in the Percy Building, with access to:

• Dedicated computer clusters
• Meeting rooms
• A kitchen and lounge area
• The award-winning Phillip Robinson Library
• The Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts (NCLA), a world-class centre of excellence in the field of creative writing

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry:

• Home students: £5,700 per year (part-time, 24 months)
• International students: £5,700 per year (part-time, 24 months) Scholarships and funding opportunities are available.

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a related subject
• A portfolio of up to ten poems
• English language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL

How to Apply

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with no closing date. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK. The application portal has instructions to guide applicants through the process.

• It is led by nationally and internationally renowned poets who will help you refine your poetry-writing skills and develop your critical thinking through reading, group discussion, and revision.
• You will be prepared to submit your work for publication and formal recognition.
• The course is offered in two locations: Newcastle upon Tyne and London.
• Classes are held in the evening in Newcastle and during the day in London.

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London Poetry School:

• Delivered in collaboration with The Poetry School, the program emphasizes the generation of new work through responses to contemporary published poetry and exploring diverse influences from place, archives, and un-poetic texts.
• It focuses on advanced awareness of writing processes in your own work and that of others, refining your creative ability through practice, reading, and revision.
• You will learn to prepare your poetry for submission and publication, gaining knowledge of the professional world of writing and publishing.

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Outline:

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Newcastle University:

• The MA Writing Poetry program at Newcastle is a two-year part-time program.
• In Year One and Year Two, all students take the following modules, earning 40 credits per year:
• MA Writing Poetry: Workshop 1 NU (20 credits)
• MA Writing Poetry: Workshop 2 NU (20 credits)
• Craft: Poetry (20 credits)
• MA Writing Poetry: Masterclass 2 NU (20 credits)
• Students can choose from the following optional modules, earning 20 credits per year:
• MA Writing Poetry: Summer School 1 (20 credits)
• MA Writing Poetry: Annual Submission 1 (20 credits)
• MA Writing Poetry: Summer School 2 (20 credits)
• MA Writing Poetry: Annual Submission 2 (20 credits)
• In Year Two, all students take the following compulsory module worth 60 credits:
• MA Writing Poetry: Portfolio (60 credits)

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London Poetry School:

• The MA Writing Poetry program at the London Poetry School is also a two-year part-time program.
• It includes the following compulsory module worth 60 credits:
• MA Writing Poetry: Portfolio (60 credits)
• Students can choose from the following optional modules, earning 20 credits per year:
• MA Writing Poetry: Summer School 1 (20 credits)
• MA Writing Poetry: Annual Submission 1 (20 credits)
• MA Writing Poetry: Summer School 2 (20 credits)
• MA Writing Poetry: Annual Submission 2 (20 credits)
• Pattern, and Workshop 2 (20 credits)
• The Line, and Workshop 1 (20 credits)
• Metaphor, and Workshop 4 (20 credits)
• Voice, and Workshop 3 (20 credits)
• They will also explore diverse influences from place, archives, and un-poetic texts.

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Assessment:

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Newcastle University:

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Teaching:

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Newcastle University:

• The program is delivered through workshops and masterclasses.
• Workshops focus on reading, discussion, and revision of your own work.
• Masterclasses focus on the generation of new work and new understanding, often through responses to published contemporary poetry.

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Careers:

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Newcastle University:

• The Careers Service provides support to help students find employment opportunities related to their studies.

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Other:

• The Newcastle program is rooted in the experience and expertise of award-winning tutors.
• The London program is delivered in association with The Poetry School, based in Somerset House, Strand, London.
• W N Herbert and Sinéad Morrissey are among the tutors at Newcastle University.
• Glyn Maxwell and Tamar Yoseloff are tutors at the London Poetry School.

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Overview:

Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *

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Careers Service:

Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *

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Library:

Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *

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Student Support:

Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *

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Accommodation:

Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *

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Sport:

Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-quality research and teaching:

Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.

Strong focus on employability:

The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.

Vibrant and diverse campus community:

Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.

Excellent location:

Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.

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Academic Programs:

Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *

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Science, Agriculture & Engineering

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Humanities & Social Sciences

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Medical Sciences

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
• It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
• Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.