Is this the Creative Writing program for you?

Serious writers who already have a Master’s degree in Creative Writing or similar, and/or writers who have many years of writing experience should consider us. The PhD program is flexible, yet comprehensive in scope. It allows writers of different genres to tailor the program to suit their needs.

Admissions Criteria

The PhD is open to students who have completed an MA or MFA in Creative Writing, or an MA in English or American Literature. We can consider other forms of criteria.

You must complete 160 credits (80 US-style credits) to graduate.  These credits are split as follows:

1. 12 modules (96 credits)
2. PhD Dissertation/Final Project (64 ECTS credits)

Total = 160 ECTS credits

The Dissertation (investigation into a genre or variety of genres) or Final Project should be approximately 70,000 words.  There are different combinations for achieving this. For example, students may combine research with a portfolio of their creative work, or create a work from the outset.  In some instances, you may be able to transfer credit/exit points from your prior learning (Recognition of prior learning).

Note: The program will be conducted in English, so a high-level of English language proficiency is expected.

The following modules are compulsory:

• WR800  Mimesis of Texts II
• WR802 Research Methods for Creative Writers
• WR805 Autobiography, Memoir, and Rhetoric
• WR807 The Persona Poem
• WR808 Poetics of the Ordinary
• WR809 The Muses
• WR820 Micro Fiction
• WR838 Narration and Story Development
• WR840 Dreams and the Inner Writer
• WR845 Creativity Theory and Practice
• WR860 Writing for a World Audience
• WR885 Mythopoesis for Creative Writers

See all Creative Writing modules and descriptions.

NOTE: If you have already completed our Master of Arts in Creative Writing program, you must complete 4 additional modules to make up the 12 modules.

Additionally, students can work with their mentors to combine modules into customized programs, suited to their interests and capabilities. Module descriptions give you a general sense of areas to proceed.  We may award exemptions based on prior completed courses, professional experience, writing and research samples, and art portfolios.

Research Only Option

Alternatively, students may choose to embark on a research-only program.  For this, you work with your mentor to divide your work into 160 ECTS credits. All research work must be first approved by the Academic Board. The WCI program provides enormous flexibility for learners to structure their research outcomes in line with their professional and academic goals.  Speak to us or your mentor to discuss your ideas.

This is an online program. There is no required residency or travel. 

Modules can be accessed on our learning platform, and you can liaise with your appointed mentor on how to customise or structure any individual needs.  You will also plan the 'roadmap' for program completion and contact times/methods. At the doctoral level, we expect our learners to be highly self-motivated and capable of independent work.

Dr. Maria Jacketti is a distinguished writer, translator, educator, and political activist with deep expertise in creative writing and world literature. Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Dr. Jacketti spent significant time in the New York City area before returning to her hometown, where she continues to influence both local and global communities.

Dr. Jacketti’s academic background spans Spanish, French, Mass Communications, and English, culminating in a PhD in English and Comparative Literature. Her work has earned significant recognition, including a fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and a role as Poet in Public Service in New York City. She has also translated the works of Nobel laureates Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda, supported by The New York State Council on the Arts, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

With six books in print, including her poetry collection Medusa's Hairdresser, and over 1,000 published articles, Dr. Jacketti’s writing spans genres and reflects her profound engagement with the social and political issues of our time.