MSt in Crime and Thriller Writing

You will be guided in the production of a novel-length work of crime or thriller fiction and also in critical reflection of your own work and that of other writers. The course tutors and guest speakers are all established literary professionals and there will be the opportunity to meet representatives from the world of publishing.

Who is the course designed for?

• anyone who wants to write a crime novel or thriller - whether they are as yet unpublished or have already published, or self-published, in this genre;

• a published crime writer who wants to improve their craft;

• An established writer who is considering moving into the crime/thriller genre.

 Aims of the programme

By the end of the course students should have

• Developed their own writing and self-editing skills within the crime and thriller writing genres
• Developed a solid and substantial understanding of the history (in terms of innovative developments) of crime and thriller writing and of critical, analytical and narrative theory

Teaching and learning

The MSt in Crime and Thriller Writing is structured around four modules taught during year 1 of the course and a presentation module during year 2, each of which students must attend. In the first year, each of the four modules is preceded by guided preparatory reading and other activities, and followed by one or more writing assignments.

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers learning support to students while they are on the programme, including learning resources, peer-to-peer and student-to-tutor discussion between modules to build a virtual community of practice.

Year 1

In the first year students will be guided through the various stages of writing a crime or thriller novel, from beginnings to the conclusion. Students will be encouraged to build on their existing strengths but also to explore unfamiliar territories.

Module 1: Beginnings and Origins (25 - 28 September 2023)

In this module students explore the heritage and traditions of crime writing, and will consider their own creative project and where it sits within the genre, and explore and analyse the various challenges of starting a work of crime fiction in the best possible way.

Module 2: The Plot Thickens (4 - 7 December 2023)

This module explores plot, balance and structure, with specific reference to developing a novel-length work of crime fiction. Students will learn about the expectations and demands of the literary marketplace, develop their 'inner editor', and acquire the skills and confidence they need to forge ahead with their creative work.

Module 3: The Difficult Middle Section (19 - 22 February 2024)

This module explores the technicalities of writing, including how to incorporate research, and covers the various issues that might arise at the halfway point: consistency, pace, narrative direction, setting and fulfilling narrative expectations, and planning for redrafting, finishing and publishing your novel.

Module 4: Endings and Conclusions (13 - 16 May 2024)

This module brings together and develops the content of the previous three modules, preparing students to realise, fully and confidently, their own novel-length projects. It also concentrates on effective ways to end a crime novel or thriller, and how to know when a book is finished and ready to submit. Sessions on study and research skills will prepare students for Year 2. Visiting speakers for this module will include professionals from the world of publishing.                  

Year 2

Students will work independently to explore further and develop their own literary and critical skills. They will aim to complete a novel-length work of crime or thriller fiction, and will work under the supervision of an expert in their chosen field with whom they will have regular contact.

Students will have five supervisions in the second year, including one with the Course Director, Sophie Hannah. Supervision dates will be arranged between students and supervisors (these can be face-to-face or via Skype). The fifth and final supervision will usually take place at around the time of the only module in the second year, the Presentation and Discussion of Portfolios, to be held on 14th and 15th April 2025.

It is essential that students attend all residential modules on the dates given above as their ability to complete the course will be severely compromised by missing any of these.

Find out more

If you have any questions about this course, would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, or would like to know more about the admissions process, please complete this enquiry form with your questions.

Year 1

Students will submit a portfolio of creative work totalling 5,000 words and two critical essays of 5,000 words each.

Year 2

Students will produce an extract from a larger creative project (crime novel or dramatic work) with a synopsis of the broader work and a covering letter to a literary agent, totalling 20,000 words and a written reflective and critical commentary totalling 5,000 words.

Feedback

Students are given formal written feedback on their assignments and informal feedback throughout the course, including during tutorials and supervisions. Tutors produce a report for each student at the end of Year 1 and supervisors produce termly reports for each student during Year 2.

Fees

The fees for 2023 will be £10,500.00 per annum for Home students (total Home course fee across the 2 years being £21,000.00) and £18,375.00 per annum for EU/Overseas students (total EU/Overseas course fee across the 2 years being £36,750.00). The combined graduate fee includes college membership. The fee can be paid in eight equal instalments. Students on this course can apply to Wolfson, St Edmund's, Selwyn or Lucy Cavendish. Please note there are only a limited number of college places available for this course for Selwyn College so please indicate a second choice of college on your application form if you are selecting Selwyn College as your first choice.   

Students will be expected to cover the application fee (£50 online), accommodation whilst in Cambridge and any costs of travel to Cambridge. Bed and breakfast accommodation may be available at Madingley Hall during the modules at a 10% discount from the normal rate.  Please note that, although you will be a member of a college, you will not be entitled to college accommodation.

ICE fees and refunds policy

Funding

For information on a loan from Student Finance England for course fees and a contribution towards living costs, please see https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/info/student-loans

The Institute of Continuing Education does not offer any of its bursaries for this course.

Applications will be accepted online until Tuesday 31st January 2023. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held in early March by remote software.  Candidates will be contacted to arrange convenient times during the previous week.

You are required to provide supporting documents as part of your application.  Please ensure you have read the specific requirements for the writing samples before you start your application. 

Please ensure that you have your CV, writing sample, research proposal and personal statement ready before you start your application, as they will be submitted as part of the application form and cannot be submitted later.

Apply online when you are ready to start the application process.

Visa requirements 

Student visa sponsorship is not offered for this course. International students who do not already hold a UK visa or immigration status that permits study may enter the UK as a visitor in order to attend teaching sessions. 

The visitor immigration route is used to support students on part-time courses longer than 6 months where the majority of time is spent outside the UK and attendance in Cambridge is only required for short teaching sessions. To meet the requirements of holding this immigration status for study purposes, students are expected not to remain in the UK for extended periods of time. It is not possible as a visitor on a course of more than 6 months to make the UK your main study location or residence or make frequent or successive visits to stay in the UK for extended periods.   

Please read the information about Visas for International Students

How often do the MSt courses run?
All of the MSt programmes in the Creative Writing portfolio currently have an annual intake.

Is the course taught online, or is it possible to complete the course by distance-learning?
The MSt is not a distance-learning course. You will be required to attend teaching sessions in Cambridge as long as face-to-face teaching is permitted. Should there be government/University restrictions in place that do not permit face-to-face teaching (such as has been the case during the Covid-19 pandemic), teaching sessions will be delivered via Zoom. These Zoom sessions are live and interactive and your participation in those sessions will be expected. 

Can I complete the course on a full-time basis in one year?
No, the MSt is only available as a two-year, part-time course.

Are there any sources of funding available?
There aren’t currently any sources of funding available through the University of Cambridge or ICE to support entry on the MSt programmes in creative writing.

How many applications do you receive in relation to places available per year?
This varies between programmes and depending on the year. For the 2021 cohort of the MSt in Creative Writing there were roughly 6 applications for each place being offered. 

How many references are required?
We require two references. References need to be submitted from professional e-mail addresses, so please ensure that you enter the relevant details into the online application form.

What kind of references should I provide?
We prefer academic references from people who, if at all possible, are able to comment on your writing skills and experience, and your ability to study at Master’s level. 

What happens if I am not able to provide academic references?
We can accept professional references.

Can I nominate an ICE tutor as my referee?
Yes, you may nominate an ICE tutor to act as your referee. 

How long should the Personal Statement be?
As a guide, we suggest that the Personal Statement is 500-1000 words long. We would ask you not to exceed 1000 words. An ability to write to a specific word count is an important part of studying at Master’s level as it is in the life of a professional writer!

Is there an advantage to submitting my application early?
No, all applications will be considered together after the closing date of the course. While there is no advantage to submitting your application early, we would recommend you do not leave submission until the last minute to avoid any technical difficulties.

What is the time commitment outside of the teaching modules?
The teaching teams can provide more specific guidance about what is expected but there is a difference in focus between year 1 and year 2 of each course. Year 1 is based around blocks of teaching and shorter assignments whilst year 2 is the dissertation year where students work on their dissertations with regular individual supervisions. 

Can I attend modules on one of the other MSt in creative writing programmes?
No, you will only be able to access the teaching sessions that form part of the MSt course onto which you are admitted.

What happens outside of the taught modules?
You will be reading extensively and working on assignments, the details of which will be given to you at the end of each module. You will also be encouraged to engage with tutors and fellow students via the course’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platform.

Can I apply for multiple courses?
Yes, you are welcome to submit applications for more than one course, although you would not normally be permitted to undertake more than one MSt at the same time. You are recommended to apply for the course that is most suited to your interests and skills.

Can I use the same referees and writing samples for each separate application?
Yes, providing they meet the criteria set out for each application within the Supporting documents file (available on the website).

Can I complete more than one MSt?
Although you are welcome to apply for and complete a second MSt course in a subsequent year, it should be noted that you cannot be awarded more than one MSt from the University of Cambridge.

Do I need to have studied creative writing beforehand?
You do not need to have previously studied creative writing; however, you would be expected to demonstrate an interest in creative writing and you will be required to provide recent samples of writing as part of your application.

Will I become a College member and do I need to pay College fees?
Yes, all of our MSt programmes are matriculated courses meaning that College membership is a requirement. At the time of applying, you will be asked to specify your College preference from a list provided. College places are limited and we liaise with Colleges on your behalf. College fees are included in your course fees.

Will I meet publishers and agents?
Yes, there will be opportunity to meet with publishers and agents. During each of the intensive 4-day modules you will have opportunity to hear from numerous guest speakers on a variety of topics and from a variety of genres.