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.
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 2024 cohort of the MSt in Creative Writing there were roughly 4 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.
Frequently asked questions: MicroMasters (EdX route)
What do I need to do to progress to the MSt in Writing for Performance?
• Apply for MSt in Writing for Performance by advertised closing date.
• Be accepted on the MSt course based upon your application and interview.
• Complete and verify the first 7 courses so that you can begin the Capstone.
• Successfully complete the Capstone, and therefore the MicroMasters Program prior to the course starting.
• You may then begin the MSt course in the second module if you choose to do so.
What is a Capstone?
The capstone is the final course in the MicroMasters program and is the culmination of all that you have previously learned. The assignments in the capstone are:
3000 word essay
10-page script and feedback given to others
Multiple choice questions
How often does the Capstone run?
2-3 times per year.
Am I guaranteed a place on the MSt in Writing for Performance if I complete the MicroMasters?
No, you would need to apply for the course by the advertised deadline and be considered alongside other applicants. All applications are considered together after the closing date. However, if accepted, you would not need to do Module 1 and would join the course for Module 2.
Would I get a discount on the cost of the MSt?
Yes, you would receive a 1/6 discount and pay 5/6 of the full MSt rate. Please note that you need to apply using the ‘EdX route’ to do this.
How can I apply for the MSt in Writing for Performance (EdX route)?
Contact the Creative Writing team via the ‘Ask a Question’ button on the website and we will provide you with a link to the webpage to allow you to apply for the course starting at Module 2 and therefore miss Module 1.
I won’t have finished the MicroMasters course or received my Certificate by the time I need to submit my application for the MSt – is that a problem?
No, please make sure you submit your application by the deadline. You can provide your certificate when available (usually by 1st August).
If I have completed the MicroMasters course, do I need to progress to the MSt course straight away?
We anticipate that students wishing to progress from the MicroMasters in Writing for Performance and the Entertainment Industries to the MSt in Writing for Performance would apply for the next available iteration of the course. The length of time allowed between courses is currently under discussion within the University but we would advise having no longer than 3 years between completion of the Capstone course and the beginning of module 2 of the MSt in Writing for Performance.
In practice this is likely to mean that you would apply for the MSt within a year of completing the capstone course. This is because you will be joining the MSt alongside those who will have studied Module 1 face-to-face immediately prior to Module 2.