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Explore writing jobs and career paths

Where can an MA in Creative Writing take you?

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An MA in Creative Writing offers a wealth of career opportunities across various industries. Your future could involve becoming a published author, working in media, or exploring roles in marketing, education, and the arts. Our online programme fosters an inspiring, collegial environment where you can nurture your distinctive voice and gain valuable expertise in writing, storytelling, and communication.

This page outlines the diverse career paths you can look forward to pursuing as a graduate of this course. It also highlights the range of sought-after transferable skills you'll develop for today’s job market.

MA Creative Writing career paths

The following industries offer exciting career opportunities for MA Creative Writing graduates. Each sector benefits from the strong writing, communication, and analytical skills you'll develop during the course.

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  • Novelist, Non-fiction, or Short Story Writer: Produce original literary works across various genres for publication and distribution.

  • Editor or Literary Agent: Guide writers in refining manuscripts and act as their representative to publishers.

  • Freelance Writer or Ghostwriter: Create content for clients, including books, articles, and speeches, often under another person’s name.

  • Technical or Grant Writer: Specialise in writing detailed, structured documents such as manuals, proposals, and funding applications.

Journalism and media

  • Journalist or Columnist: Investigate, write, and report on news stories, trends, or opinion pieces for print, digital, or broadcast media.

  • Scriptwriter or Copywriter: Create engaging scripts or copy for films, TV, advertisements, or branded content.

  • Features Writer or Critic: Write in-depth articles or reviews on culture, arts, and current affairs for magazines and media outlets.

  • Podcast Producer or Content Creator: Develop and produce audio or visual content, often featuring interviews and storytelling elements.

Digital content and marketing

  • Content Strategist or Digital Marketer: Plan, create and optimise digital content to engage target audiences and build brand presence.

  • SEO Copywriter or Blogger: Write search-optimised articles and blogs to increase web traffic and online visibility.

  • Social Media Manager: Develop and execute social media strategies to enhance brand awareness and audience engagement.

  • UX Writer: Specialise in writing intuitive, user-friendly interface text for apps, websites, and digital products.

Film, TV and theatre

  • Screenwriter or Playwright: Develop scripts for films, television, or stage productions, crafting engaging narratives and dialogues.

  • Story Consultant or Script Editor: Provide structural and narrative guidance to refine and improve scripts.

  • Film or TV Producer: Oversee the creative and logistical aspects of film and television productions.

  • Narrative Designer for video games: Be responsible for designing storylines, dialogues, and world-building elements for interactive gaming experiences.

Education and academia

  • Creative Writing Lecturer or Tutor: Teach writing techniques and literary analysis at academic institutions or workshops.

  • Academic Researcher: Conduct research in literary studies, publishing scholarly articles and books.

  • PhD Student: Progress to doctoral-level study in Creative Writing or an adjacent discipline.

  • Workshop Facilitator: Lead writing workshops and creative sessions for aspiring writers in various settings.

  • Librarian or Archivist: Curate literary collections and preserve historical texts for public and academic access.

 

“I'm thinking of doing a PhD, and the Creative Writing MA has shown me a way forward in academia. The course is original and holds my attention and love at each stage at the same time as developing my skills and prospects as a novelist.”

- Sarah, MA in Creative Writing student

Public relations and communications

  • Public Relations Specialist: Help manage your organisation’s public image, crafting press releases and media campaigns.

  • Speechwriter: Write speeches for executives, politicians, and public figures to effectively communicate key messages.

  • Corporate Communications Manager: Develop internal and external communication strategies for businesses.

  • Media Relations Coordinator: Be responsible for handling media inquiries and promoting positive coverage for organisations.

Non-profit and arts organisations

  • Grant Writer or Fundraising Manager: Write proposals to secure funding for nonprofit initiatives and creative projects.

  • Arts Administrator: Oversee the management of arts organisations, festivals, and cultural institutions.

  • Community Engagement Officer: Develop outreach programmes that connect artistic projects with the public.

  • Literary Festival Coordinator: Organise events celebrating literature, bringing together authors, publishers, and audiences.
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“I work in Marketing and Analytics (lots of data and maths), so I studied Creative Writing to allow the more creative side of my brain to flourish.”

Charlie, MA in Creative Writing graduate

Top skills you’ll develop with an MA Creative Writing

Employers across every sector will value the skills you'll cultivate in an MA in Creative Writing. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, the modern workforce needs creative thinking, analytical thinking, curiosity and lifelong learning, empathy and active listening, and motivation and self-awareness. By studying with us, you'll develop all these skills and more.
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Creative and critical thinking

As you craft compelling narratives, analyse literary techniques and real-life phenomena, and develop unique perspectives.
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Storytelling and persuasion

By learning to construct engaging narratives, create convincing characters, and communicate ideas effectively.
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Research and analytical skills,

As you explore different sources, interpret texts, and apply critical insights to your own and others’ work.
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Curiosity and lifelong learning

By experimenting with new styles, engaging with diverse voices, and continuously refining your craft.
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Empathy and active listening

As you engage with different perspectives in literature and peer workshops, helping you write with authenticity and depth.
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Adaptability and collaboration

By working in supportive peer review settings, providing constructive critique, and refining your work through drafting and editing.
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“My day job is in education, and I have already started filtering what I am learning to the classroom. It’s amazing to be able to tap into different pupils' creativity, something they don't get a lot of opportunity to explore.”

Kate, MA in Creative Writing student

Alumni success stories

Our graduates achieve extraordinary things in their careers. From emotionally charged fiction and anthologies to children's bedtime stories and Italian recipe books, their repertoires of published work are boundless.

Here are just a few examples of how our graduates have gone on to make their mark as writers.

Peter McAllister, co-founder and editor of Inkfish Magazine Grey

Peter is the co-founder and editor of Inkfish Magazine, and has recently become Writer in Residence at the Morrab Library in Penzance. He completed his MA in Creative Writing at the University of Hull and graduated with distinction. He has now joined Hull Online’s academic team as a lecturer.

Peter’s short-form fiction and poetry have been shortlisted and received high commendations in international literary prizes. His work has been published online, in print journals, and in anthologies.

He also offers writing workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and editing services. To find out more about Peter’s background and the projects he is involved in, head to his website.

 

“The course is so rich because you've got all these different experiences from life coming together, writing, and sharing their writing with each other.”

- Peter McAllister, MA Creative Writing graduate

Sonya Hundal, writer-in-residence with First Story

Sonya is a writer-in-residence with First Story, an organisation that aims to involve young people across the UK in culturally enriching creative writing activities. She uses writing as a tool for profound self-reflection, documenting family history, and unlocking memories.

READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH SONYA ❯

 

“The course has already created opportunities for me to write and to contribute to a new range of writing projects. I am more confident about my skills as a writer and about exploring new forms of writing.”

- Sonya Hundal, MA Creative Writing graduate

Gosia Buzzanca, winner of the 2022 W&A Working-Class Writers’ Prize

Gosia is a published writer, and winner of the 2022 W&A Working-Class Writers’ Prize. The piece she submitted for the prize was produced during the portfolio stage of her MA studies, and she graduated with distinction. Her literary works span across a range of genres, and explore themes such as motherhood, memories and belonging.

She is part of the 2023 (Re)Writing Wales cohort. Her book, There She Goes, My Beautiful World, is due to be published in October 2025.

READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH GOSIA ❯

 

“Just go for it. If you’re considering doing MA in Creative Writing, then Hull Online is the place to be – with a young, ambitious team working on the programme as well as brilliant, supportive co-students from all walks of life and every corner of the world – it doesn’t get more inspiring than this!”

- Gosia Buzzanca, MA Creative Writing graduate

Get started today

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Apply today to join a vibrant community of writers, learn from published authors, and be considered for the Programme Leader Award.

APPLY NOW ❯

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Hull Online careers support

As a student, you’ll benefit from the strong support network of academics and peers to help you develop your career-relevant skills. Collaborative projects, peer-to-peer critique, and networking opportunities will help you build confidence in your writing. Participating in workshops and receiving feedback from accomplished writers will enhance your ability to adapt to different writing contexts and industries.

Your tutors will also share their expert insights into the professional pathways you can pursue. To find out more about the support you’ll receive throughout your postgraduate journey, we recommend reading this MA Creative Writing Q&A with Programme Director Chris Westoby.

And it doesn’t stop there. You’ll have access to the University’s Careers and Employability service throughout your studies, and after you graduate. Our teams can help you prepare for job applications, refine your CV, and explore opportunities in creative and professional industries. Ready to turn your passion for writing into a fulfilling career? Explore our part-time, online MA in Creative Writing:

EXPLORE THE COURSE ❯

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Fees and funding

Find out full tuition fees and explore your options related to funding and how to pay.

FEES AND FUNDING
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Explore student life

You’ll get to experience tailored support throughout your journey, from comprehensive industry insights to multiple networking opportunities.

FIND OUT MORE
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Online events

Explore our online events, Q&As, masterclasses with Hull Online alumni and academics, as well as previous on-demand sessions.

EVENTS

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