Aspiring writers, take note – the world’s top universities offer a range of excellent creative writing programs. From the United States to Australia, universities and colleges cover all aspects of the craft – from poetry to non-fiction, from screenwriting to playwriting. Which of these make the cut for the best colleges and universities in the world for writing?
1. University of Iowa, USA
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is one of the world’s most prestigious writing programs, and has been around since 1936. Alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, Poet Laureates, and countless writers who have gone on to become household names. The workshop offers a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, and the opportunity to work with some of the most prolific and respected writers in the field.
2. University of Cambridge, UK
The University of Cambridge’s undergraduate degree in creative writing allows students to study poetry, fiction, and drama in both critical and creative contexts. This three-year program emphasizes the importance of reading, and students will be expected to read extensively while developing their own writing abilities. The university also offers a range of postgraduate creative writing courses.
3. New York University, USA
New York City is one of the world’s creative hubs, and New York University takes full advantage of this. Their creative writing program includes creative writing classes in all genres, including playwriting and screenwriting, and is taught by a diverse and talented group of writers who are actively publishing.
4. University of Melbourne, Australia
The University of Melbourne is Australia’s top-ranked university, and their Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing is a prestigious, four-year course. With a focus on traditional writing techniques, students explore different genres, learn how to edit and revise their work, and write their own books.
5. The University of British Columbia, Canada
The University of British Columbia’s Creative Writing Program is one of the world’s top-ranked programs. Founded in 1965, it has a long history of producing some of Canada’s most successful writers. The program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, and is renowned for its mix of traditional and experimental writing techniques.
6. The University of Oxford, UK
The University of Oxford is one of the world’s oldest and most respected universities, and their creative writing program is no exception. While they do not offer a formal degree in creative writing, they do offer workshops and courses taught by some of the world’s most respected writers.
7. University of Texas, USA
The Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas is a prestigious creative writing program that offers an MFA in writing. The center only accepts 12 students per year, allowing for small classes and a great deal of individual attention from faculty. Students have access to some of the country’s most respected writers, and the program’s alumni have achieved great success in the world of writing.
Whether you are a poet, essayist, or novelist, there is a program for you. These top-ranked universities and colleges offer mentorship, guidance, and the support needed for writers to thrive.
