PhD and Master of Arts (Research) in Creative Writing

• PhD
• Masters in Creative Writing (Research) 
• Admission, enrolment and scholarships 
• Remote research program
• The portfolio of writing
• Postgraduate research induction

PhD

A PhD in Creative Writing is the same degree as a more traditional research PhD, with equivalent in standards of excellence, as outlined in the University statutes and regulations for all PhDs. The essential difference between a traditional research PhD and a PhD in Creative Writing is that the outcomes of research are expressed in different literary forms.

The creative work (Major Work) for the PhD is expected to provide a coherent demonstration that the candidate has reached an appropriate standard in research and made a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the area. Because the objective is in part to satisfy the need for scholars who are also creative writers and for writers who have a high level of scholarly training, the PhD in Creative Writing has a critical/analytical/reflective/interpretive component as well as a creative component. The creative work is regarded as the research outcome, while the Exegesis or Essay is expected to elaborate upon the research process and elucidate and place in context the artistic practice undertaken. Both components are expected to meet examination criteria.

The PhD in Creative Writing attracts writers and, to a very great extent, forms part of their emerging or continued publication track record. A PhD candidate in Creative Writing aims to produce an examinable creative work of publishable standard; this requires considerably more editing and redrafting than might be expected for a research PhD by thesis. Graduates from the PhD in Creative Writing will advance their careers as writers and in the process of completing their degrees will have contributed to research in the field of creative writing and its role in contemporary culture.

For further information about the PhD in Creative Writing, see the Creative Writing PhD Handbook.

Master of Arts in Creative Writing (Research)

Download a copy of the Master of Arts by Research Creative Writing Handbook.

Students with an Honours degree or a coursework Masters at Distinction level or equivalent as determined by the University are eligible to apply for the MA by Research or the PhD in Creative Writing.

Dissertation length: 40 000 words approximately: 30-35 000 creative work and 5-10 000 word exegesis.  

Length of study: two years full-time.

See information for Research Postgraduates on the main University site:

• entry requirements and application  (closing date is 31 October for domestic students for scholarship; but you can apply at any time: however it is best to commence the beginning of the year or mid-year when induction takes place); for international students (closing date 1 December, but 31 August for scholarships)
• the Research Student Handbook 
• fees for domestic students; fees for interntaional students
• remote candidature (similar to the PhD)

Admission, enrolment and scholarships

See the Research Student Handbook on the Postgraduate Students website: look under 'Research Postgraduates' to dowlonad the Research Student Handbook.

Information is on the University website about completing the Research Postgraduate enrolment form.

Domestic students: apply on or before 31 October to commence January in the following year, or around June to commence semester 2 (July).  Use the Application Form for Admission and/or Scholarship.

The forms require an indication of the proposal/research area, proposed supervisor(s), publication and academic record, career experience, and English Language Proficiency.

International students: apply through the International Office at the University: isc@adelaide.edu.au or international@adelaide.edu.au. 31 August for a scholarship. 1 December for the program. See the International Students/Postgraduate Research website. Scholarships.

Acceptance into the program will depend on:

• the student fulfilling the University’s requirements for entry into the PhD/MA. (Please see the rules, a pdf file, under the Adelaide Graduate Centre entry. Normally at least a second class Honours Bachelors degree, upper division, or a Masters with a substantial research component. (Students with a coursework Masters at Distinction level or equivalent as determined by the University may be eligible to apply for the MA by Research or the PhD in Creative Writing.)
• the Discipline's ability to provide supervision for the proposed project (Please see staff research interests. The provision of supervision is also related to the number of students and the number of available staff for supervision.)
• the provision of an excellent portfolio of creative writing of about 30 pages or the equivalent in relevant publications

At the 'Postgraduate Research Programs' website, see the University's Academic Program Rules and Specifications for Thesis at the bottom of the page on that site.

Remote research programs

The University offers remote candidature for higher degree by research students who, for sound academic reasons, need to pursue most or all of their research remote from the University. The Research Education and Development Committee considers all applications and approval will only be granted where arrangements for external supervision and facilities and resources are adequate. A staff member or affiliate of the University of Adelaide will be appointed as the principal supervisor. Students are normally required to study internally until after completion of the core component of the structured program and development of a satisfactory research proposal. During this period attendance at compulsory Graduate Centre and local induction programs will also be required. All applications for remote candidature must be completed in addition to the application for a place in the PhD/MA. Please see the forms and guidelines at the Adelaide Graduate Centre website: application form.

The portfolio of writing

The portfolio of writing should contain:

• a representative selection of your best works or work in progress (published and/or unpublished)
• preferably in the genre you hope to work in
• double-spaced, A4, 2.5 cm margins

Writers who have published work may wish to include copies or lists of their publications.  The portfolio should be no less than 15 (Grad Dip/MA) pages and no more than 30 in length (PhD). A one-page statement about the project you hope to work on is also helpful.

Send the portfolio to:

Dr Patrick Allington
The Discipline of English
School of Humanities
University of Adelaide
South Australia
Australia 5005

Postgraduate research induction

To register for the Induction, please complete the online registration form.