Creative writing

Make innovative contributions to contemporary literature

Creative writing at UNSW School of the Arts & Media will empower you to produce innovative contributions to contemporary literature. You’ll explore fresh, experimental writing across genres in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and ficto-criticism.

Your study in creative writing will balance literary study and creative practice, with a grounding in the development of new literary techniques, forms and genres throughout history. You’ll be taught by award-winning writers with internationally recognised expertise in teaching and creative writing. Through your study, you’ll achieve a thorough understanding of the critical and social contexts in which your work circulates.

Prepare yourself for a career in the creative arts

As part of UNSW School of the Arts & Media, you’ll analyse links between writing and other forms of art and media through elective courses in film studies, theatre and performance and media and communications. Learning to write creatively and effectively will allow you to apply these skills in various creative industries such as public relations, copywriting, social media and scriptwriting.

Learn from national leaders in research

You'll be taught by award-winning academics, scholars and writers in an innovative, creative and stimulating environment. We support a strong research culture, and our school is benchmarked with the highest global rating of 5 by Excellence Research in Australia (ERA). Our staff have received the Vice-Chancellor's and Dean's Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Research Supervision.

Connect with the wider literary community

UNSWriting runs a series of masterclasses and “in conversation” events with visiting local and international authors. These events enable students to connect with the wider literary community. UNSWriting cultivates ideas and good writing, giving you the chance to experience special events, workshops and public talks with professionals in the field.

Our network of writers, publishers and students gives you valuable industry connections, which will support your future career path – wherever that may lead.

Write for our student-run publication

The UNSWeetened Literary Journal is an annual publication run by students at Arc. It provides a voice for students, showcasing the university's creative writing talent and features poetry and prose from both undergraduate and postgraduate students.