Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Professional Writing (MPW) at the University of Waikato is a research-led and strongly practice-based master's qualification focused on professional and creative writing. The University describes it as the only qualification of its kind in New Zealand. It combines workplace-oriented writing skills with elective and research-based study across creative, professional, promotional, digital and scholarly writing.

Key benefits include:

• Development of high-level writing, editing, analytical and communication skills.
• A strong practical focus designed to improve workplace readiness.
• Exposure to creative writing, advertising and promotional writing, digital-media writing, scholarly writing and professional publication.
• Opportunity to undertake a professional writing internship.
• An on-campus professional writing mentor for all MPW students, providing professional advice and directing students towards writing opportunities.
• Access to academic staff with professional experience in publishing, editing, literary writing, scholarly writing, journalism, screen and media.
• Opportunity for selected students to produce a book-length, publishable-standard creative manuscript.
• A qualification that can support both professional employment and further doctoral-level research.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MPW does not have one identical subject combination for every student. The regulations establish a flexible 180-point programme with Advanced Study requirements, research components and approved electives.

The current 2027 Professional Writing subject regulations list the following relevant Level 500 papers.

Core / workplace-readiness study

ALPSS500 Academic and Professional Research and Writing – 30 points

• Research and writing skills
• Academic and professional communication
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Skills designed to support the transition from study to professional work
• Offered online in A and B Trimesters in 2027.

Advanced professional and creative writing

WRITE501 Writing for Publication – 30 points

The paper explores different forms of published output, including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, advertising, digital and other forms of writing. It is one of the papers specifically identified by the regulations as satisfying the Advanced Study requirement.

WRITE546 Creative Writing: Writing and Embodiment – 30 points

This is a writing-intensive paper examining how embodiment can generate characters, shape dramatic narratives and influence the sensory impact of language.

WRITE503 Professional Writing Internship – 30 points

The internship provides professional writing experience in a workplace under academic supervision and specialist guidance. It can help students gain practical experience and build professional connections.

Research and thesis options

WRITE591 Research Project – 30 points

Provides an opportunity to undertake a writing-focused research project/dissertation under appropriate supervision.

WRITE592 Dissertation – 60 points

Provides an opportunity to undertake a longer writing-focused dissertation involving independent research.

WRITE593 Professional Writing Thesis – 90 points

An independent thesis focused on a specialised field of writing studies, undertaken with supervision and guidance. In 2027 it is scheduled in Hamilton from 4 January 2027 to 2 January 2028.

WRITE594 Professional Writing Thesis – 120 points

An extended independent thesis focused on a specialised field of writing studies. In 2027 it runs from 1 March 2027 to 27 February 2028 in Hamilton.

Creative Writing Thesis

CWRIT594 Creative Writing Thesis – 120 points

This is designed for students undertaking an independent and original creative writing manuscript. Students accepted into the Creative Writing Thesis produce a book-length manuscript of publishable standard.

Other available 2027 postgraduate papers that can contribute to an approved programme include:

• MEDIA501 Critical and Creative Approaches to Research
• LEADR583 Leadership, Communication and Transformation
• ALPSS590 Directed Study
• ALPSS591 Research Project
• ALPSS592 Dissertation.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MPW is principally focused on professional and creative writing rather than multiple formal majors.

The main areas of specialisation/opportunity include:

• Professional writing
• Creative writing
• Writing for publication
• Creative nonfiction
• Poetry
• Fiction
• Advertising and promotional writing
• Digital-media writing
• Scholarly and professional publication
• Writing research
• Writing-focused dissertation/thesis work
• Scriptwriting and writing for stage and screen through relevant study and staff expertise.

Programme Highlights

• One of its kind in New Zealand according to the University.
• Research-led and strongly practice-based.
• 180-point master's qualification.
• 1.5-year duration advertised by Waikato.
• March and July intakes.
• Hamilton-based School of Arts.
• Combination of professional, creative and research writing.
• Professional writing internship available.
• On-campus writing mentor offered to MPW students.
• Opportunity to work with published and award-winning writers and editors.
• Competitive Creative Writing Thesis pathway.
• Opportunity to produce a book-length manuscript of publishable standard.
• Strong links with the wider writing, publishing, literary, media and screen industries.
• Qualification can support doctoral research in professional/applied or creative writing. 

Career Outcomes

The University identifies a broad range of career opportunities for MPW graduates, including:

• Editor
• Long-form researcher/journalist
• Policy analyst
• Policy writer
• Report writer
• Scriptwriter
• Speechwriter
• Teacher
• Website content editor
• Digital and broadcast media writer
• Stage and screen writer
• Travel and tourism writer
• Public relations writer
• Marketing writer.

Potential employer sectors include:

• Biotechnology
• Cultural and arts organisations
• Energy
• Higher education
• Libraries and archives
• Local and district government
• Manufacturing and technology
• National government
• NGOs
• Non-profit and philanthropic organisations
• Primary industries
• Print and digital news media
• Publishing
• Telecommunications
• Theatre, film and broadcast production
• Transport, tourism and travel.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest 2027 Professional Writing regulations confirm the programme's research-led and practice-based structure and list the current Level 500 writing papers.

Important current points include:

• Minimum qualification requirement: 180 points at Level 500 or above.
• At least 45 points must be from List A: Advanced Study.
• At least one of WRITE501 or WRITE546 is compulsory within the Advanced Study requirement.
• Up to 60 points may be taken outside the field of Professional Writing.
• The programme must be completed within four consecutive years of first enrolment.
• Creative Writing Thesis admission is competitive and portfolio-based.
• Students accepted into CWRIT594 produce a book-length manuscript of publishable standard.
• An internship is available but should be treated as an opportunity within the approved programme rather than an assumption that every student must complete it.
• An on-campus professional writing mentor is offered to MPW students. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a valid New Zealand student visa to study the MPW on campus. The University of Waikato must be named as the place of study on the visa.

For most international MPW students, the relevant visa is the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Good health.
• Good character.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Ability to leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.