Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Writing (MWrit) is a coursework-based master's designed for students interested in professional, academic, creative and technical writing.
• It develops advanced textual analysis and written communication skills across different audiences, genres and professional contexts.
• Students work with professional, technical, fiction and non-fiction writing.
• The programme connects writing study with the community and workplace.
• It is designed to prepare graduates for careers across creative industries, business and government.
• Students can develop both creative-writing capability and professional/technical writing skills rather than focusing exclusively on literary writing.
• The programme includes a substantial 60-point Extended Writing Project, allowing students to develop an extended piece of writing under academic supervision.
• Students can potentially continue to a PhD in English after completing the master's.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MWRIT requires 180 points of coursework, including two compulsory courses and a selection of additional courses.

Compulsory courses:

• WRIT401 Advanced Reading and Writing — 30 points
• WRIT680 Extended Writing Project — 60 points

Students then choose from:

• WRIT402 Writing for Community Change — 30 points
• WRIT403 Creative Writing — 30 points
• 400- or 600-level English courses, or another subject approved by the Head of Department.

Key academic areas include:

• Advanced reading
• Advanced writing
• Professional writing
• Technical writing
• Creative writing
• Fiction
• Non-fiction
• Writing for community change
• Textual analysis
• Written communication
• Writing for different audiences and media
• Extended writing projects
• Editorial skills
• Research relevant to writing tasks

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Writing does not currently advertise fixed named specialisations.

Instead, students can develop an area of focus through their course choices and Extended Writing Project.

Potential focus areas include:

• Professional writing
• Academic writing
• Creative writing
• Technical writing
• Fiction
• Non-fiction
• Community-focused writing
• Editorial practice
• Writing for business and organisations
• Writing for different media and audiences

Programme Highlights

• 180-point Level 9 master's degree
• Coursework-based qualification
• 12–18 months full-time
• Up to 3 years part-time
• February and July starts
• Campus-based study
• Professional, academic, creative and technical writing
• 60-point Extended Writing Project
• Opportunity to develop fiction and non-fiction writing
• Writing for community change option
• Opportunity to take advanced English courses
• Strong emphasis on written communication and textual analysis
• Professional and creative writing skills developed together
• Potential pathway to a PhD in English.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies the following capabilities for Master of Writing graduates:

• Advanced writing across professional, technical, organisational, community and creative contexts
• Ability to write in different genres and registers
• Ability to adapt writing for different audiences and media
• Research skills relevant to writing assignments
• Critical analysis and evaluation of other writers' work
• Editorial advice and support for other writers
• Understanding of writing within Aotearoa New Zealand/Niu Sila contexts.

Potential career areas include:

• Author
• Writer
• Editor
• Reviewer
• Copywriter
• Content creator
• Communications
• Professional/technical writer
• Creative industries
• Publishing
• Media
• Government communications
• Corporate communications
• Community organisations
• Editorial roles

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme is 180 points.
• UC currently describes it as a coursework-based master's.
• The current programme page lists February and July starts.
• The programme can take 12–18 months full-time or up to 3 years part-time.
• The programme-specific English requirement is IELTS 6.5 in every component, with preference given to applicants scoring 7.0 or above.
• The programme has campus-based course locations.
• WRIT680 is a substantial 60-point Extended Writing Project.
• Course admission is subject to approval by the Head of Department.
• Individual courses may have different semester availability.
• Students should ensure their undergraduate degree contains a substantial writing component and that they have at least a B average in relevant 300-level courses.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for this programme.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Visa: Fee Paying Student Visa
• Cost: from NZD $850
• Maximum duration: up to 4 years
• Current published processing benchmark: 80% within 8 weeks
• Offer of Place from an approved education provider
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance
• Health and character requirements
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.