Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Creative Writing (MCW) is a Level 9 postgraduate qualification designed around advanced creative writing practice and research.
• It can follow directly from a bachelor's degree in any subject, subject to the MCW's selected-entry requirements.
• Students develop an individual creative project while also undertaking critical/research work.
• The programme allows students to work closely with experienced and award-winning writers. Massey describes the degree as an opportunity to develop novels, poetry, short stories, plays, scripts, creative non-fiction and other forms.
• The 120-credit thesis forms the major component of the qualification, giving students substantial scope to develop a book-length or equivalent creative project.
• The programme is delivered by distance and online, making it suitable for international students who remain outside New Zealand. Massey explicitly states that international students can study this qualification online from outside New Zealand.
• Massey's creative-writing environment combines creative practice with critical thinking, research and individual supervision.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification is divided into two parts.

Part One – 60 credits

Students choose 60 credits from the approved Part One courses:

• 299703 Critical and Creative Research – 30 credits
  • Introduces research practices involving creative texts.
  • Covers planning and producing research in critical and/or creative modes.
  • Develops critical voice and considers the cultural and social value of aesthetic communication.
• 299765 Creative Writing Workshop – 30 credits
  • Advanced study and practice of creative writing in contemporary forms.

Massey recommends taking both of these List A courses. The qualification regulations also allow the Part One requirement to be constructed from approved alternatives in the relevant circumstances.

Progression requirement:

• Students must achieve at least a B+ average across Part One before progressing to Part Two.

Part Two – 120-credit thesis

• 299861 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 – 60 credits
• 299862 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits

The thesis is supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work, according to the current course description.

The thesis normally consists of:

• Approximately 70% creative work.
• Approximately 30% critical work.
• The critical component can take the form of a literary essay, craft essay or exegesis.
• Students identify the intended genre in their research-interest proposal.

Disciplines / Specialisations

• The MCW is awarded without a formal specialisation.
• Students can, however, pursue an individual creative genre within their thesis.
• Massey specifically mentions novels, poems, short stories, plays, scripts and creative non-fiction as examples of creative work students may develop.
• The exact genre is proposed as part of the selected-entry application.

Programme Highlights

• 180-credit NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• Distance and online delivery.
• Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.
• Can follow directly from a bachelor's degree in any subject, subject to selected-entry requirements.
• Strong emphasis on independent creative practice.
• 120-credit supervised thesis.
• Approximately 70% creative and 30% critical thesis structure.
• Individual one-to-one supervision during the thesis.
• Online talks and workshops.
• Compulsory workshop.
• Portfolio-based selection.
• Students can develop substantial work in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, scripts, plays and other contemporary forms.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a range of possible career directions for creative-writing graduates, including:

• Freelance writing for corporate or non-profit organisations.
• Creative arts project coordination.
• Television writing.
• Magazine writing.
• Blog and digital writing.
• Book publishing.
• Arts-festival and inter-arts collaboration.
• Public relations writing.
• Advertising and creative copywriting.
• Teaching.
• Performance-related writing and production.
• Government-policy writing and advisory work.
• Social-media writing.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current qualification is a selected-entry programme.
• The current 2027 application deadline is 31 October 2026 for both Semester One and Semester Two.
• A creative-writing portfolio is mandatory for selection.
• The portfolio must be the applicant's own work.
• Applicants must submit a proposed research/creative project outline.
• The thesis proposal should identify the intended creative genre.
• Applicants must provide a writing CV where relevant.
• A personal statement is required.
• A minimum B+ average in Part One is required to progress to Part Two.
• A compulsory workshop is required, online or in person.
• Maximum completion period: 5 years.
• Students with the specified relevant honours or postgraduate diploma background may apply for advanced credit towards Part One.

International Student Visa Requirements

For international students studying the MCW online from outside New Zealand:

• Massey explicitly states that the programme is open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.
• A New Zealand student visa is therefore not normally required simply to undertake the programme remotely outside New Zealand.
• If an applicant intends to travel to New Zealand and undertake study physically in New Zealand, visa requirements depend on the actual study arrangement and immigration status. Students should obtain confirmation from Massey and Immigration New Zealand before making travel arrangements.