PhD Creative Writing in Bristol United Kingdom | University of Bristol

A Creative Writing postgraduate research program involves producing an original creative piece—typically a novel, poetry collection, or short stories—paired with a critical analysis. The analytical component situates the creative work within a well-researched theoretical framework.

Assessment totals 25,000 words for an MPhil and 80,000 words for a PhD (or poetic equivalent). Typically, 65-70% of the submission is creative content, while 30-35% consists of critical analysis, with exact ratios determined by the supervisory team.

Each research student is guided by two supervisors: one specializing in creative writing and another from English Literature or a related field. Like traditional research degrees, the final work must offer 'a substantial and original contribution to knowledge.' In Creative Writing, this entails producing work that meaningfully engages with contemporary literary conversations.

The creative output should reflect these literary discussions, while the critical analysis examines them conceptually. Both components explore the same research questions, fostering a dynamic relationship between creative expression and scholarly inquiry.