Introduction
Master the Art of Creative Writing with Warnborough College
Do you dream of crafting powerful stories, unforgettable characters, and compelling narratives? Ready to turn your passion for words into a professional writing career?
The MA in Creative Writing at Warnborough College is your gateway to mastering the art of storytelling. This fully online program is designed for serious writers who want to refine their craft, explore new creative frontiers, and produce a major body of work.
A Unique and Flexible Learning Experience
Rooted in Aristotle’s classic theory of mimesis yet tailored for the modern writer, this program blends structured learning with the freedom to develop your own distinctive voice. Whether you write fiction, poetry, drama, or creative nonfiction, you’ll gain the tools, techniques, and confidence to excel.
If you have already completed our Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Writing, you can transfer the credits towards this course.
Key Info
Duration:
4 terms (16 months) minimum ^
Credits:
120 ECTS credits
Fees:
€85 per credit. €10,200 in total.
Start:
Monthly
Prerequisites:
Undergraduate degree in the same or related discipline
Creative Writing Progression Pathway
Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Writing
6 modules (48 ECTS)
Bachelors or similar
See Program
Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Writing
PG Certificate + 2 Modules (64 ECTS)
PG Certificate + 2 modules (or 8 modules in total)
See Program
Master of Arts in Creative Writing
PG Diploma + Thesis (120 ECTS)
PG Diploma (or 8 modules) + Thesis
You are Here
PhD in Creative Writing
MA + 4 modules + Dissertation (160 ECTS)
Masters or equivalent
See Program
Note: The graduate programs (colour-coded ‘blue’ up) show a clear progression pathway. Move your mouse over each block to see the entry pre-requisites (if any). You do not have to follow a progression pathway. If you meet the requirements for a Master’s, you can apply directly into that programme.
What will I learn?
Customisable Options
Modular Program - Your Creative Journey Explained
- 8 Core Modules (8 credits each = 64 credits)
Master the fundamentals of storytelling, character development, and narrative techniques. - Final Project (56 credits)
Create a fully-customised body of work (fiction, poetry, drama, or nonfiction) that reflects your vision and style
This rigorous 16-month program includes:
- 8 months of immersive coursework covering essential writing techniques.
- 8 months dedicated to your final project, mentored by experienced writers.
A total of 120 credits must be successfully completed to be awarded the Master of Arts in Creative Writing.
CWR700 Why We Write
The question of “why writers write” has echoed through literary history. Traditionally, this exploration focuses on narratives of established authors. Our module shifts the focus inward, acknowledging the intensely personal and often idiosyncratic reasons that fuel our own individual creative journeys.
CWR710 Mimesis of Texts
Mimesis, or the imitation of life in art and literature, is crucial in creative writing. This module will see our students explore the concept of mimesis as outlined by Aristotle, focusing specifically on poetry.
CWR720 Let's Make a Scene
This module explores the art of writing scenes in fiction, drama, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Students will develop their ability to craft scenes that resonate emotionally, move the plot forward, and reveal character.
CWR730 Character Development and Dialogue
This module explores how characters evolve through their interactions with others and how dialogue serves as a vehicle to express, challenge, or deepen character motivations and conflicts.
CWR740 Mastering Narration and Storytelling
Students will explore narrative techniques through a variety of classic and contemporary short stories and narrative poems.
CWR750 The Power of Description
This module explores the art of writing scenes in fiction, drama, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Students will develop their ability to craft scenes that resonate emotionally, move the plot forward, and reveal character.
CWR760 Dialogue – Voices in Motion
Dialogue is a very important component of storytelling. It helps to shape the narrative and the voice of different characters.
CWR770 Developing Creativity for Your Final Project and Portfolio
In this module, you will focus on the development of your MA/PhD project or pieces while also compiling a comprehensive portfolio.
Your final project is your calling card to the literary world. Choose your format and genre:
- ✍ Poetry – A full-length poetry collection (70–100 pages).
- 📚 Fiction – A novella or a short story collection (100 pages).
- 🎭 Playwriting – A complete script (100 pages).
- 📝 Creative Nonfiction – A series of essays or a book-length narrative (100 pages).
How will I learn?
This is an online program. There is no required residency or travel.
Modules can be accessed on our learning platform, and you can liaise with your appointed mentor on how to customise or structure any individual needs. You will also plan the ‘roadmap’ for program completion and contact times/methods. At this level, we expect our learners to be highly self-motivated and capable of independent work.
Program Director
Dr. Maria Jacketti is a distinguished writer, translator, educator, and political activist with deep expertise in creative writing and world literature. Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Dr. Jacketti spent significant time in the New York City area before returning to her hometown, where she continues to influence both local and global communities.
Dr. Jacketti’s academic background spans Spanish, French, Mass Communications, and English, culminating in a PhD in English and Comparative Literature. Her work has earned significant recognition, including a fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and a role as Poet in Public Service in New York City. She has also translated the works of Nobel laureates Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda, supported by The New York State Council on the Arts, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
With six books in print, including her poetry collection Medusa’s Hairdresser, and over 1,000 published articles, Dr. Jacketti’s writing spans genres and reflects her profound engagement with the social and political issues of our time.
More Questions
* Fees:
Fees refer to tuition only. It does not include ancillary expenses such as required materials (see above), textbooks, internet connections, postage, telephone calls, insurance and printing. More…
^ Duration:
Depending upon exemptions, performance and the workload, it may take more or less time. Accreditation for Prior Learning or Experience (APEL) can reduce time and fees.
See Also
- PhD in Creative Writing.
- Short Hobby Courses related to Writing (opens in a new window)
What Our Students Say
It’s a good course and I learnt a lot of things. I was happy as a student there, and I received plenty of feedback. The course was very well and very clearly-structured. [Click for interview]
