The PhD Creative Writing at the University of Bristol offers you the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project, culminating in an 80,000-word thesis. This programme is ideal if you aspire to make an original contribution to literary discourse through a significant body of creative work, such as a novel or poetry collection, accompanied by a critical investigation. You will engage with leading academics in Creative Writing and Critical Practice, benefiting from the vibrant research environment of the Brigstow Institute and the Centre for Material Texts. This doctoral degree is designed for dedicated writers seeking to deepen their craft and theoretical understanding.
This full-time, on-campus PhD is typically completed over four years, with a minimum study period of three years. Your research will involve approximately 50,000 words of creative work and 30,000 words of critical analysis, with the exact balance agreed with your supervisory team. As you progress, you may have the chance to audit taught units and, from your second year, potentially teach units yourself. You will graduate with advanced research skills and a significant creative portfolio, prepared for academic careers, publishing, or other roles demanding sophisticated critical and creative expertise.