The International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML) hosts Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington's Creative Writing programme, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. We are part of the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University.
Application deadlines
We have specific application deadlines for undergraduate workshops in each trimester, and for our MA and PhD programmes.
Writer in Residence 2025
Applications for our full-year Writer in Residence position are now open. The deadline is 30 September 2024.
The residency is supported by Creative New Zealand and will be based at the IIML in 2025.
Undergraduate courses
Discover your individual voice and develop your imaginative capacity within a lively community of writers.
Master of Arts in Creative Writing
Join the Creative Writing programme with a national and international reputation for developing many of New Zealand's best writers.
PhD in Creative Writing
Our PhD programme is designed for those who wish to write creatively and think in focussed and original ways about the critical contexts of their writing.
Anthony Lapwood—Short Fiction workshop convenor
'The short story form is wonderfully demanding and diverse — with so much said in so little space. This course helps you find your footing and your voice.'
Louise Wallace—MA graduate
'The MA year managed to highlight the interesting and unique things about our individual work and voice, that we could then refine and learn how to harness.'
Ruby Solly—Māori and Pasifika Writing Workshop co-convenor
'For me, this class was an āhuru mōwai; a space where I was supported to find my voice and create. I’m excited to be a tuakana here, and to return the favour.'