How and when to apply

We have one application deadline each year for entry into the Master of Arts in Creative Writing. It's a limited entry programme and selection is competitive.

Application deadline

1 November each year for the programme taught between March and November the following year. You will be notified of the outcome by early December.

For information about scholarships relevant to MA in Creative Writing applicants, visit our Scholarships and prizes page. You can also search the University's Scholarships database for all available scholarships. Any enquiries should be directed to the Scholarships Office.

Before you enrol

Read about the Master of Arts in Creative Writing and our answers to common questions for a detailed overview of the programme, entry requirements, links for course fee information, answers to frequently asked questions and more.

If you are considering the scriptwriting stream we have prepared additional advice for scriptwriting applicants.

If you have concerns about the requirement to attend workshops in person, please contact us, so we can discuss the options.

Required application material

When you apply online you will need to upload the following documents to support your application:

A curriculum vitae—CV

This should outline both your work history, including unpaid and voluntary roles, and any writing history, eg. publications, productions, prizes and scholarships, relevant industry experience.

A one-page project description.

Keep this brief and describe the project you would like to work on during the year. (You should be proposing a substantially new project; not a revision of an existing draft.)

A reading list.

This is an indication of what you think will be most appropriate for your reading programme. This could take the form of a list of authors. This commits you to nothing; details of individual reading programmes will be settled only after admissions to the MA are decided.

A 10–20 page writing sample.

This will be central to the selection process. The writing sample must be your own original work. Any inclusions from other sources, such as collage or found work, must be attributed appropriately. A scriptwriting sample should be an actual script, rather than a treatment, outline etc.

Applying

Domestic applicants apply for admission online and upload additional application material by the 1 November application deadline.

International applicants apply on paper through Wellington University International. Begin an international application here. Read our advice for international applicants or contact Wellington University International directly.

Applying for both streams

If you wish to apply for both the 'Writing for the Page' and 'Scriptwriting' streams, you will need to submit two separate applications. Only one application may be uploaded via the OES. The submission material accompanying the second application can be submitted directly to us.

Submission of audio-visual material

You may submit audio-visual material with your application, but not as a replacement for your writing sample. Any such material must be clearly marked 'MA CREW support material' and delivered or posted to:

Attn: Admin Office
IIML
Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

Deliveries/courier:
Room 402
16 Waiteata Road,
Kelburn, 
Wellington

Post:
PO Box 600
Wellington 6140

All application material must be received by the application deadline—1 November each year.

Selection for the programme

All applications for this limited entry course will go through a selection process. Applicants will be advised of the outcome before the Christmas break.

Acceptance into a Masters programme does not guarantee the offer of a Victoria University of Wellington scholarship. You can find out more about the scholarships and prizes on offer on our Scholarships and prizes page, or on the University's Scholarships database.You are welcome to contact us if you have questions about the application process or difficulty enrolling online.

Selection into the scriptwriting programme

If you are accepted into the Master of Arts (Creative Writing)—scriptwriting you will be required to complete the following:

  • Read three scriptwriting texts (The Screenwriter's Workbook by Syd Field, Making A Good Script Great by Linda Seger, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler) before the programme starts.
  • Write a short biography that will be sent to the other students in the programme so you know a little about each other before you meet.
  • Meet with the Director of the scriptwriting programme before classes start to talk about the year, your proposed project, possible reading list.