MST Creative Writing - University of Oxford

Has anyone else here applied for this course? I can't seem to find much on TSR or Gradcafe.

Hi there! I've applied and am up for interview next week for the Oxford MSt. How are things going on your end?

Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your interview - it happens to the best of us. I went for a PhD interview years ago and remember completely just blanking out on all words for a good minute (an eternity when a panel of 5 academics are staring lasers at you). Interviews are of debatable value, I think - how can you judge a writer based on his/her ability to speak under pressure, right? Anyway—I have not had a published book but am a working editorial writer. It’s hard to say what it is they’re looking for, but I do know that there’s a difference between Oxford and Cambridge (I’ve just interviewed for the latter’s CW MSt last week). Cam tends to seek out a balanced, diverse cohort from different experiences, backgrounds, and ages for the course to build a solid community of writers and depth of practice; I think Ox is more specifically directed towards career/publishing success. Both are good depending on what you want, of course. Have you looked into Cambridge’s programme?

I’ve spoken to a couple of alums from both programmes, and that’s the impression I got from them. In general, as well, Oxford tends to be, in character, a bit more extroverted, career-oriented; Cambridge is introverted, interested in the process of theory and in abstraction. They of course both have these qualities in general...just in different ratios. The Cambridge programme is my first choice because the class sizes are smaller, with less emphasis on output (about half the amount of words written per year vs Oxford), because the idea is to build up your thought process and research/conceptual ability as a writer. It’s a different approach. The residencies tend to be a bit longer at Cambridge, too, and there is no internship in the second year (again, career emphasis at Oxford). It’s a personal preference, basically - what is important to you? The Cambridge interview was lovely - the entire application process from Open House to post-interview is very responsive, friendly, and personal. You know how the Oxford interview invite said things like “you will be assessed for your suitability”? The Cambridge approach was not that at all. Their invitation was “it will be an informal conversation which will give you the chance to learn more about the programme and will allow us to chat with you about your influences, ambitions, and wider reading”. That alone was enough for me; Cambridge is my first choice just because it’s a better fit for who I am as a person. But I wouldn’t turn down Oxford if I didn’t get into Cam! Highly recommend that you look into it Best of luck!

Ah. That does sound awful (large room? What on Earth for?). Mine in Cambridge was in a small, book-lined room in front of a fireplace, me and two interviewers sat about 3 feet apart from each other. It was lovely - only thing missing to complete the picture was tea! I think Oxford is just different that way- they tend to be much more formal, much more structured in approach. I think what draws me to Ox and Cam as opposed to UEA or others is the access to the rest of the university, especially at Cambridge, where you can attend almost any lecture and use almost any library as a student. That kind of access is tremendous for the budding research stages of any writing project, as is the general effect of a degree from Oxbridge vs other universities. I’m afraid I don’t feel as confident about other unis in that aspect, and I’m not totally convinced that famous/well-known writers are necessarily pedagogically skilled. In the end, it’s a very personal undertaking, and it’s best to really figure out which one feels like the best fit while still keeping you on your toes! As for the Cambridge tutors - they are all multiple-published, all educated at the university; the main tutors’ interests and publications also fit my interests and learning needs well (so again, a personal choice). It’s worth a look! As for the Oxford programme - I do think there are benefits, of course, to their approach and outlook, and even the class size; in the end, though, it’s not quite as good a fit for me. Anyway, best of luck - if you do decide to apply to Cambridge and have any questions, feel free to send me a private message. I’ve just received an offer of place!

Hi there! I've applied and am up for interview next week for the Oxford MSt. How are things going on your end?

How did you get on with your interview? x

Hi there! I didn't attend the Oxford interview and withdrew my application--my first choice is Cambridge's equivalent programme (smaller cohort, really liked the warmer, more intimate vibe), and I received an offer of place at Cambridge one week before the Oxford interview. From what I've heard from Klogan (scroll up in this thread), the Oxford interview is quite different from Cambridge's. Have you applied for/are interviewing at Oxford?

Wow, that's amazing, you must be so excited about starting at Cambridge!! Well done on getting through a really competitive interview process. I was thinking about applying to Oxford for 2020, but judging by this thread (and things some alumni told me) I might go for Cambridge instead. Please let us know how the course is.

Thanks! I think the two programmes are different enough that they both attract people best suited to each one's particular style. The main factors for me were cohort size and the supervisors, which felt like a better fit. Definitely recommend applying for both and seeing how each one feels. Wishing you the best of luck in your writing pursuits!

Ah. That does sound awful (large room? What on Earth for?). Mine in Cambridge was in a small, book-lined room in front of a fireplace, me and two interviewers sat about 3 feet apart from each other. It was lovely - only thing missing to complete the picture was tea! I think Oxford is just different that way- they tend to be much more formal, much more structured in approach. I think what draws me to Ox and Cam as opposed to UEA or others is the access to the rest of the university, especially at Cambridge, where you can attend almost any lecture and use almost any library as a student. That kind of access is tremendous for the budding research stages of any writing project, as is the general effect of a degree from Oxbridge vs other universities. I’m afraid I don’t feel as confident about other unis in that aspect, and I’m not totally convinced that famous/well-known writers are necessarily pedagogically skilled. In the end, it’s a very personal undertaking, and it’s best to really figure out which one feels like the best fit while still keeping you on your toes! As for the Cambridge tutors - they are all multiple-published, all educated at the university; the main tutors’ interests and publications also fit my interests and learning needs well (so again, a personal choice). It’s worth a look! As for the Oxford programme - I do think there are benefits, of course, to their approach and outlook, and even the class size; in the end, though, it’s not quite as good a fit for me. Anyway, best of luck - if you do decide to apply to Cambridge and have any questions, feel free to send me a private message. I’ve just received an offer of place!

Hello! I'm attending the open day on Fri 13th Dec, with a view to applying. How have you found managing the time between residentials? Have you been happy with the work you've produced and the critique?