Cambridge MSt Creative Writing vs UEA MA

Hi everyone!
I’m really debating between Cambridge MSt Creative Writing, UEA, and potentially Manchester MA Creative Writing.
Any and all advice information is welcome.
For context: the finances aren’t a concern for me and I have the time to dedicate to my writing, no serious work commitments. The second year supervision at Cambridge sounds very cool and having the time to write is nice but I’m definitely not at publishable level and need teaching and guidance.
Also in the future may want to pursue an MFA and I wonder what name would be more helpful on my application.

Any applicants/current/past students/general opinions.
Am really struggling!

Reply 1

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team

Moved to english and linguistics

Reply 2

UEA Rep Daniel

Official Rep

Original post

by Writer8516

Hi everyone!
I’m really debating between Cambridge MSt Creative Writing, UEA, and potentially Manchester MA Creative Writing.
Any and all advice information is welcome.
For context: the finances aren’t a concern for me and I have the time to dedicate to my writing, no serious work commitments. The second year supervision at Cambridge sounds very cool and having the time to write is nice but I’m definitely not at publishable level and need teaching and guidance.
Also in the future may want to pursue an MFA and I wonder what name would be more helpful on my application.
Any applicants/current/past students/general opinions.
Am really struggling!

Hi there,

That is such an exciting position to be in. Huge congratulations on getting offers from such amazing places. I’ll focus a bit on UEA since I'm doing a PhD here.

UEA pretty much set the standard when it launched the first Creative Writing MA in the UK back in the seventies. Its reputation has only grown stronger over time, with so many successful authors coming out of it (Ian McEwan, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Anne Enright) just to name a few.

The course is very structured but gives you space to grow your voice and develop your craft, and the feedback culture there is one of its biggest strengths. Workshops are intense but incredibly supportive, and you are constantly challenged to improve your writing to a professional level. If you're looking for real, in-depth teaching with a community of seriously committed writers, UEA is outstanding. It’s also very well-respected internationally, so if you're thinking of applying for an MFA later on, having UEA on your CV would definitely open doors.

Plus, Norwich itself is a UNESCO City of Literature, with a brilliant literary scene, lots of readings, festivals, and chances to get involved with the wider writing community.

If you’re saying you really want strong teaching and support, honestly, UEA might just be a perfect fit.

If it would help, I can also tell you a bit about what life at UEA is like day-to-day. Happy to chat more if you want!

Best,
Daniel
PhD Biology