Find your voice as a writer
Discover your individual voice within a lively community of writers. Hone your craft in small-group writing workshops led by high-calibre teaching staff at the International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML).
Develop your imaginative capacity and literary skills in a stimulating workshop environment. Participate in discussions of class members’ work-in-progress, and study the work of other writers in your genre, while developing your own creative work.
You'll submit a portfolio of writing at the end of the course to be assessed on a pass or fail basis, with a written report by the workshop convenor.
Why Wellington
We’re the oldest and most prestigious creative writing programme in Aotearoa New Zealand. A small undergraduate creative writing course—first offered at the University in 1975—slowly evolved into a wide range of genre-specific workshops. In 1997 we established Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Master of Arts in Creative Writing, and then expanded this to include scriptwriting. Ten years later we established the first Creative Writing PhD in the country.
Based in the homely surrounds of Bill Manhire House, we foster a genuine sense of community among our staff and students. We are also closely connected with the people, organisations, events, and venues that fuel the liveliest arts scene in the country.
Our high-calibre teaching staff are all practising creative writers with strong publishing profiles. Undergraduate students can also attend summer courses taught by international guests from the celebrated Iowa Writers’ Workshop, thanks to a long-standing relationship between our programmes.
Studying with the IIML has made me a better writer, student, and creative. The undergraduate courses have been wonderful for making friends, learning technique, and rapidly honing my writing skills in a space unlike anywhere else.
Find out more about AnthonyThe 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.
Choose your study path
The IIML offers Creative Writing courses at 200 and 300-level, which you can take in different ways.
As an elective
You can take a Creative Writing course as an elective in any undergraduate degree. It can be included to meet the requirements for an English Literature or Theatre major.
As a minor
You can take Creative Writing as your minor subject in most undergraduate degrees.
How to apply to study Creative Writing
All applications for our limited entry Creative Writing courses go through a selection process. You need to provide a writing sample and cover letter as part of your application.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Creative Writing at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Studying Creative Writing as part of your degree can open unexpected doors. You might find work in publishing, editing, journalism and in writing roles in a range of organisations, from museums to the public service to the corporate world.
Continuing on to postgraduate study in Creative Writing will improve your career prospects.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
-
This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Globally ranked
Our English Literature subjects are ranked in the top 100 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Postgraduate study
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could apply to study a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
Master of Arts in Creative Writing
This one-year full-time postgraduate research degree is an opportunity to discover your voice in your chosen medium. Learn with a supportive community of writers in a workshop environment.
Choose to study from one of two streams—Writing for the Page or Scriptwriting.
PhD in Creative Writing
A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the University. It usually involves between three and four years of original and sustained research under supervision.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.