Creative Writing and Publishing
The Graduate Diploma is a new programme equivalent to the level of the third year of a BA (Hons). It is designed for aspiring writers who want to develop their skills and explore different creative forms. You will study fiction, creative non-fiction (with particular emphasis on essay, memoir, journaling) and poetics. There will also be opportunities to explore long form journalism and scriptwriting as well as an introduction to the mechanics and processes of modern publishing. You will be encouraged to experiment with form and style in order to develop your own voice. There will be a primary focus on the development of craft over and above literary theory.
The programme is part-time and delivered at either:
West Dean prides itself on providing an inclusive and student focused experience with regular one to one tutorials and feedback on your work during and after each study block.
At the heart of this programme is the opportunity for you to invest time and attention in your writing, hone your abilities and develop your craft through supported practice with teaching delivered by a committed team of successful, published writers.
Learning environment
What to expect
If you complete the Graduate Diploma with a grade B or above you will automatically be offered a place on the MA Creative Writing and Publishing. If you complete the GD with a lower grade you will be offered an interview for the MA Creative Writing and Publishing.
2025/26 Course Fees - UK & International Students
Lunch, accommodation and other living expenses are additional. Find out more
A £250 course fee and £200 accommodation deposit (if residential) is required to secure your place. Details will be provided to you in your offer. Fees are billed termly in advance. Please see the Terms and Conditions for further information.
We may routinely increase our course fees from year to year for one-year courses as well as courses lasting two or more years and may review and change such course fees without notice.
Funding
Scholarships and bursaries are available, based on individual need.
If you are a UK/EU student you may be eligible to apply for a Student Loan (tuition fees and/or maintenance loans) from the Student Loans Company.
Do you need help creating a portfolio to apply for one of our Creative Writing courses? Read our portfolio advice to learn about the general requirements, what we look for in a good portfolio, and what it should reflect.
Applications for this course can be made by submitting a completed application form and emailing it to: [email protected].
Any questions?
Email [email protected]; call us on: (01243) 818 300 and select option 1, or read more about our Admissions processes.
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Subject Leader - MA Creative Writing and Publishing
Mark Radcliffe is the author of three novels; Gabriel's Angel (2010), Stranger Than Kindness (2013), and most recently, Three Gifts (2023). He has a PhD in Creative Writing and Philosophy (University of Sussex) and an MA in Creative Writing (UEA).
Associate Tutor - MA Creative Writing and Publishing
Tutor - Certificate in Crime Writing
Domenica de Rosa is the author of sixteen published novels, twelve of them written under the name Elly Griffiths. As Elly Griffiths, she is best known for the highly successful Ruth Galloway crime novels. In 2016, she won the Crime Writer's Association Dagger in Library Award for her body of work.
Associate Tutor - MA Creative Writing and Publishing
Tutor - Certificate in Crime Writing
Lesley Thomson's first novel Seven Miles From Sydney, (ed: Jeanette Winterson) was one of London’s City Limit’s Books of the Year in 1987. Recent novels include The Companion (June 2022), and The Mystery of Yew Tree House (September 2023).
Associate Tutor - MA Creative Writing and Publishing
Tutor - Certificate in Fiction Writing
Laura has published six novels for adults, including Crossing the Line, Skin Deep, Redemption Song and The Family Line; as well as numerous short stories. As an editor and mentor, Laura coaches writers to competition shortlistings and publication.
Beth Miller is the author of six novels, including the bestselling The Missing Letters of Mrs Bright (2020). Her most recent novel, The Woman Who Came Back to Life (2022), will be published in seven languages. She has also published two non-fiction books. She has a PhD in Psychology and is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Brighton University. She teaches regularly for Arvon, and is a book coach for writers at all stages.
Mick Jackson's first novel, The Underground Man, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and won the Royal Society of Authors' First Novel Award. His novels, collections of stories and an e-book are published by Faber and Faber. Mick was an RLF Writing Fellow at the University of Sussex and has been writer in-residence at the Science Museum, London and the Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton. He has an MA in creative writing.