Storytelling is an integral part of life. AUT's creative writing programme embraces the multiple modes through which storytelling can occur, including not just novels and short stories but writing for the screen, graphic novels, and multimedia texts. As well as literary fiction, we encourage high quality work in popular genres such as young adult fiction, travel writing, biography, children’s stories, narrative journalism and creative non-fiction. Poetry and experimental image/text work are also covered. The Master of Creative Writing for Screenwriters offers a dedicated stream of masterclasses, as well as industry-style script development pods for writers who want to bring their ideas to the screen.
The Master of Creative Writing is the faculty’s largest master's programme. It is the centrepiece of the AUT Centre for Creative Writing. As a Master of Creative Writing candidate, you take part in masterclasses led by our experienced mentors, who are among the most accomplished writers and creative writing tutors in the country. Peer feedback and networking with industry bodies (including publishers, writers societies and the film industry), are key components of the programme. We also follow up with regular alumni meetings, and staff and alumni have gone on to collaborate on successful publishing initiatives.
Minimum entry requirements
One of the following:
Other requirements
At the heart of the Master of Creative Writing is your primary creative work (or ‘thesis’). You also develop an accompanying exegesis, a short piece of written and/or multimedia work that frames your creative project as research. You work under the guidance of an experienced creative writing mentor, across a range of literary genres and mixed-media projects – from short stories, or graphic novels to screenplays.
Masterclasses
There are weekly masterclasses delivered by some of New Zealand’s most experienced creative writing tutors, peer review processes and input from publishers.
Mentoring
You will be assigned a mentor to provide expert feedback and support on your project as it develops.
Blogging
Blogging is used as a medium for the crucial peer review feedback component of this programme. It’s your chance to compose your responses to your peers’ work and post useful links and other resources. The blog is moderated by the chair of the AUT Centre for Creative Writing, and tutors provide follow-through from this during the masterclasses.