
Study writing abroad
An in-depth guide to studying writing as an international student.
Writing degrees abroad
It’s possible to study a wide range of writing degree program disciplines all over the world. You can learn different skills and techniques by studying some of the world’s most famous writers, or discover the best way to write for different media.
Writing is a vital skill in all industries and can lead to a number of great career opportunities. If you dream of becoming a published writer, a degree in something like creative writing can help you develop your skills and learn how to get your work noticed.
Choosing to study writing abroad means you’ll be able to access some of the best programs in the world. The art of writing can be approached differently in different countries, so by studying abroad you can gain a better understanding of the subject.


Writing program structure
The content and structure of a writing degree program will depend on exactly what discipline you have chosen to study. There’s a number of writing-related subjects available, including:
- Creative writing
- Professional writing
- Technical writing
- Screenwriting
- Playwriting
Writing programs are often offered as joint-honours programs where they’re combined with another subject, like media, English literature or journalism.
You can study writing at all degree levels, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. Most programs are available as a BA at bachelor’s level, and take three or four years to complete. If you study at a liberal arts school in the US, you can choose to study writing as a major subject alongside general studies.
At postgraduate level, you can study an MA over two years, or some universities offer an MLitt program. This is research-based, rather than taught, and can be good preparation for studying for a PhD in writing.
The assessment methods of a writing course will be through essays, projects and written exams. Depending on the precise program, you may also need to produce a portfolio of your work or complete a research-based dissertation. Teaching will be through workshops, lectures and seminars, with a lot of time also given to independent study.
Writing program structure
The content and structure of a writing degree program will depend on exactly what discipline you have chosen to study. There’s a number of writing-related subjects available, including:
- Creative writing
- Professional writing
- Technical writing
- Screenwriting
- Playwriting
Writing programs are often offered as joint-honours programs where they’re combined with another subject, like media, English literature or journalism.
You can study writing at all degree levels, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. Most programs are available as a BA at bachelor’s level, and take three or four years to complete. If you study at a liberal arts school in the US, you can choose to study writing as a major subject alongside general studies.
At postgraduate level, you can study an MA over two years, or some universities offer an MLitt program. This is research-based, rather than taught, and can be good preparation for studying for a PhD in writing.
The assessment methods of a writing course will be through essays, projects and written exams. Depending on the precise program, you may also need to produce a portfolio of your work or complete a research-based dissertation. Teaching will be through workshops, lectures and seminars, with a lot of time also given to independent study.
Types of writing degrees
Best countries to study writing
How to study writing abroad
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Writing study abroad programs
Writing undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in writing
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Drama (Writing for Performance) - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,782 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
English (minor in Writing) - BA High Point University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
35,996 USD
Fee in university's local currency 35,996 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies) - BA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
29,834 USD
Fee in university's local currency 29,834 USD
- Start date
- August, May, January
-
Interdisciplinary Studies - Writing and Performing Arts - BIS Louisiana State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,700 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,700 USD
- Start date
- January, May
-
English - Writing - BA Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
35,736 USD
Fee in university's local currency 35,736 USD
- Start date
- September, January
Associate in writing
-
English Language: Writing - AA Berkeley City College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
7,950 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD
- Start date
- August, June, January
-
English: Literature and Writing Studies (Direct Transfer) - AA North Seattle College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,687 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD
- Start date
- September, June, April, January
-
Writing Studies - AA South Seattle College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,687 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD
- Start date
- April, September, June, January
Diploma in writing
-
Comedy: Writing and Performance - UGDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,323 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,412 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
Writing and Publishing (Kelowna Campus) - Dip Okanagan College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,546 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,440 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
Writing graduate programs
Master's in writing
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Architectural History, Research and Writing - MA London Metropolitan University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,329 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,250 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Creative and Critical Writing - MA University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,713 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,250 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
-
Crime Writing and Forensic Investigation - MLitt University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,897 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,275 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
English - Literature and Writing - MA Duquesne University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,112 USD
Fee in university's local currency 23,112 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
English Writing - MA/MFA William Paterson University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
20,454 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,454 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Doctorate in writing
-
English Pedagogy: Teaching Writing - DA Murray State University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,200 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,200 USD
- Start date
- August, January
Diploma in writing
-
Irish Writing - PGDip Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
20,817 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,374 EUR
- Start date
- September
Certificate in writing
-
Television Writing and Producing - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,219 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,532 CAD
- Start date
- September
Future writing careers
Graduates with a writing degree will have a lot of options when it comes to looking for a job after university. The roles you will be best suited for will depend on what program you choose to study, but some roles you might consider include:
- Journalist
- Technical writer
- Publishing editor
- Copywriter
- Content editor
- Screenwriter
- Scriptwriter
If you’re not sure which writing degree program is right for you, think about what career you want after graduation. You can then look for the program that will give you the skills you need for the career you want.
