The MFA in Creative Writing in the School of English is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and Asia. The MFA offers classes and workshops which not only target specific literary genres but foster cross-genre, cross-cultural, and translingual creativity. Our programme is deep in both theory and practice, covering intercultural histories and practices and involving students in lively discussions and dynamic workshops. Balancing coursework and supervision, we provide professional feedback and guidance that leads students toward completing an original creative thesis, ready for circulation and potential publication.

The MFA is unique for its special focus on the creative practice of the global, multilingual writer. At HKU, we welcome creative writers from all corners of the world. Many of our teachers and students have experience in writing across different genres, cultures, and languages. Our programme has hosted internationally acclaimed writers and artists and involved our students in writing creatively and collaboratively in academic settings and beyond. The MFA also fosters cross-genre creativity by offering one year of intensive study among fellow writers and other creative practitioners.

Prior training in creative writing is not a prerequisite, but all applicants must submit a sample of English-language creative work or work in progress, such as a short story, an excerpt from a novel/memoir/script, and a selection of poems (approximately 5 pages of prose/script on A4 paper or 10 pages of poetry on A4 paper) (the file size should not exceed 5MB). Those with less experience in writing creatively but a related background and/or a keen interest in creative writing in English will be considered.