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.
Medium of Instruction
English
Entrance Requirements
1. A good bachelor's degree from a recognised university, or equivalent qualifications.
2. Applicants majoring in arts and humanities subjects are encouraged, while all fields are welcomed.
3. Applicants must attach a sample of original creative writing to their application and meet the requirements stipulated above.
4. Applicants shortlisted for the programme will be asked to interview as part of the selection process.
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The Faculty of Arts is one of the flagship faculties of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and is an internationally renowned and leading humanities faculty. It is ranked 1st in Asia and 14th in the world for Arts and Humanities in the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities 2024. It is also ranked 1st in Asia and Hong Kong in Arts and Humanities in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024, and 4th in Asia and 1st in Hong Kong in Arts and Humanities in Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings 2024. The QS World University Subject Rankings 2024 places the Linguistics, Modern Languages, and English Language and Literature subjects among the top 30 worldwide, with rankings of 15th, 22nd, and 27th, respectively. The Faculty of Arts' presence amongst the best institutions in the world is evidence of its exceptional record in teaching and research.
The Faculty strives to attract and nurture outstanding scholars and students from around the world through excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, research, and knowledge exchange. We are dedicated to fulfilling our mission to produce graduates with highly developed analytical, linguistic, critical and creative skills, for leadership and success in their professional and life endeavours. The Faculty is committed to serving the lifelong learning needs of the community.