MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes

Course Overview

Part-time MSc, 10 weekends per year (7 online and 3 in-person in Bristol UK). Explore therapeutic dimensions of creative writing and personal and social narratives. Write creatively in a supportive group and deepen understanding and a range of topics with scope for your own interests. Develop your practice and skills as facilitator, writer, researcher.

The MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes is designed for individuals interested in exploring the therapeutic dimensions of creative writing, narrative and story. This interdisciplinary programme integrates creative writing (including spoken word and other art forms) with therapeutic practice to address personal and social narratives. It is grounded in humanistic and person-centred values, aiming to enhance students’ understanding of how storytelling can contribute to individual and collective well-being. The course involves experiential learning through creative writing, discussion, and reflective practice, with a strong emphasis on personal and professional development. Students will engage in a combination of online and in-person learning, culminating in a dissertation project in the third year.

You may also be interested in Metanoia's Practitioner Certificate in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes for Therapists. 

Who is this course for?

• People with an interest in writing in a broad sense including literature, stories, narratives and spoken word, and in how working with these can contribute to wellbeing on individual and social levels 
• People currently working, or aiming to work with others who seek training to prepare them for working with CWTP 
• People in other fields who wish to employ the resources and practices of CWTP to tackle problems, enhance organisations and communities, or envision pathways in diverse cultures and settings 

The course offers students opportunities  

• to engage with creative writing using diverse forms and approaches
• to find their own voice in practising CWTP 
• to build knowledge and skills with emphasis on the integration of theory and practice 
• engage experiential learning, group work, practical skills training, peer feedback, and creative and personal development  

Course Summary

• Field of Study: Therapeutic Writing
• Duration: 3 years
• Start Dates: September 2025
• Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute
• Awarding Institution: Middlesex University
• Accrediting Professional Body: N/A
• Entry Requirements: 
  • A UK Level 6 degree or exceptional equivalent experience/knowledge via professional training and experience in a therapeutic setting.
  • Foundation knowledge of counselling terms and theory. This can be demonstrated via a qualification such as Metanoia Certificate in Therapeutic Skills or an equivalent short course, or, in some circumstances, via study of a provided text prior to the course starting.
  • Applicants are required to submit examples of their creative writing with a reflective commentary on the process of writing one or more pieces (see Selection Criteria below).
  • For students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) is required unless you have a prior higher education qualification taught in English.
  • We also offer a supportive process to establish equivalencies in qualifications or experience (APL/APEL). If you do not easily meet our Level 6 Degree requirements, please contact cwtp-admin@metanoia.ac.uk to discuss options.
• Location: Blended learning, online live and in person in Bristol (see Dates for more information).

Selection Criteria

Applicants are required to submit examples of their creative writing with a reflective commentary on the process of writing one or more pieces.

• Evidence of current creative writing practice
• Ability to reflect on own creative writing process, observations of language and themes, therapeutic/other effects
• Engagement in a writing activity with ability to listen and respond
• Basic understanding of key counselling terms and approaches
• Demonstration of capacity to develop sensitive response to self and reflexive awareness of diverse perspectives and issues.

Find a list of the diverse research topics our students have written about here. 

Fees

Initial Fees

• Optional Introductory Workshop (see our workshops calendar for availability and fees)

 Annual Course Fees for 2025/2026

• Year 1: £5,950
• Year 2: £5,950
• Year 3: £1,910

Validated by Middlesex University 

This programme is validated and quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion. 

📥 Middlesex University Programme Spec

ℹ️ Updated 24 Mar 2025