MSc Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes

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Key Information

Field of Study

  • MSc Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes

Duration

  • 3 years part time

Start Date

  • 01/09/2026

Teaching Institution

  • Metanoia Institute

Awarding Institution

  • Middlesex University

Location

  • Blended - in-Person at Metanoia Institute and online.

Part-time MSc, 10 weekends per year (7 online and 3 in-person in London 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.

Course Philosophy

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 Modules

  • Year One:
    • Introduction to Creative Writing and its Therapeutic Applications (20 credits / Level 7)
    • Reflective Personal Writing (20 credits / Level 7)
    • Therapeutic Settings and Established Theories (20 credits / Level 7)
  • Year Two:
    • Facilitating Therapeutic Groups (20 credits / Level 7)
    • Preparing to Research a Topic of Curiosity in CWTP (20 credits / Level 7)
    • Research Methodologies for Therapeutic Settings (20 credits / Level 7)
  • Year Three:
    • Dissertation (60 credits / Level 7)

Supporting Information

The programme comprises 10 weekends per year, comprising seven online and three in-person weekends in London, UK. The teaching approach includes experiential writing workshops, discussions, and practical skills training. Students receive detailed feedback on assignments and engage in group work, pair work, and individual tutorials. Personal study of at least 5 hours per week is expected.

 

Alumni Path

Graduates work as facilitators, therapists, or writers using creative approaches in education, wellbeing, and healthcare.

Key Contacts

Fiona Hamilton

Head of Programme, MSc Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes

Email fiona.hamilton@metanoia.ac.uk
Fiona Hamilton specialises in creative, expressive and reflective writing and devising projects with creative and therapeutic aims. She is a mentor and has extensive group and one-to-one experience of facilitating in the NHS and complementary healthcare, with community groups devising projects to raise awareness and challenge stigma, with young people in schools, and on experimental poetry and drama projects. She is Arts Lead for the National Centre for Integrative Medicine and at the University of Bristol teaches students who wish to complement clinical studies by exploring concepts of health and their own lives using poetry, movement, humour, conversation and reflective writing. Fiona has published drama scripts, poetry collections, radio pieces, and public art, and a play for live online audiences during the pandemic exploring the power of music and dance for healing. Particularly relevant to her CWTP role are published work for the book ‘Medicine, Health, and the Arts’, ‘Words and Thresholds’ in Scriptum Creative Writing Journal, and the books ‘Writing Routes’ and ‘Writing Works’.

Entry Requirements

  • A UK Level 6 degree or exceptional equivalent experience/knowledge via professional training and experience in a therapeutic setting.
  • 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

 

Selection Criteria

  • 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.

Fees and Funding

Fees

Initial Fees

Annual Course Fees for 2026/2027

  • Year 1: £6,200
  • Year 2: £6,200
  • Year 3: £3,100

How to Apply

At Metanoia, we are committed to empowering the next generation of professionals in counselling and psychotherapy. This programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills and achieve your career aspirations in a supportive learning environment.

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