UCD has long been associated with some of Ireland’s greatest writers, including James Joyce, Flann O’Brien, Mary Lavin, Anthony Cronin, John McGahern, Neil Jordan, Conor McPherson, Marina Carr, Colm Tóibín, Emma Donoghue, Maeve Binchy and many others.

The School of English, Drama and Film has always included in its programme of extra-curricular activities a rich array of readings, writing workshops, writers’ groups, and special seminars offered by writers-in-residence to both undergraduates and postgraduates. In addition, the distinguished playwright, Frank McGuinness, is Professor of Creative Writing for the College of Arts and Celtic Studies, and internationally acclaimed novelists, Colm Tóibín and Anne Enright are Adjunct Professors.

In 2006 a structured programme of courses and supervision, the now well established MA in Creative Writing, was introduced to enable committed writers to develop their potential within a supportive framework. It is a one year course of lectures, seminars, workshops and supervision meetings which aims to provide committed writers with taught classes on theories and practices of writing, presentation and editing techniques, reading of selected texts as writers and supervision of a major writing project. UCD also offers an MFA in Creative Writing (both fiction and poetry) This is the first MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degree in Creative Writing (fiction and poetry) to be offered by an Irish University.

The School of English, Drama, and Film does not manage undergraduate applications and transfers directly. Please redirect your query to (opens in a new window)admissions@ucd.ie who will be better able to assist you. For more information regarding transfers and applications, you can also visit the Undergraduate Applicants page on UCD Registry's website.