Creative Writing Discipline

The UTS Creative Writing discipline is a nationally recognised centre for excellence in creative practice, research and teaching. Our academic staff include internationally and nationally awarded novelists, poets, creative non-fiction writers, editors, critics and scholars whose work shapes contemporary literary culture in Australia and beyond. Bringing together creative practice, critical inquiry and extensive industry engagement and lived expertise, the discipline offers a distinctive environment in which students and researchers explore the transformative role of writing and literature in Australian culture, society and public life.

Our teaching is informed by active creative practice and research excellence. Students learn from academics who are working writers, editors and researchers, engaging directly with contemporary approaches to craft, publishing, criticism and literary scholarship. Our curriculum combines rigorous creative and critical development with professional preparation, equipping graduates with advanced capabilities in writing, communication, editing, research and cultural analysis. Students are encouraged to develop both their creative voice and their understanding of the broader cultural, historical and professional contexts in which writing is produced and received.

Our research is distinguished by its practice-led strengths in poetry, fiction, literary studies, creative non-fiction, editing and publishing studies, and practice-led research. Our researchers produce internationally significant creative and scholarly works that contribute to contemporary debates about literature, creativity, culture, language and representation. The discipline is particularly noted for its leadership in creative writing research methodologies, including the relationship between creative practice and knowledge production, and for scholarship that investigates the social, cultural and political dimensions of literary activity. These strengths position UTS as a leading contributor to national and international conversations about writing and literary culture.

Industry engagement is a core strength of Creative Writing at UTS. We maintain strong relationships with publishers, literary journals, festivals, cultural organisations, arts institutions and community partners across Australia and internationally. Staff play significant leadership roles within the literary sector as authors, editors, critics, judges, advisors and cultural commentators, ensuring strong connections between the university and contemporary literary practice. These relationships create opportunities for collaboration, professional learning and public engagement while strengthening pathways for students into the creative and cultural industries.

The discipline has particular expertise in fostering literary citizenship and cultural leadership. Through public events, partnerships, creative projects, research collaborations and contributions to cultural policy and public debate, UTS Creative Writing actively participates in shaping Australia's literary and cultural landscape. Our staff's work extends beyond the classroom and the academy, engaging diverse audiences and communities and contributing to discussions about creativity, democracy, identity, language and social change.

Aligned with UTS's commitment to social impact, the discipline prioritises inclusion, diversity and community engagement. We support emerging writers from a broad range of backgrounds and encourage research and creative practice that engages with diverse voices, experiences and perspectives. Through excellence in teaching, research and engagement, UTS Creative Writing provides an intellectually ambitious, professionally connected and culturally engaged environment that advances literary knowledge, nurtures creative talent and contributes meaningfully to Australian public culture.