FAQs

1. How many intakes are there?
There is one intake per academic year – in August, except for its inaugural intake in January 2024. For August intake, the application usually opens from November (of the preceding year) to February.  For the exact application dates, please check our website regularly for updates. 

2. Where will the classes be conducted? 
Classes are conducted on the NTU campus.

3. What is the frequency and duration of classes?
For each course, there would normally be one 3-hour session per week for 13 weeks.
A typical MA Creative Writing & Publishing class schedule is as follows:

Weekday evenings (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm) 
Saturday mornings (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Saturday afternoons (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)

Example: If a student takes 4 courses per semester, he/she will attend classes twice a week for a total of 12 hours.

4. What are the differences between full-time and part-time study?
Full-time Study
The minimum candidature is 1 academic year (2 semesters).
The maximum candidature is 2 academic years (4 semesters).

Part-time Study
The minimum candidature is 1.5 academic years (3 semesters).
The maximum candidature is 4 academic years (8 semesters).

Compared to full-time students, part-time students take fewer courses in a semester and complete the programme over a longer period (> 1.5years).

5. What is the mode of assessment?
There are no examinations for the courses in the programme. Continuous assessment is applied to all the courses. Typical assessment components include class participation, creative writing portfolios, personal essays on various aspects of the publishing world, market analyses, research assignments and presentations.  

6. Is the course MOE-subsidized, and if so, is there an MOE grant available?
MA Creative Writing & Publishing programme is a self-funding master programme which is not MOE-subsidized, therefore MOE grant is not applicable.

7. Are there any subsidy/scholarships available for the MA Creative Writing & Publishing programme?
As MA Creative Writing & Publishing programme is a self-financing programme, there is currently no subsidy or scholarship available.

8. Do I need a degree in Humanities to apply for the MA Creative Writing & Publishing programme?
The MA Creative Writing & Publishing programme does not require a specific academic background in Humanities. We welcome applicants from a range of disciplines and value diverse perspectives.

 9. What is meant by a 'good bachelor’s degree or equivalent' in the admission requirements?
A bachelor's degree from a reputable and accredited University that demonstrates the candidate's strong academic performance.

10. Would submitting a portfolio be advantageous during application?
Submitting a portfolio and/or a list of publications would be advantageous, especially if it highlights your skills and potential in creative writing or publishing. If you have a portfolio, please submit it during the application period, as this can strengthen your application and provide additional insight into your abilities.

11. Are applicants permitted to submit creative writing samples that were drafted or revised with the assistance of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT), provided the original ideas, structure, and revisions are human-directed?
Writing samples submitted for the application process should not have been created with the assistance of AI.
This means they should not have been generated or revised with the assistance of AI tools such as ChatGPT or similar technologies. We value original, independent creative work that reflects your own voice and capabilities.

12. Can students take a mix of both creative writing and publishing electives concentrations?
Yes, students can take a mix of electives from both the creative writing and publishing concentrations. As long as they complete 4 electives in total, they are free to choose courses from either concentration or a combination of both.

13. Is it possible to change my study mode from part-time to full-time (or vice versa) after I’ve started the programme?
Switching between part-time and full-time study is generally not allowed during the programme. You will need to decide on your preferred study mode, either part-time or full-time, at the point of application. If you later wish to change your study mode, this will require approval from the Programme Director.

14. Does the School require interviews for pre-selection/enrolment?
Interviews are not mandatory for pre-selection or enrolment. However, if there is a need for further clarification or to assess the suitability of your application, an interview may be requested.

15. What options do full-time students have for their core requirement?
Only full-time students may choose between an internship or a dissertation. Part-time students are required to undertake a dissertation.

16. How does the MACWPUB Programme engage with the local publishing community?
While there are no formal collaborations at present, there are numerous industry connections.
The MA in Creative Writing and Publishing (MACWPub) programme was conceived of and written with the guidance and support of many local writers and publishers. 

Our tutors and guest lecturers are active members of the local publishing scene, including accomplished writers, editors, and publishers, ensuring that students benefit from real-world experience and connections. In addition, MACWPub students have done successful internships with local businesses in the publishing industry.

17. Is there an intake quota for the Programme? If yes, what is the number per intake?
There is no fixed quota per intake.

18. As an international applicant, can I apply for the part-time programme?
The part-time programme is only applicable to Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and those on Employment or Dependent Pass.

International applicant, who is not on Employment or Dependent Pass, must apply for full-time programme and will be issued Student Pass to study in NTU, pending approval from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA). 

19. Can I defer admission for 1 semester or 1 year, or take leave-of-absence?
No, deferment of admission and taking a leave of absence are not allowed in the first semester. You would need to withdraw from the programme and apply for admission again next year. Do note that the S$5000 deposit is non-refundable. Your application will be reviewed by our Admissions Panel alongside all other submissions. Admission decisions are determined by the overall quality and competitiveness of the applicant pool for each cycle. There is no guarantee of success in your application.

20. Can I withdraw from the programme after accepting the offer? Will there be financial consequences?
A withdrawal request must be sent to our office latest by the end of Teaching Week 1 of each semester. Tuition fees may be charged if the withdrawal request is submitted after Teaching Week 2 of each semester. Do note that the S$5000 deposit is non-refundable.

21. Should I have academic or professional referees?
You can have academic and/or professional referees.

22. How long should the personal statement be, and what should it include?
The personal statement should be less than 1000 words (preferred). It should include details of the following:

Your personal background
Your academic background
Any creative writing experience
Why you wish to pursue MA in Creative Writing and Publishing
Any career goals or long-term vision after you complete this course

Just be authentic and personal in your tone. This is the chance to show who you are as a writer and a person.

23. What are you looking for in prospective students, in terms of skills or dispositions?
For prospective students applying for the MA in Creative Writing and Publishing, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate a passion for creative writing and for the world of publishing. Key skills include excellent writing ability, communication skills and an ability to critically analyse and edit written work.

24. When can I apply for hall accommodation at NTU, and how do I get my NTU student account?
Applicants must accept NTU’s offer of course admission before applying for hall accommodation. Details such as NTU Office365 EDU account (e.g. [email protected]) will only be provided upon acceptance of the offer.

25. What are the chances that I get on-campus housing at NTU?
Given that the demand for on campus housing far exceeds the vacancies available, we recommend that you plan for possible off-campus accommodation in the meantime. Please refer to this link for more information on alternative housing options.

26. Where can I find information about applying for a Student's Pass at NTU?
Please refer to this link to know more about student’s pass.

27. Can an International Student work full-time and study?
International students on Student Pass are not allowed to work full‑time.

Please refer to MOM website for more details.

28. How can I check my available SkillsFuture Credit balance before submitting a claim, and what is the typical approval process after I submit my claim via the SkillsFuture portal?
You can use your SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) to offset part of the tuition fees by submitting a claim via the SkillsFuture portal. The amount that can be deducted from the programme fee will depend on your available SkillsFuture Credit balance and approval from SkillsFuture. You may submit your claim after receiving an offer from NTU.

For more information about SkillsFuture Credit, click here.