jobs for creative writing teachers

How to Become a Creative Writing Teacher (And Enjoy It)

Creative writing is an art that offers students the opportunity to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills. Teaching this discipline requires not only expertise in writing but also the ability to inspire and guide aspiring writers on their journey to becoming better wordsmiths. Whether you’re looking to make extra money on the side or considering a full-time career, this guide will walk you through the steps of becoming a creative writing teacher, including dissertation data analysis help and resources for aspiring educators.

Become a Creative Writing Teacher: The Basics

5 tips for becoming a creative writing teacher.

Teaching others how to write it’s very fulfilling and allows you to share your unique perspective with your students. But there are several requirements you will need to meet to do it properly. Keep reading to see what they are:

1. Get a Degree in English or Creative Writing

While not required, having a relevant degree can give you an edge when applying for teaching positions. Formal education on the subject gives you the foundation in literature and composition that will be helpful when teaching how to write. People who wish to become creative writing teachers often attend college for additional writing training before sharing their expertise with others. This equips them to use various teaching approaches, whether it be through a traditional academic setting, an online course, a summer camp workshop, etc.

2. Consider Getting a Teaching Certification

3. start your own writing group or workshop.

This is a great way to get experience leading other writers. You’ll gain some insights into what it takes to be an effective teacher and learn how to communicate with your students . The most wonderful thing about starting a creative writing group is that you can build it exactly what you want it to be. It could be a workshop-style group where you read each other’s work. You can form a group where you meet up together and write, or just talk about writing or each other’s personal experiences in honing their craft. There are no rules. You can contact your writing sessions in a local café, or if that’s not possible, you can host the whole thing on a Facebook group.

4. Volunteer to Teach Creative Writing in Local Schools

Many educational institutions have after-school programs or summer camps that are always looking for volunteers. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and see if teaching is right for you. Most schools collaborate with volunteers who are or want to learn how to become creative writing teachers. You can teach how to edit and publish creative writing.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Getting a job as a creative writing teacher can be competitive. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your dream position right away. Keep applying and refining your resume , and eventually, you’ll find the perfect fit! To become a creative writing teacher, consider getting a degree or teaching certification in English or creative writing. You can also start your writing group or workshop, or volunteer to teach creative writing in local schools. These will give you the training and experience you need to get closer to your goal.

Teaching Writing With True Excellence

We all know the importance of teaching writing. After all, as the saying goes, “If you can’t write well, you can’t think well.” And in today’s world, with so much emphasis on effective communication and clear thinking skills, it’s more important than ever to make sure our students are receiving a top-notch education on learning how to write. So what does true excellence in teaching writing look like? Here are five key concepts to consider:

1. High Expectations

As teachers, we need to have high expectations for our students’ writing abilities. This doesn’t mean that we should be unrealistic or overly critical. Rather, it means that we should expect them to produce quality work that meets or exceeds our standards. By setting the bar high from the beginning, we’ll give them a goal to strive for and help them develop their skills more quickly.

2. Quality Feedback

3. focus on the process, 4. setting an example.

Another important aspect of teaching writing is modeling good behavior for our students. If we want them to produce quality work, then we need to show them how it’s done. We can do this by sharing our writings with them (with permission, of course), or by demonstrating proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage in our daily communications with them. Another great idea is to encourage them to read as much as possible and introduce them to the classics so they can fully grasp what a great piece of literary art looks like.

5. Encouragement

Testing your students through writing tasks.

As a creative writing teacher, it’s essential to test your students’ skills and knowledge regularly. One way to do this is through writing tasks. By setting regular writing assignments, you can gauge your student’s progress and identify areas that need improvement.

Here are some tips for making the most of the writing tasks in your classroom :

In short, get your students engaged in their learning by setting regular writing tasks. By making the tasks relevant and providing clear instructions, you’ll help them produce their best work. Don’t forget to provide feedback so they can understand where they need to improve. Many writing teachers are worried about the influence of artificial intelligence on the writing process. That’s why you need to explain that using AI bots for writing will teach them how to write, as it’s a form of “creative plagiarism.”

FAQ About How to Become a Creative Writing Teacher:

1. how do i start teaching creative writing.

There is no single answer to this question since there are many ways to become a creative writing teacher. The best way to teach creative writing will depend on your qualifications, experience, and goals. For example, if you have a degree in English or Creative Writing , you may teach at the college level. Alternatively, if you have significant experience as a writer but no formal education in the field, you may teach creative writing courses at community colleges or adult education centers. There are also online programs that allow people with no teaching experience to lead classes on specific topics related to creative writing. This could be an option for someone looking for flexibility and wanting to share their expertise with others without committing to traditional employment. No matter what route someone takes to become a creative writing teacher, they must possess excellent communication skills, patience, and creativity so they can encourage students to reach their fullest potential.

2. Can you teach writing when only have a creative writing degree?

3. what degree do you need to teach creative writing in college, 4. how much does a creative writer make.

According to Zip Recruiter, the average yearly salary for creative writing teachers is $53, 608.00. But the range goes to as low as $46,000 a year for beginners, and up to over $100,000 a year for those who are in the biz for several years.

If you’re passionate about writing and want to share your love of literature with others, becoming a creative writing teacher may be the perfect career for you. By imparting your knowledge and expertise to students, you can help them develop their skills and find their voice as writers. Are you interested in becoming a freelance writer, working remotely, or improving your productivity and side hustle? I offer coaching and consulting services to help you achieve your goals. Visit my website or contact me today to learn more about how I can help you reach your full potential. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on how to become a columnist .

Rafal Reyzer

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

A Seriously Long List of Jobs That Involve Creative Writing

Who says you can’t make any money from creative writing?

Okay, so a lot of people. But they’re wrong. If you’re a creative writing major, have a degree in writing, or simply identify this skill as the best thing you’ve got to offer the world, there are a ton of ways to build a career with your talents.

In fact, writing skills are way more valuable than your Uncle Richie realizes (or whichever relative scoffed at your dreams last Thanksgiving). Anyone with a gift for words has the ability to communicate vital information, motivate others into action, and help others feel seen and understood.

The survival of many industries depends on their ability to connect with human beings. They need brilliant wordsmiths. And here’s the really exciting part: not everyone can do what you do as well as you can do it.

So no, being a writer does not mean you’re sentenced to a life as a “starving artist.” 

That said, some creative writing jobs are easier to snag than others. There’s also a difference in pay across different writing gigs. Some jobs will be easier to fill with AI in the future, and—the important detail—some will be more in line with your vision for your writing career. 

So here’s a comprehensive list of opportunities and considerations to help you narrow down your focus. You’re about to find out:

• What writing jobs are out there
• The skills you need to land work in the creative writing field
• Which industries are looking for folks like you
• What type of education or experience you need to get started

Let’s start by taking a look at your many, many options.

Career Opportunities in Creative Writing

Before we launch into this very long list of creative writing jobs, I’d like to clarify the term “freelance writer.”

A freelance writer is a contractor. Rather than hiring them on as employees, an individual or business hires a freelance writer to complete specific tasks within their area of expertise. 

If you choose to work as a freelancer rather than an employee, you’d be your own boss. You’d set your own rates, determine your own schedule, and decide which projects to take on and which to skip. You’d also be free to work with as many different clients as you’d like.

The downside is that you don’t get benefits like paid time off, health insurance, and employer contributions to your retirement fund. You’re responsible for paying quarterly taxes directly to the government, as no one withdraws them from your paycheck. 

Depending on the specific creative writing career you’re building, you might also need to look into professional liability insurance or setting up an LLC. These topics get complicated and vary according to where you live, so I’m not even going to try to give you advice on any of that. It’s better to consult your accountant, mentor, and/or fellow freelance writers in your area.

The main thing I want to convey is that if you choose to freelance, you have to think of yourself as an actual business. That’s what you are after all. It comes with a lot of freedom and extra responsibilities. So weigh your options carefully.

One more quick note:

Salary Ranges Are Tough to Nail Down

I’ve included an average salary range for each of the job descriptions below. These ranges are huge and the numbers are almost meaningless. I put them there because if I were you, I’d want to see them so I could at least get a sense of the income one might make from these different writing jobs.

But the standard salary for each job can vary widely depending on the size of the company hiring you and the cost of living in your (or their) area.

The income range gets massive when you add freelancers to the mix. A rookie freelance copywriter who’s just building their portfolio and client list might make $20,000 in a year. Meanwhile, an in-demand freelance writer could make well into six figures and out-earn an in-house copywriter.

So use the salary information I provide to get a general idea of what’s possible. For more concrete numbers, check out job listings in your area and talk to people who already do the kind of work you want to do.  

And what kind of work is that? Let’s decide! Here are a ton of ways you can make money as a writer.

Content Writing Jobs

Content is all the media that encourages consumers to engage with a brand—blogs, videos, social media, podcasts, you name it. Creative writers like you and I might prefer to think of those things as art, but in business-speak, it’s content.

And as a professional content writer, you’ll have to ride that line between creativity and capitalism. After some looking around, you should be able to find an employer or client who wants you to bring some creative vision to your work. But you’ll also have to care about which creative strategies get buyers to bite. 

More on that in a bit, though. For now, here are the most common content writing jobs.

Content Writer

A content writer focuses more on long-form writing that builds a relationship with the target audience. In other words, content writing is less about making a sales pitch and more about being helpful and conveying the brand’s personality.

Common content writing tasks include:

• Email newsletters
• Articles and blogs
• Case studies

Average Salary: $40,000-$70,000 per year

A copywriter is more involved with the kind of creative writing that says, “Hey, you should spend money on this.” They compose things like:

• Website copy
• Landing pages
• Print and online ads
• Sales emails
• Sales pages and mailers

In many businesses, the content writer and the copywriter are the same person. But if you freelance as a copywriter specializing in one specific area—sales emails, for example—get familiar with the other materials your client is putting out to make sure your sales copy builds on the relationship they're already building through content.

Average Salary: $60,000-$120,000 per year

Technical Writer

Technical writing is basically “how-to” writing. It includes:

• Instruction manuals
• Explainer video scripts
• White papers
• Spec sheets

Technical writing might be your jam if you’re great at grasping complex concepts and clarifying them for the rest of us. It’s truly a magical writing skill that involves simplifying and being thorough at the same time. 

If you can pull that off, it’s only a matter of time before you’re considered an irreplaceable rockstar in someone’s business.

Annual Salary: $60,000-$90,000 per year

Social Media Writer

You’ll sometimes see social media fall under the umbrella of content writing, but it’s also its own position in many businesses.

As you can probably guess, a great social media writer comes up with brilliant captions that engage audiences on social platforms. But there’s more to it than that.

To do this job well, you have to be on top of social media trends so you can jump on challenges and hashtags while they’re still fresh. You also need to understand which customer segments are more likely to be on which platforms and how to engage with them.

Depending on the size of the company you’re working with, there’s a good chance you’ll also have to come up with the visuals and create the videos that accompany your brilliant captions.

If you love social media, you’ll be in heaven. If you don’t, you probably won’t be able to fake it. 

Average Salary: $50,000-$80,000 per year

Journalism and Media Jobs

In this category of creative writing jobs, we’re looking at everything that has to do with news and mass communication.

I know. That includes a lot. So let’s get to it.

A journalist investigates, researches, and writes the news for print and/or online publications. That’s a tidy little sentence to describe a writing job that involves a lot of specialized skills and a strict code of ethics.

While journalism absolutely belongs under the heading of “creative writing careers,” it’s an area where you can’t get fast and loose with your creativity. Journalists are responsible for revealing the truth to the public. Ideally , they do this without guiding the reader’s opinion or embellishing actual events. 

The ability to compose engaging articles that inspire thoughtful questions without pushing an agenda is a remarkable skill in and of itself. Successful journalists also tend to be curious, driven, resourceful, and fast writers.

This is one of the few writing jobs where having a degree (usually in journalism) is relatively important, especially if you hope to work for a notable publication. 

Average Salary: $60,000-100,000 per year

Broadcast Writer

A broadcast writer prepares the news for television, radio, and online media. In other words, they take all the deets about what’s going on in the world and turn them into scripts to be read by news anchors.

Like a journalist, a broadcast writer faces the challenging task of conveying information in an unbiased way. They also need to be adept at writing pieces intended to be read aloud—scripts that flow naturally for the speaker and can be quickly understood by the audience. 

Much like journalists, broadcast writers must be able to work quickly, often under pressure. If you like the idea of being in front of the camera yourself, this creative writing career path can include conducting interviews, attending press conferences, and reporting the news.

Average Salary: $40,000-$100,000 per year

Scriptwriter

A scriptwriter is anyone who writes a script for a play, movie, radio show, podcast, video game, or television show. Scriptwriters who write plays are called playwrights, movie writers are more commonly called screenwriters, and television writers are best known as—get this—television writers.

Playwrights and screenwriters almost always work on a freelance basis. Much like traditionally published book authors, they work with a literary agent and are constantly trying to sell their next project.

Television authors also need representation, though they’re usually hired onto the writing staff of a TV show as an employee. There is such a thing as freelance television writing where a writer steps in to pen a single episode of a show, but this practice isn’t as common as it used to be.

All of these jobs have the potential to be deeply fulfilling for a creative writer. They come with fun challenges like learning how to tell a great story purely through visuals and dialogue. 

Keep in mind that—much like becoming a successful author—it takes a long time to build a solid career in this field. There are a lot of gatekeepers and frequent rejection .

Film, theater, and television are also much more collaborative art forms than book publishing. Whatever you write, you have to be prepared for producers, directors, set designers, sound designers, actors, and editors to put their fingerprints on it, too. It’s entirely possible that the end product will be quite different from what you imagined.

In other words, if you’re precious about your work, this might not be your field.

Average Salary: $40,000-$80,000 per year

Publishing and Editing Jobs

Feel like your true home is in the book world? Then you’re looking for something in publishing.

When we think about creative writing jobs in publishing, we usually think of authors first. After all, that’s the dream for a lot of creative writers. But it’s no secret that authorship comes with rejection, requires a ton of patience, and doesn’t always cover the bills.

The good news is, you can still build your career around books even if you’d prefer to pass on all the uncertainty that comes with being an author. This field has plenty of other opportunities to flex those creative writing skills.

But we’ll get to those in a moment. First, let’s look at the best-known writing job in publishing.

As I mentioned before, authors are almost always freelance writers. This means that whether you plan to publish traditionally or self-publish, you have to think of yourself as a business.

Publishing traditionally means working with a publishing house to release your book into the world. This process usually involves finding an agent who then pitches your book to publishers and negotiates a book deal for you. We have a guide to the entire process right here .

Self-publishing means you produce and market your book yourself. This publishing model has boomed in both popularity and earning potential in the past decade and change. You must have an entrepreneurial spirit to succeed on this publishing path, though. You can learn more about it here . 

Whichever path they choose, successful authors build platforms and a following through channels like social media , email newsletters, and speaking engagements. Those platforms help them develop relationships with readers, give them more visibility, and make them more appealing to publishers.

You also need to some degree of sales smarts, whether you self-publish and take on the full responsibility of marketing your book or you decide to publish traditionally, which requires creating a compelling book pitch that gets agents and publishers onboard.

Average Salary: I can’t even give you a range in good conscience. So many factors influence author earnings, and only a small percentage of authors make a living on books alone. I recommend checking out this article for a clearer understanding of what you can make as an author. 

As Doug can tell you , there are several kinds of editing you could do, including:

• Developmental editing
• Line editing
• Sensitivity reading
• Fact-checking

Each type of editing evaluates a different aspect of a written work. These options also allow you to zero in on your greatest strength as a creative writer. Are you the sultan of story structure ? You might be interested in developmental editing . Are you a research rockstar and a stickler for accuracy? Maybe fact-checking is for you. 

This is a job you can do as an employee of a publishing house or as a freelancer. If you go the freelance route, you’ll likely be working with a lot of indie authors.

Average Salary: $60,000-$80,000 per year

Copy Editor or Proofreader

Copy editors are magical beings who have the kind of superhuman focus that allows them to catch tiny issues like grammar errors, misspelled words, inconsistencies in story details, and the like.

It’s true that AI is getting better and better at catching these mistakes. That’s why Dabble uses ProWritingAid to power grammar, spelling, and style checks. It helps creative writers prepare a draft that isn’t utterly riddled with errors.

But at this moment in time, we still can’t count on AI to catch nuanced errors, recognize clever word play, or appreciate an author’s deliberate decision to shirk old grammar rules. We still need human eyes to do this job.

Often confused with a copy editor, a proofreader is the very last person to review a book, and they look for any and all errors. If there’s a missed typo, a messed up margin, or a wonky image, they’ll flag it. Think of them as quality control.

As you likely guessed, both jobs require you to be extremely detail oriented.

Average Salary: $50,000-$90,000 per year

Literary agent

You probably associate this career path with sales more than creative writing. But the literary agents who succeed are the ones who understand what makes a book great . 

This job is best suited for someone who’s ready to do a ton of reading and enjoys rubbing elbows. You can expect to spend plenty of time on the phone, in lunch meetings, at publishing events, and in pitch meetings. You have to be good at building relationships and love talking books. 

What many creative writers don’t realize about agents is that their job also involves giving feedback on current projects and helping their clients talk through new ideas. The advice of a good agent can mean the difference between a book deal and a manuscript that never graduates beyond PDF status. 

Keep in mind that it takes time to succeed in this career. As a literary agent, you’ll make 15% of what your authors earn from their books. Expect some lean years as you build your client list.

Average Salary: $50,000-$70,000 per year

Book Reviewer

As a creative writer, you’re probably great at explaining why books work. You have smart things to say about character development , plot structure, and pacing. And if you’re a fast reader—and would love to make reading part of your creative writing career—you’d probably enjoy being a book reviewer.

Book reviewers do exactly what you think they do: they review books. Many choose to specialize in a specific genre or two. Specializing can be an effective strategy when it comes to building a name for yourself and giving readers a reason to value your opinion. It’s a way of establishing yourself as a genre expert.

Just note that this isn’t an easy career to just plop into. While you can find job listings for book reviewers, there aren’t many of them. Most people who do this for a living start by writing reviews on a freelance basis or even for their own blog/social media platform.

As you build your portfolio and reputation, you can submit your reviews to other publications, monetize your own review website/podcast/vlog, or possibly land a job as an in-house reviewer for a magazine, newspaper, or online platform.

Average Salary: $20,000-$80,000 per year

We already covered what a copywriter is, so I won’t go too deep on the subject here. I just want to make sure you know that it’s possible to do copywriting work within the world of publishing.

Publishing houses have copywriters on staff to handle things like press releases, media kits, author bios, social media content, and marketing materials.

In this role, you’d be able to enjoy the stability of a marketing-focused creative writing job while still getting to think about books all day. Not too shabby.

Average Salary: $50,000-$120,000 per year

Advertising and Marketing Jobs

If you’re on the lookout for creative writing jobs that make your value as an employee easy to quantify, advertising is the place to be. 

The goal of all advertising is to persuade your audience to make a purchase or take some other action that benefits the business you work for. 

Modern technology makes it easier than ever to track the success of your ad copy and marketing campaigns, which means you often have access to numbers that demonstrate what the return on investment is when someone hires you.

Now, all this might sound very cold and business-y, but this is an area where creative writers thrive because your goal is the same as it would be if you were writing a novel or screenplay. You’re trying to find the best words to connect emotionally with your audience.

Not everyone can do that. You can.

Let’s take a closer look at the different ways you can do that.

Advertising Copywriter

Oh, look! We’re talking about copywriters again. Since we’ve already covered this, I’ll give the abbreviated explanation for the article skimmers.

An advertising copywriter writes copy (go figure) advertising a product or service to potential buyers. This includes anything that could potentially lead to a purchase, including:

• Marketing emails
• Print or online ads

Brand Strategist

If you already know what a brand strategist is, you might be surprised to see this position appear on a list of creative writing jobs. Brand strategists don’t write as much as they, well, strategize brands.

This person is responsible for conducting market research, analyzing trends, creating buyer avatars, planning campaigns, and overseeing the production of marketing materials. 

Depending on the size of the marketing team, a brand strategist might also write copy and content. But what makes this career a decent option for a creative writer is the storytelling aspect.

Brand strategists are responsible for translating the business’s message into a story that resonates with buyers. They also need to understand their consumer on a deeper level—a skill that comes more naturally to someone who’s spent time studying character development.

Creative Director

Much like a brand strategist, a creative director looks at the big picture of a company’s marketing efforts. What story is being told? How can they best use the creative resources available to tell that story in an emotionally compelling way?

The creative director leads all the creative professionals on a marketing team, including copywriters, designers, and social media content creators. They make sure everyone is on the same page, telling the same story and communicating the same message.

Average Salary: $120,000-$200,000 per year

Content Marketing Specialist

Remember when we talked about content writing? This is that, plus some added responsibility.

While a content writer is usually told what to write, a content marketing specialist is the person who decides what type of content will be most effective for the business. 

They strategize content like emails, blog posts, videos, and social media depending on which formats and messaging are most likely to help buyers connect with the brand. 

This person also selects the SEO and analytics tools to help them make sure their strategy is effective. They watch the results closely and regularly optimize their content marketing efforts to get better performance.

And yes, a content marketing specialist might also write some or all of the content themselves.

Skills Required for Creative Writing Jobs

I tried to give you some sense of the skills required to stand out in each of the creative writing jobs we just went over. 

Nevertheless, if you’ve found something that interests you, I strongly suggest researching it further and connecting with someone who’s already killing it in that field. Get a sense of what it means to excel and you’ll be in a good spot to pursue your creative writing career seriously.

If you’re still not sure where you want this journey to lead, no problem! Follow your curiosity and let yourself gravitate towards the work that excites you. In the meantime nurture the following skills essential for every creative writing career.

Writing Skills

Okay, so I’m not exactly dropping a bone-rattling truth bomb here. Of course you need strong writing skills to build a career as a creative writer. You know that. That said, some writers underestimate the importance of building on the skills they already have. 

This is an issue I think tends to plague young writers the most. We catch wind of the fact that we’re “good writers” from teachers and peers and get attached to the idea that a good writer is something we already are. Like inherently.

I know I wasted a lot of energy in my early adult years worrying about whether or not people thought I was a talented writer instead of working to continuously become a better writer.  Ongoing improvement is how you’ll stand out from the crowd, especially as you zero in on the type of creative writing you want to do. 

If you want to be a copywriter, find a mentor and start a course on copywriting. If you dream of being a bestselling author who makes a living from books alone, join a writing group, attend writing conferences, and download this free e-book on writing a novel that rocks.

Keep sharpening those writing skills, no matter how exceptional you already are.

Research and Analysis Skills

Research and analysis sounds like a skill set that only applies in marketing and technical writing. But in all creative writing jobs, research and analysis have the same goal: understanding what it takes to connect with an audience.

Now, if you become a screenwriter or a novelist, you might not pore over metrics the way you would if you were a brand strategist. What you will do (hopefully) is consume a ton of art in your genre to understand what works.

Constantly refresh your understanding of what speaks to readers, which trends are hot, and why current bestsellers are selling so well. It’s also important to stay on top of new developments in the publishing industry and strategize your career accordingly.

And if you plan to be a self-published author, your research and analysis skills will help you make important marketing decisions.                                                                                                                              

Creativity and Imagination

If there’s one area where you have a leg-up on AI, it’s this one. Everything AI creates comes from ideas and structures that already exist. As an adaptable, creative human being, you can find unique ways to express ideas that haven’t been explored before.

This skill is essential for all the creative writing jobs we’ve discussed. The best ad writers figure out how to write copy that stands out from the competition. Great editors help writers tap into their own original voices. Even in technical writing, imagination is crucial for finding new ways to simplify complicated topics.

Communication and Collaboration Skills

There are no writing jobs that allow you to compose brilliance alone in your cave and release it into the world with no input from anyone else. 

You have to be open to feedback, and in ultra-collaborative fields like screenwriting, you must be ready for the possibility that your vision won’t often be everyone’s top priority. (It hurts, I know.)

If you’re still working on building your collaboration skills, I can offer a few suggestions.

One is to make a habit of identifying what’s important to you about every project you work on. What’s motivating you? What are your goals? When you can answer those questions, you’ll be more confident gently pushing back on things you care about and more open to offering compromising when it comes to less important issues.

Another tip is to cultivate a genuine appreciation for what others can contribute. As a writer who regularly wrestles with a stubborn, foot-stomping ego, I often return to this interview with Dolly Parton for a reminder of the kind of artist I want to be—someone humble enough to celebrate when another person makes my good thing better.

And of course, working with people you respect helps boost that collaborative spirit, too.

Finally, clear communication is absolutely essential. Make sure you know what clients, employers, or team members expect from you. Also manage their expectations by being frank about your availability, timeline, and expertise.

Adaptability and Time Management

Most writing jobs involve deadlines and your reputation as a reliable writer hinges on your ability to meet those deadlines. That means you’ve got to get good at managing your time.

This can be especially difficult if you’re a freelance writer, because there’s no one dictating your schedule. There’s just today, a deadline in the future, and all this space in between that can be whatever you want it to be.

Time management takes practice, and a quick Google search will take you to loads of suggestions for making the process easier. You can try time blocking , the Pomodoro Technique , deep work strategies … test whatever you think will do the trick.

For me, the most effective method is to remember two things. First, I need to maintain my reputation as a reliable writer if I want to pay my rent and gradually increase my income. Second, I don’t want to be stuck at my desk when my husband comes home from work or friends are inviting me out on the weekend.

Those two limits help me draw time boundaries on that wide-open calendar and keep me motivated to stick to it.

Even as you create structure for yourself, however, you have to keep in mind that things might change. A client might shift direction. A project could fall through. You might find yourself partnering with a collaborator on something you thought would be a solo situation.

It’s important to know your own work boundaries so you don’t get walked on. But being adaptable (within reason) is also crucial for building positive, long-term professional relationships.

Industries That Hire Creative Writers

We’ve examined your professional opportunities by looking at the most common creative writing jobs. Now let’s take a look at them by industry.

If you’re already in the workforce, you might discover that there are writing jobs within your current industry—jobs you never even knew were there. If you’re in school pursuing something other than a creative writing major, you might discover that you can totally flex your wordsmith skills in your field of study.

And if you still have no idea how you want to put your talents to work, this list might help you uncover some less obvious job opportunities.

Entertainment Industry

You already know that the entertainment industry needs scriptwriters. You can probably guess that there’s a need for copywriters in those massive marketing departments, too. 

But there’s also song writing, video game writing, script reading/analysis, and script consulting. Every single thing you see on TV has a writer behind it—usually an entire writing staff —including award shows and reality television.

You can even get hired to rewrite or “punch-up” someone else’s script. 

Publishing and Journalism

We covered the big writing jobs in this industry earlier, so for now, I’ll just add this:

As technology advances, these creative writing careers are more accessible than ever. You develop specialized skills online, build your own platform, and publish your own work. It’s entirely possible to forge your own path in these industries that used to be heavily guarded by gatekeepers.

That’s not to say it’ll be easy to make a name for yourself, nor is it to say that I think everyone with a Wordpress account should feel free to market themselves as a journalist. 

What I mean to say is that if you want a career in these traditionally intimidating fields, there’s space for you. There are more ways than ever to learn what you need to learn and create what you want to create.

Advertising and Marketing

Again, we’ve talked about these writing jobs, so I’ll just tell you a quick story.

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I took an improv class (it’s mandatory here) with a woman who was a freelance namer. That was her whole job. She named products for major companies and made a whole entire L.A. living doing it.

While I can’t help but wonder if AI has taken over her job yet, it’s an important reminder that writing skills are worth a lot in marketing. The right words are straight-up gold . 

Education and E-learning

Creative writing is a teachable skill. If you enjoy guiding others, teaching might be a solid career option for you. You could teach creative writing in a formal education environment (you’ll need a degree), at a local community center, or even online.

The education world also needs creative writers to put together written materials like textbooks, discussion guides, glossaries, and study guides. You could even write scripts for educational videos.

This is an area of creative writing that doesn’t get a lot of attention, but there’s an increasing demand for it. Not only do modern students turn to the Internet for information and homework help, the digital world has made self-directed learning easier than ever. You can find an online course for almost anything from auto repair to world literature. 

What’s great about this industry is that it allows you to combine your passion for creative writing with your interest in another subject. Plus, there’s the business about inspiring curious minds and all that.

Nonprofit Organizations

If you’re intrigued by the challenges of a job in marketing but want to feel like your work serves a greater purpose, consider writing for a nonprofit.

You’d be doing many of the same things you’d do for a for-profit business: email marketing, advertising, blogging, video creation, and the like. The goal is similar—you want to get the word out about the organization and create a positive association in people’s minds.

But there’s also a strong fundraising element, since that’s how a nonprofit stays afloat (and covers your paycheck). This means you can also expect to write grant proposals and oversee donor communications. 

You can do all of this as part of the team or on a contract basis. Grant writing in particular is a good option if you’re looking to set up shop as a freelance writer.

Corporate Communications

Corporate communications is an oversized novelty umbrella that covers a lot of stuff. Simply put, this term refers to the many ways a corporation communicates its mission, goals, successes, and functions to everyone. 

Seriously, everyone . The public, employees, shareholders, partners… every person who exists.

Now, if you work with a small startup, “corporate communications” could be your entire job. For larger companies, however, you’re more likely to work in a specific department. You might be on the marketing team or you could be responsible for internal communications like employee manuals and reports.

Bottom line: if you’re dreaming of a creative writing career in the corporate world, the job opportunities are definitely there.

Career Development and Education Options

You know what creative writing jobs are out there. You know what skills these different industries are looking for. What about education? What kind of training do you need in order to land the job and crush it?

It depends on the specific job as well as what kind of time and money you have to invest in your creative writing education. 

The good news is that you don’t have to rack up insane student loans in order to make a good living as a writer. There are certain positions where a degree is mandatory, but there are plenty of hiring managers who don’t care where you got your creative writing skills as long as you have them.

And it’s never been easier to find training as a writer. Let’s look at your options.

Degree Programs in Creative Writing

If you plan to get a four-year degree to boost your knowledge as a writer, you might be eyeballing a creative writing major. This area of study is most useful if you plan to become a fiction writer, screenwriter, poet, or the like.

If you’re mapping out a career that’s a little more predictable and a little less “artsy,” consider majors like journalism, communications, technical writing, or marketing.

Industries that are most likely to have a mandatory college degree requirement include journalism, academia, and large corporations or nonprofits.

If you plan to go into entertainment or work as a freelance writer, a formal education can help you develop essential skills. Although—real talk—many of those skills can be learned through the less expensive educational avenues we’re about to go over. 

Many folks who earned creative writing degrees will tell you that the biggest benefit of their program was the network it provided when they left college. That’s no small thing, but it’s also not what we think we’re going to college for. 

Writing Workshops and Online Courses

You can easily find live workshops, online courses, and writing groups to help you sharpen your skills or develop new ones. 

This option is a good compromise between a formal education and fully self-directed learning. There’s often a fee, but it’s tens of thousands of dollars less than you’d spend on a creative writing degree. There’s a structure to keep you on track but you don’t have to show up at a physical location multiple times a week for months at a time.

Whatever type of creative writing skill you want to work on, a quick Google search will help you find courses you can take. You can also search the course selection at sites like Coursera , Udemy , and Masterclass .

Finally, a lot of folks who sell online writing courses offer free webinars as a way to get you on their mailing list and pitch their full program. If you don’t feel like you have a clear enough goal to invest in an entire course, these webinars provide a great opportunity to pick up some basic insights and start practicing new skills.

Networking and Professional Associations

Look for networking events and professional associations specific to the field you wish to enter. You absorb so much information just by being around experts and peers, plus you’ll have access to seminars, boot camps, training programs, and more.

Many organizations also hold or participate in conferences. These conferences provide learning opportunities that not only sharpen your creative writing skills but also educate you about your chosen industry. If you don’t have the travel budget, you can attend many conferences online at a discount.

And don’t forget to build your own little network of creative writers! Even fiction-focused communities like Dabble’s Story Craft Café are full of writers who rely on more predictable writing work like copywriting and communications to pay their rent. These are great places to share information about building creative writing careers of all kinds.

Building a Portfolio and Gaining Experience

Finally, we learn best by doing. As you pick up new advice and information through your chosen educational channels, put that insight to work immediately.

Offer to write the press release for your cousin’s startup. Ask a strapped-for-cash nonprofit if they’d be interested in letting you write your first grant proposal on their behalf. Create a blog that allows you to showcase the kind of content you hope to one day get paid to write.

These things help you build a portfolio to show prospective clients or employers. They also give you an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, get feedback early, and discover the challenges that are unique to different writing jobs. 

The faster you experience those things, the faster you learn and the sooner you’re ready to make a living as a creative writer.

Writing is an in-demand skill. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you dream of paying your bills with your words—either as a full-time job or a side hustle—you absolutely can. It may take patience, diligence, and a lot of learning, but the work is out there.

The last bit of advice I’ll offer you is to find a community of writers who have your back. No one understands the journey like another writer. You can count on your network of fellow wordsmiths for moral support, job leads, feedback, and more.

If you’re still in the process of finding those friends, join us at the Story Craft Café—especially if fiction is part of your writerly aspirations. The community is free to join and a great place to talk craft, share your work, and stay productive with daily word sprints. Follow this link to get started.

Abi Wurdeman is the author of Cross-Section of a Human Heart: A Memoir of Early Adulthood, as well as the novella, Holiday Gifts for Insufferable People. She also writes for film and television with her brother and writing partner, Phil Wurdeman. On occasion, Abi pretends to be a poet. One of her poems is (legally) stamped into a sidewalk in Santa Clarita, California. When she’s not writing, Abi is most likely hiking, reading, or texting her mother pictures of her houseplants to ask why they look like that.

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Writing Jobs For Teachers: 13 Publications That Pay $100+ Per Article

Hi friends! Jorden here, and I’m SUPER excited to share another guest post with you allllllll about the BEST education writing jobs for teachers. If you’re an educator and/or specialize in the education niche, get excited, because you’re about to find detailed information about 13 sites that pay $100+ each! If you enjoy the post, please show some love to the talented author, Tiffany Hathorn, by sharing the post on social media (you can hover over and Pin the image above!). 🙂 Let’s jump in!

Are you a teacher who needs to earn more income?

Or an education writer looking for your next writing gig?

Freelance writing can be a fantastic way to share your skills and knowledge – and get paid for it!

Whether you need to pad your bank account during school breaks or need a significant stream of income to support your family, we’ve done the footwork to get you started!

Below, you’ll find 13 education writing jobs that pay $100+.

For each publication, you’ll find information on what kind of content they look for, submission guidelines, and how much they pay.

(And I’ve included both online and print publications to offer more variety!)

Be sure to read all the way to the end, where you’ll find a few solid tips on pitching publications successfully so that you get more “yes” responses!

Education Writing Jobs For Teachers: 13 Sites That Pay $100+ Per Article

1. american educator.

The American Federation of Teachers publishes this professional magazine on a quarterly basis.

Topics of Interest

They’re seeking articles on a variety of topics, including (but not limited to):

• New Educational Trends
• Current Issues in Education
• Education Law
• Professional Ethics
• Current American Social Issues
• International Affairs and Labor Issues Relevant to Teachers

Writer Guidelines

Articles should be well-researched, but written for a general audience. No technical jargon!

Personal narratives should be short, concise, and relevant to the time of publication.

Article length may vary from 1,000 – 5,000 words, depending on the topic, and should adhere to Chicago Manual of Style.

Queries are preferred and should be sent to [email protected] . Visit their website for more info on article submission guidelines .

Payment varies based on length, but the minimum payment is $300 . Writers are paid upon publication.

2. Arts and Activities Magazine

Arts and Activities Magazine is available in both print and online formats.

They provide teachers with resources, information, ideas, and inspiration to spark creative visual expressions in student from kindergarten through high school.

This magazine is also used by students in teacher education programs in colleges and universities all over the world!

They’re seeking content that focus on art education topics, including (but not limited to):

• Art and Creative Expression activities
• Ways to relate art to other disciplines (especially STEM subjects)
• Mixed Media lessons
• Forms of art like digital art, weaving, photography, 3D design, etc.
• Classroom management tips
• Lesson plans and projects for substitutes

Articles should be 600 – 1,000 words. Before writing, make sure you get to know their formatting style by checking out past issues here .

Submit pitches to [email protected] .

View the full writer guidelines here .

Pay ranges between $35-$150 , depending on length. Payment is made upon publication.

3. Aurora Magazine

Published by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this biannual magazine alumni and friends of the university in mind.

According to the university website, the goal of the magazine is to elicit emotions and provoke thought.

To get a feel for the type of content that might appeal to Aurora readers, check out the magazine’s online archives , where you can view issues from the past decade.

Manuscripts should be submitted for consideration to [email protected] . Be sure to adhere strictly to the submission guidelines .

Pay is 50 cents per word, which could come out to $100 (or much more!) depending on the length of your work.

Be aware, though, that you are only paid for the word count you are assigned.

If the scope of the project looks like it needs to be adjusted, you should reach out to the features editor as soon as possible!

4. Metro Magazine

Published by the Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM), Metro Magazine is Australia’s oldest film and media periodical.

The focus is on generating discussion surrounding film and media in not just Australia, but New Zealand, and Asia.

They specialize in essays, articles and interviews on Australian, New Zealand and Asian film and media – including television, radio, animation, games and new media.

…If you’re a teacher in any of those industries, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Submissions, pitches, and edits should all be submitted to Adolfo Aranjuez at [email protected] . Full submission guidelines can be found on their website.

Pay ranges from $80-$350 AUD which is between $52-$242 USD. Pay is made upon publication.

The magazine of the University of Missouri Alumni Association, Mizzou discusses issues that face people in the community and around the world.

Some of the topics that they are looking for revolve around human interest, food, health, and the environment.

Submissions can be emailed to interim editor, Dale Smith at [email protected] . Learn more about submission guidelines on their website .

Fees are negotiated on an individual basis, so put your best foot forward when pitching and be prepared to show your value when sharing your rate.

Payment is made upon acceptance of the completed manuscript.

6. Notre Dame Magazine

Published by the prestigious University of Notre Dame, this quarterly magazine has a readership over over a quarter million people.

Notre Dame Magazine is composed of four departments: Campus News, Alumni Notes, Features, and CrossCurrents.

Freelancers create the majority of the content for the latter two departments.

CrossCurrents

The CrossCurrents essays are meant to appeal to “college-educated readers who take an active interest in the contemporary world (art, science, religion society, etc).

Generally written from the 1st-person point of view, these 750-1,500 word pieces can be topical or personal, with tones ranging from light-hearted to serious.

Features stories are a bit longer (2,000 to 4,000 words), but they’re also written with college-educated people who care about contemporary issues in mind.

Web Exclusives

The magazine also accepts pitches to be published exclusively online.

These web exclusives fall under three categories: personal essays (written in a style similar to CrossCurrents), short stories that highlight an aspect of the Notre Dame experience, and pieces that revolve around one of their recurring web series.

Before you pitch or submit a story, it is recommended that you become familiar with their publications. You can view past issues of Notre Dame Magazine here .

Depending on the department and format, you will be required to submit either a query letter (with published clips) OR a completed article/essay.

To learn about their full submission guidelines , please visit their website.

Payment is $250 – $300 , depending on length.

7. Screen Education Magazine

Another ATOM publication, Screen Education Magazine is written by and for primary and secondary teachers and students.

They are seeking articles centered on screen literacy in education. They also accept pitches for practical classroom ideas, lesson plans, essays, study guides, updates on new technology, and book/DVD reviews.

Submissions, pitches, and edits should all be submitted to David Heslin at [email protected].

Full submission guidelines can be found on their website.

Pay ranges from $150-$200 AUD which is between $103-$138 USD. Pay is made upon publication.

8. Teachers & Writers Magazine

If you teach about writing, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Teachers & Writers Magazine has its focus on teaching students of all ages (from kindergarten through college) how to write.

Their online magazine presents a variety of ideas, approaches, and explorations on teaching students to put their imagination into words.

They look for both practical theoretical pieces that are “vivid, concise, and geared toward a general audience”.

The magazine is composed of 4 sections. 3 of these sections are open to submissions from freelance writers. They’re:

The Art of Teaching Writing

This section includes articles, essays, editorials, and meditations. Some of the topics include current issues in arts education, literary arts advocacy, as well as the joys and challenges of teaching creative writing (regardless of the setting).

Pieces in this section are 1,000 – 2,500 words.

Lesson Plans

If you have experience with lesson planning or curriculum development, they also look for innovative lessons or ideas revolved around teaching creative writing.

Lessons should be so detailed that teachers should be able to teach the full lesson without needing to turn to outside sources. Lesson plans range from 500 – 2,500 words.

If you have connections in the literary world, use them! They’re looking for interviews with poets, novelists, nonfiction writers, and playwrights who are willing to discuss their work, the craft of writing, as well as their personal views on the field of creative writing education.

They also value interviews from individuals in other fields who have strong opinions on the impact of art in our lives and the value of arts education. Interviews should be 1,500-3,000 words.

Interested writers should submit a brief (500 words max) email inquiry describing the proposed piece.

If you have a completed article to submit, make sure that it meets the word count guidelines above.

Queries and submissions should be sent to [email protected] . Visit their website for full submission guidelines .

Pay ranges from $50 – $250 with lesson plans being on the lower end. You are paid upon publication and also receive copies of the magazine. There is no kill fee.

SIDE NOTE: if you want to learn how to make your first $1,000 freelance writing with no experience, click here to take my FREE class . it’s been enjoyed by over 6,000 writers, and when you sign up, you get instant access so you can start learning right away. 🙂

9. Texas Homeschool Coalition Review

The Texas Homeschool Coalition’s mission is to inform, inspire, promote, protect, and advocate for homeschooling and homeschool families in Texas.

The Texas Homeschool Coalition Review is published quarterly (in February, May, August, and November).

They’re seeking relatable, shareable content in the following categories:

New to Homeschooling

Anything that will help people who are interested in or new to homeschooling.

This includes info on learning styles, curriculum options, book reviews, homeschool schedules, tips on teaching multiple children, tips on teaching only children, etc.

Extracurricular Activities

Articles on the extracurricular and socialization aspects of homeschool, including co-ops, field trips, sports, music, educational vacations, and DIY projects.

New to Texas

Tips and resources for people who are new to Texas, including places to visit, support groups, and staying in contact with loved ones.

Special Needs

Articles that provide support, encouragement and resources for homeschool families that deal with special needs, such as autism, Down Syndrome, dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, etc.

This can include activities, curriculum options, learning styles, extracurriculars, coping tools, and more.

Dads and Homeschooling

Articles centered on how dads can be actively involved in the homeschool process.

The Elementary, Middle, and High School Years

These topics should be tailored to fit each level and can focus on things such as curriculum options, co-ops, activities, socialization, and dual-credit.

Encouragement

Articles on finding support, collaborating with other families, making homeschool work, getting organized, and more.

This should focus on specific tips and resources for various subjects such as math, science, reading, writing, grammar, history, foreign language, and more.

This is also where you can share product reviews.

Articles should be between 650-1,250 words.

Pitch your ideas to [email protected] . Be sure to include a brief bio and links to your blog.

Visit their website for more info on writing opportunities .

Pay is $100 per article.

10. Teaching Tolerance Magazine

Teaching Tolerance Magazine is focused on helping teachers and school educate students on being active members in our democracy, with a focus on social justice and anti-bias.

They are accepting manuscripts and pitches for feature stories that revolve around social justice and anti-bias education, personal reflections about life in the classroom, short stories, and articles that addressing teaching and education issues.

Submissions should be sent to [email protected] with “TT Magazine Article” in the subject line. For full instructions, visit their writer guidelines page.

Pay ranges from $150 for short articles to $1 per word for features and short stories .

11. The School Magazine

The School Magazine is a bit different than the education writing jobs mentioned so far.

Rather than being written for educators or parents, the readers of this Australia-based magazine are children. Specifically, children between the ages of 8 and 12 years of age.

In addition to having a call for specific topics (which will be announced around June of 2019 for 2020 issues), they are also looking for fiction, articles, nonfiction interviews, poetry, plays, and text activities.

You should submit full manuscripts tp [email protected] . They require non-exclusive, ongoing print and digital rights, as well as first rights to publish. However, writers retain copyright of their work. They also pay a repeat fee if they decide to reuse your article in the print version of their magazine. Go here to read full submission guidelines .

Pay is stated to be 300 Australian Dollars (AUD), which is about $207 USD. They pay upon publication.

12. Today’s Catholic Teacher

Today’s Catholic Teacher is a seasonal print publication is aimed at K-8 educators, specifically those who teach in private and Catholic schools.

School staff, boards of education, religious leaders, and parents also read this magazine regularly.

They accept submission ideas that are geared towards Catholic school education. They have a specific interest in the following topics:

• Issues surrounding curriculum development, resting, technology, school relationships, creative teaching, community needs, and school administration.
• National issues and trends that impact the catholic school system
• Subject-specific teaching ideas

Send detailed queries to [email protected] . Full submission guidelines can be found on their website .

Writers are paid $300 upon publication.

13. Women in Higher Education

Women in Higher Education is a monthly newsletter designed to teach women on college campuses (and beyond) with insight and practical ideas for successfully navigating the male-dominated world of higher education.

The vast majority of readers are faculty.

The topics that readers are most interested in include:

• Advice from successful women on campus
• Communication techniques
• Career strategies
• Ethical values
• Using intuition
• Research on gender differences
• Mentors and role models
• Problems facing women chairs
• Ending sexual harassment.

The publication departments are:

• In Her Own Words – research results, personal essays and subjective insights on relevant topics
• Moveable Type – synopsis of a useful book
• Interview – profile a woman leader in higher education
• Features -new programs, speeches, major research of interest

Email pitches or queries to editor, Kelly Baker at [email protected] . Visit their website for full submission guidelines .

Accepted guest contributors are paid $150 per piece.  

How to Find More Education Writing Jobs to Pitch

This list is not exhaustive. You can find tons of other publications that offer education writing jobs.

In fact, every week, there may be even more publications launching that might love to outsource content creation!

So, where does that leave you?

…With a ton of opportunity!

Chances are, if education is your niche or passion , you read a LOT of content on the subject.

Websites, magazines, books, blogs, etc.

Each and every publication you read might be an untapped source of income – even if they don’t have writer guidelines listed on their site!

So, I recommend you make a habit of seeking opportunities to write for publications you admire.

Always check their website and the inside cover of magazines to find out if they are actively seeking writers. If so, pitch them!

If they DON’T have readily available info on how to pitch them, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t interested.

You just have to show them the value that you offer.

Then, let them decide whether it’s something they feel they could benefit from.

Which brings us to the next big thing – how to pitch publications.

Tips for Successfully Pitching These Education Writing Jobs for Teachers

Whether you are using a submission guideline or cold pitching a publication, there are a few best practices to follow.

Tip #1: Follow Directions

If you are following submission guidelines provided by the company – follow them!

Don’t just wing it and hope for the best.

Listen to what they want and then do things exactly as they’ve said.

More than likely, you’re not the only person pitching ideas.

You may not even be the only person pitching YOUR idea.

So, if they have to choose between someone who ignored a clear set of rules and someone who made their lives easier by following the rules, guess who they’re going to choose?

It’s one thing to break the mold and show your creativity.

But do so within the guidelines that make the process smooth for the people making the decision to give you a chance!

Tip #2: Do Your Research

Some people may think that pitching is all about numbers.

Yes, the more you pitch, the higher your chances are of getting work.

BUT, if you think that just pitching publications all willy nilly is going to work, you are sadly mistaken.

Let’s pretend that one person spent an hour using a basic pitch template and sent it to 30 publications.

Now, let’s imagine that another person spends an hour pitching 5 publications that she has read a few times.

The person who sent out mass pitches to 30 publications will be lucky to land a good-paying gig whereas the person who sent out 5 thoughtful pitches to publications she was familiar with might end up getting multiple yes’s.

So, the lesson here is to read the publications you want to write for.

Pay attention to the content they publish, their writing style, and the tone they use.

You will need all of that information to craft a pitch that is more likely to result in income ( and a better writing portfolio ).

Tip #3: No Fluff!

If you are prone to rambling, you need to break that habit.

Be clear and to-the-point.

Whether pitching or writing.

I hope that this list of education publications helps you on your path to make money writing from home on a topic you love!

Now here’s what I want you to do:

Pick one of the education writing jobs in this blog post (or another that you find!),  and pitch them THIS WEEK.

Then, share this post on social media to spread the love to your fellow educators!

Author Bio: Tiffany Hathorn divides her time between being a launch copywriter, homeschooling her son, performing in dinner theater, and being an unapologetic geek (Potterhead forever!). She lives in Central Arkansas with her son and 3 pets – Neville, Bruno, and Berlioz. You can find her on her website . Check out her article, 17 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block .

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Home > photo & video

25 Creative Jobs & Careers for Creative People

Creativity is far from just a skill; it’s an essential part of an identity. Why settle for a career that doesn’t allow creative individuals to shine? Creative people deserve equally creative careers — and yes, there are dozens of creative jobs that don’t require a degree! 

Whether a self-taught photographer or a classically trained painter, rest assured that jobs for artistic people do exist. Today, we’ve gathered 25 of the top creative careers and jobs for creative thinkers, from photography and videography to creative writing and arts and crafts. 

Photography & Videography Careers

1. photographer.

Creatives with photography skills can share their gifts across a wide range of industries. As one of the many creative jobs that don’t require a degree, most photographers can discover professional work with a polished portfolio and general photography experience. 

A few examples of photography creative careers include:

• Product photographer
• Wedding photographer
• Newborn photographer
• Real estate photographer
• Photojournalist

Check out our full Photography Careers Guide for more photography career options.

How Much Can a Photographer Make?

The general yearly salary for a photographer averages $43,114 per year but can vary depending on professional experience. Even those just beginning their photography career can find entry-level photography assistant positions. These opportunities can help set novice photographers on a strong path for career growth, potentially leading them to start a photography business.

2. Videographer

Though a career in videography may require a bit more equipment than photography, it’s an awesome freelance or employment opportunity for creatives with a love for visual arts in motion. Videography skills are often highly requested across numerous industries for purposes including but not limited to advertisement commercials, music video production, and product marketing. 

How Much Can a Videographer Make?

As of 2022, the average videographer’s salary sits at around $68,703 per year . It can range from $56,668 per year to $85,611 per year, depending on education and prior experience. Those of us looking to jumpstart our videography career can lock in some general videography knowledge and research local entry-level positions or apprenticeship programs. 

3.Photo Editor

Jobs with photography don’t all happen behind the camera. If you have the skills to edit photos , you are extremely hireable. There is a lot of work in the field, whether that’s through freelancing gigs (which, thanks to digital photography, can be done entirely online) or with an ad agency. While you may not be taking the photos directly, you will stay engaged with the art and the questions that surround its technique.

4. Film Producer

For those with a deep love for videography and the visual arts, plus a desire to take on a management-focused career, a creative career in film production is the way to go. These creative individuals are responsible for managing various stages of film production, ranging from early development to post-production on everything from small indie films or highly anticipated blockbusters. 

Roles as a film producer often require a bit more experience and knowledge to help land a position. The current average salary for a film producer is $70,319 per year . Some positions offer upwards of $135,000 per year, depending on skills and experience. 

5. Video Editor

Falling under the field of videography, video editors are responsible for editing recorded footage used in movies, television shows, company commercials, and online videos. Many businesses will seek video editing services on a project-to-project basis, making this a great freelancing opportunity for those with strong video editing abilities. 

The average base annual salary for a video editor is approximately $38,850 per year. However, a video editor typically prices their professional services based on their experience and specific skills, which can significantly influence final income amounts. 

Design Careers 

6. Graphic Design 

Rather than capture art with a camera, a creative career in graphic design allows an artistic individual to create the art themselves. A graphic design career offers great freelance and employment opportunities, from developing gaming graphics to crafting custom company logos.

How Much Can a Graphic Designer Make?

The current salary average for a graphic designer is approximately $50,710 per year . With many graphic designers beginning their careers through self-taught online instruction , designers who continue to enhance their skill sets have a chance of securing higher-paying positions and projects.

Graphic designers who expand their expertise through continued education and ongoing experience can land more advanced roles. For example, the salary for senior designers averages $82,384 per year , and product designers earn an average of $102,237 per year .

7. Web Design

Like graphic design, a creative job in web design also offers fantastic freelance and employment opportunities for those with an eye for art. This creative career pairs personal website design tools, including WordPress and Adobe Dreamweaver, with technical web development language skills, like CSS, Java, and Python, to create websites that are equal parts functional and visually appealing.

How Much Can a Web Designer Make?

For those with an established portfolio, web design offers great self-employment opportunities due to the project-to-project nature of this profession. However, the average annual salary is also $67,916 per year , so it’s crucial for web designers to stay up to date with current web design trends and skills , as many preferred web design tools and processes regularly update and change. 

8. UX Design

User experience (UX) design positions partner the skills of a web designer with the ability to make cloud-based programs and websites user-friendly. UX designers hone their skills to program and alter the functions and layout of a website or program to support customer satisfaction and accessibility.

How Much Can a UX Designer Make?

UX design positions average a yearly salary of roughly $98,816 . Unlike other creative jobs that don’t require a degree, these jobs also require some college education.

People just beginning their UX design career path and those without college experience often start by teaching themselves UX design topics and skills. 

9. Fashion Design

Apart from the digital aspect of creative design, fashion design offers robust creative potential for those interested in designing all types of clothing and accessories. This highly prized and competitive niche offers huge employment opportunities with various fashion brands. We can also consider freelance design opportunities to create a proprietary clothing brand . 

How Much Can a Fashion Designer Make?

Due to fashion’s varying nature in price and popularity, salary amounts fluctuate with a current average of $75,810 per year . However, those who enter the entrepreneurial space of fashion design can experience far beyond average salary amounts dependent on personal success. 

10. Interior Design

Interior design is a highly desired job for artistic people that offers excellent employment opportunities with design firms. Interior designers are responsible for using their keen eye for aesthetics to create visually appealing residential and commercial interior spaces with a curated selection of wall colors, furniture, and other design elements. 

How Much Can an Interior Designer Make?

The average annual interior design salary is roughly $52,034 , with previous experience and education qualifications potentially affecting this amount. Many design firms often request educational design experience. Yet rising interior designers can get a taste of industry expectations through online education . 

11. Art Director

Securing a role as an art director is built for those seeking a bit more of a management position. Art directors are responsible for overseeing the visual design aspects of a media campaign and often manage and mentor entry-level designers. 

How Much Can an Art Director Make?

Art director roles are considered senior-level positions and offer an average annual salary of $100,890 . Due to the high level of this position, companies seeking an art director often require multiple years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in an art and design subject. 

12. Jewelry Design 

Those searching for creative jobs that don’t require a degree may want to consider jewelry design. While major jewelry companies may offer design assistant positions, many people opt to design jewelry through their own small businesses. 

In fact, the booming popularity of e-commerce has enabled jewelry design entrepreneurs to sell their work directly through online marketplaces such as Etsy.

How Much Can a Jewelry Designer Make?

Jewelry designers hold an average annual salary of $42,501 . However, those who tap into the entrepreneurial space of jewelry design may see a much higher wage. 

13. Motion Design

As one of the top jobs for artistic people, motion designers leverage graphic design skills to create web, television, and film content with animation and visual effects that put their art into motion. Motion designers will often work alongside various marketing and production companies to help craft animated commercials, trailers, and mobile app openings. 

How Much Can a Motion Designer Make?

Many motion designers work freelance and offer their skills on a project-to-project basis and can make an average of $60,703 per year , depending on professional experience and portfolio presence.

Music Careers

Visual arts may not be for everyone. Some of us have a deep passion for music production, which we can develop into creative careers as well.

14. Music Producer

Music producers are responsible for leading the creative and technical development of music recordings ranging from a single song to an entire studio soundtrack. Producers work hand-in-hand with those in the music business , managing songwriters, audio engineers, and artists as a team to help craft an awesome audio project. 

How Much Can a Music Producer Make?

Because of the expansive level of industry success a music producer can encounter, yearly salary amounts can average anywhere from $70,326 per year to upwards of a multi-million dollar amount. 

15.Start DJ ‘ing

For those who enjoy entertainment and are looking to take their music career outside of the studio, entering the professional DJ space may be the answer. From mastering the machine to getting the scratching down pat, DJing involves numerous music mixing skills that we can use to host parties, work on a radio station, and create custom medleys. 

How Much Can a DJ Make?

A professional DJ’s salary averages $58,267 per year. Yet, as with most careers in music, the exposure level and demand for services can significantly impact a DJ’s salary. 

16. Audio Engineer

An audio engineer is responsible for the numerous mechanical and technical components of sound, whether it’s for music recordings, television shows, or even video game sound reels. A creative ear is essential, as responsibilities include recording, editing, and reproducing enjoyable audio files. 

How Much Can an Audio Engineer Make?

The current average annual salary for an audio engineer totals $51,774 per year . This income can climb upwards of $136,500 per year with added experience. For those looking to enter the field, online audio engineering classes can offer excellent insight into the skills needed to become successful. 

17. Sound Mixer

Often referred to as production sound mixers, sound mixers lead the process of capturing, editing, and uploading audio for television, film, and music operations. Sound mixers are often responsible for overseeing the entire audio production team, which makes for the perfect creative career for those seeking a management position in the music industry. 

How Much Can a Sound Mixer Make?

A professional sound mixer can earn an average annual salary of $62,809 or more, depending on the level of experience and general industry education.  

Arts and Crafts Careers 

18. Painter

Some of us love to paint but have never considered it as a potential career path. Yet professional painters can sell their work, commission their paintings to corporate or private collections, and work on specific projects to make money. Likewise, those who can demonstrate strong painting skills can also teach art classes or workshops.

The yearly salary for an artistic painter truly cannot be averaged to a general amount. As with many artistic career routes, yearly income amounts will rely on the artist’s success and the exposure they receive. Another contributing factor is whether painting is a side hustle or a full-time freelance gig. 

19. Illustrator 

Another option for those of us with a passion for drawing is to become an illustrator. With both freelance and employment opportunities available, illustrators play a huge role in all things that require physical drawing.

How Much Can an Illustrator Make?

Illustrator careers can stretch from magazines and children’s books to fashion design and advertisements. Depending on skill level and general level of experience, illustrators can earn an average annual salary ranging from $21,500 to $131,500.

20.Online Craft Seller

For us creatives who create pottery or macrame plant hangers, there are online opportunities to sell our artwork — and even take special requests from customers looking to use our skills to create something custom. The trick is to master the art of running an online craft shop like in a platform like Etsy or similar platforms.

Like painters, online craft sellers can earn a wide range of salaries. Creative individuals can benefit from learning craft business basics , like establishing a personal shop, to create endless opportunities to share their skills with the world and also turn a profit. Plus, a personal shop with traction can quickly turn a side gig into a full-time self-employed operation. 

Creative Writing  Careers

21. Copywriter

In terms of creative writing career paths, copywriting tends to take the cake. From blog writing for big companies to creating website copy and product descriptions for small businesses, copywriting skills are present just about anywhere there’s text. 

Copywriting offers great freelance, side-hustle, and employment opportunities, with many successful writers sourcing their guidance strictly from creative writing classes .

How Much Can a Copywriter Make?

The current average salary for a copywriter is $54,184 per year . This amount can increase with industry experience, client caliber, and skill.

22. Ghostwriter

Ghostwriters are the solutions for thought leaders and various industry professionals who want to write a book or start a blog, but simply don’t have the writing skills. Though ghostwriters do not receive a byline (credit) for their work, they still receive payment for each piece they author.

Many successful ghostwriters have a background in copywriting and other creative writing fields. Others hone their skills through self-education. As ghostwriters often operate independently as freelancers or side hustlers, yearly pay varies based on the number of projects and their cost.

23. Social Media Marketer

Individuals with both creative writing and social media skills who don’t want to take on long-form copywriting or ghostwriting projects may consider social media marketing. Social media marketers use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and now Tiktok to create, upload, and manage content that attracts and engages customers. 

How Much Can a Social Media Marketer Make?

As with many creative writing careers, social media marketers can freelance or opt for a full-time position with an average salary of $56,423 per year. One way to learn the basics and jumpstart a career in social media is through online classes. 

24.Journalist

A career in journalism is a perfect match for those who have a passion for storytelling and staying connected with hot topics and global news. Journalists allow creatives to hone their writing skills to educate and inform readers on various topics through newspapers, magazines, or online publications. 

Many professionals possess a degree in journalism. However, a degree is not always necessary if aspiring journalists can demonstrate previous work samples.

How Much Can a Journalist Make?

The average starting salary for a journalist is $41,968 per year , and career growth depends on the employing publication.

25. Technical Writer

For those seeking creative careers that involve a challenge, try technical writing. Technical writers are responsible for transforming complex and difficult-to-digest topics into something all readers can understand. Technical writers often create product guides, medical manuals, and other documentation to be used as a reference following a product purchase or service request. 

How Much Can a Technical Writer Make?

Due to the high-grade nature of this writing, the average salary for a technical writer is approximately $69,234 per year . With both freelance and full-time opportunities available, technical writers can score creative jobs by demonstrating robust knowledge in a particular niche.  

Types of Career

Not all creative careers will require a 9 to 5 job. Before diving into the individual job types, consider the multiple types of careers that offer creative direction.

Freelance Creative 

Freelance work is often not referred to as a job but rather as self-employment or a personal business. Instead of being employed by a single company or organization, freelance professionals offer their creative skills as a pay-per-service to various individuals and companies. 

Likewise, freelance creative professionals can also take on contract work. This allows a creative to sign an agreement with a company to complete a project over a designated amount of time. But it does not deem the creative as an employee of that entity. 

The demand for creative freelance work is always growing with platforms such as Fiverr , which offers creatives opportunities to sell their work such as graphic design, voice acting and more. 

Talented and experienced freelance creatives can also take on much bigger endeavors and produce complete campaigns and projects for big brands, if you are one of them you can offer your time and skills in platforms like WorkingNotWorking .    

Employed Creative 

Creative skills are in demand in many different industries, such as advertising, fashion, architecture, music and more. Companies are looking for talented individuals who can fit into positions such as design, photography, copywriting, editing, illustration, etc. and some may eventually move into management roles. 

Creative management jobs allow creatives to use their skills to guide both the company’s creative processes and the employees’ artistic processes.

Creative managers — like art directors — often control higher-risk creative and decision-making abilities. Depending on the specific management position at hand, creatives may need to demonstrate proof of education and experience to gain the role.

Creative Side Hustle

Not all creatives are ready to leave their current job just yet, and that’s okay — that’s what a side hustle is for. A side hustle allows artistic people to use their skills as a service without committing to an entire business venture. 

Writing, photography, and graphic design are just a fraction of the creative professions that make money as a side hustle while offering flexibility for those balancing a full-time job. Here are 25 different creative careers that can start as a side hustle and blossom into a full-time career.

CreativeLive has thousands of high quality free lessons, and also streams classes for free 24/7. Subscribe for access to the full CreativeLive library on your own schedule .

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Nasa Koski cut her teeth in filmmaking through her climbing & mountaineering adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Carrying a camera into the wilderness ignited her passion for storytelling through photos and film. Her short films have toured worldwide and won awards at Banff Mountain Film Festival, 5Point Film Festival, and more. She is the Creative Director of Social & Brand at CreativeLive.

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13 jobs that teachers can do from home to earn extra cash

If you’re a teacher looking to make extra money on the side or looking to start working remotely full-time, there are tons of jobs you can do from home!

You already have so many valuable skills, from creativity to organization, to giving constructive criticism. Not to mention, you’re a natural-born leader.

The great news is that all those skills are in high demand !

So there’s a long list of opportunities that you’d be a great fit for.

Here are some ideas for turning your greatest strengths as a teacher into a lucrative side hustle, plus companies that are hiring:

• Jobs for teachers who love to teach.
• Jobs for teachers who love their subject matter.
• Jobs for teachers who give great feedback.
• Jobs for teachers who are super organized.
• Jobs for teachers who are creative.

Jobs for teachers who love to teach

Become an online english teacher.

Demand for remote teaching is enormous. Online teachers can find jobs working with adult, teenage and young students.

There is a particularly high demand for classes for kids and teens in China, organized by companies like VIPKid . Although there are plenty of other companies you can teach with too.

Lessons run by these companies are often short, one-on-one sessions. Plus, you can enjoy a flexible schedule.

Schools usually provide the teaching materials, lesson planning is minimal, and there is no homework to mark either – win!

These are just some of the awesome reasons to become an online English teacher .

Teaching online makes for a great side job for teachers or something you can do full-time!

Become an online tutor

If teaching English isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of online opportunities to tutor various subjects.

Skooli is an online platform that connects teachers with students who need help with math, science, languages, humanities or subjects at different grade levels.

Teachers working on Skooli have two options: they can teach scheduled classes or be available as online support, to give instant help to students in need.

Both systems allow tutors to set their schedules, teaching subjects they are passionate about.

Become an online coach

If helping others reach their potential is what gets you out of bed in the morning, why not become an online coach?

This might require a little training if you want to become a certified life coach.

But as a teacher, you’ve got charisma, patience, people skills and the power to motivate others. You already have all the hallmarks of a great coach.

Starting a home-based coaching business may take a little time, but it could provide a long-term income doing something you love.

Jobs for teachers who love their subject matter

Become a curriculum developer.

Again, you already have the qualifications and experience you need for this one!

You know what works or not in the classroom.

And you can put that knowledge to use as a curriculum developer.

One of the most exciting parts of the job is the power you have to architect the whole learning pathway from A to Z and help other teachers and students in the process.

Search major job boards for opportunities in mainstream education and for private companies.

Sell your teaching resources

Look through your teaching files and what will you find?

Your most precious, home-made teaching resource. The ones you return to frequently because they never let you down.

So, why not share them with other teachers – and get paid for it while you’re at it?

Sites like Teachers Pay Teachers provide an online library of teaching resources supplied by real-life teachers. Some resources are free, but others are paid for.

If you’ve been teaching for a while and have a good stock of resources built up, sharing them online can be a great source of passive income.

All you have to do is create a profile and upload it to the site.

Become an online researcher

If you love finding answers to your students’ tricky questions, you could make a great online researcher.

Online platforms like Wonder hire researchers to respond to client questions.

Whenever you log on, you’ll find client requests that have been assigned to you.

Your job is then to research the answers, and break down what you find into a digestible response.

All in a day’s work for a teacher!

Jobs for teachers who give great feedback

Grade papers and get paid.

You’re fully trained to grade papers, so you should get paid extra for it.

Companies like Pearson offer teachers $10-12 per hour for “scoring” papers using standardized tests as a guide.

You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a computer, as well as time to commit to weekly hours.

Become a website tester

Giving constructive criticism is something teachers are experts in. So how about using those skills in a completely new context?

Companies like User Testing or Try My UI pay website testers to explore new sites and then share their user experience.

You’ll give your opinions and make recommendations for what could be improved. Sounds easy enough, right?

Average pay is around $10 for a 20-minute test, and more for interviews, and testers can work on their schedule.

Jobs for teachers who are super organized

Work as an admin support.

Admin support roles are perfect for teachers who love planning.

A typical role might include working with a business, or an individual, to manage their calendar, make arrangements, book engagements and even draft emails.

If you’re the kind of teacher who has lessons planned out for the next few months and is always on top of your deadlines, admin support could be a natural fit.

Check out Boldly for long-term executive assistant roles you can do from home.

Become a virtual assistant

Virtual assistants help businesses put in place and maintain organization systems.

This might mean handling databases, scheduling content, writing reports, editing and proofreading documents, or scheduling tasks.

Teachers who love neatly organized classroom supplies and indexed filing systems: this is your place to shine.

Take a look at Upwork for freelance and part-time virtual assistant positions.

Work as a transcriber

Working as a transcriber means typing up transcripts from audio recordings.

Obviously, this will suit teachers with an eagle eye for detail, and a passion for English grammar. It’ll help if you’re a fast typer too!

Companies such as TranscribeMe and REV offer flexible hours and regular payment.

You’ll need a computer and a good internet connection to get started.

Although you might be asked to take a test to prove your language skills, no prior experience is necessary.

Jobs for creative teachers

Become a freelance writer.

Teachers come home from work every day full of stories, so how about writing some of them down?

There is a vast market for education writers on blogs and websites.

Having teaching experience is not only a bonus; it’s where you’ll get all your best ideas.

You could begin by starting your own blog. But if you want to dip a toe in the water first, try checking out some sites that pay education writers or seeing whether the sites you read accept pitches. Then, send over some of your ideas!

Teach a creative skill

If you’re a teacher with a creative hobby like music, painting, drawing, decorating or graphic design, to name a few, you could combine your passion with your professional skills to make tutorials on Youtube or another platform.

Platforms like Skillshare give teachers the tools they need to make video classes teaching creative skills.

Once your videos are online, students can access them whenever they want to, making them a potential source of passive income.

For most creatives, working out how to teach their skill is the main hurdle. But, as a teacher, well, you’ve got that down already!

What else are you awesome at?

Teaching is one of those jobs that people do because they’re passionate about it.

Teachers who want to work from home who still want to teach will find plenty of online teaching jobs .

The jobs in this list just scratch the surface of some of the jobs you can do from home.

The more skills you can think of, the more jobs that will open up to you.

So, what else are you awesome at? Turn your passions into a side hustle.

And remember, if you can find lots of jobs teaching English online over at our job board !

Enjoyed this article? Don't forget to share.

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‘Red Wedding’: Storied Stanford Creative Writing Program Laying Off Lecturers

The university says creative writing faculty recommended returning its Jones Lectureships to their “original intent” as short-term teaching appointments for talented writers. A lecturer of 20 years said he thinks there’s a “peasants and lords issue” in the program.

By  Ryan Quinn

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Stanford University is laying off its current Jones Lecturers.

Some Stanford University lecturers are likening it to the “red wedding” in Game of Thrones —a massacre of characters by their supposed allies amid what had been billed as a celebratory feast.

Last Wednesday, a dean, a senior associate dean and a co-director of Stanford’s storied and popular creative writing program held a Zoom meeting with the program’s 23 Jones Lecturers, according to some of those lecturers, who were chosen from the ranks of those who have held the university’s prestigious Stegner Fellowship for writers.

The university leaders complimented the Jones Lecturers over Zoom. “They praised us to the moon,” Tom Kealey, a lecturer for two decades, told Inside Higher Ed . “Endlessly” praised was how Edward Porter, a lecturer of eight years, put it.

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Then, Kealey said, the leaders announced they would all be losing their jobs within the next two academic years. “The worst part is to be praised while you’re being fired,” Porter said. According to notes he took of the meeting, Nicholas Jenkins, the program’s co-director, said something to the effect of “you’re excellent, but others will be excellent in the future.”

There was an added sense of betrayal. The deans—Debra Satz, dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, and Gabriella Safran, senior associate dean of humanities and arts—said this wasn’t their decision, according to Kealey. In Medium posts on the ordeal, he wrote that they said it came from “the senior professors of creative writing.”

“These are literally our teaching colleagues of the last five to 15 years,” Kealey wrote. “And they decided in a previous secret meeting to fire all 23 of their junior colleagues.” In another post, he wrote that “it was only the MALE professors who voted to fire us.” ( Inside Higher Ed reached out Tuesday to some of the male creative writing professors on Tuesday, but received no responses.)

In an unsigned announcement last Wednesday on the university’s website, Stanford said it is returning to the “original intent of the Jones Lectureships: one-year appointments with the possibility of renewal for a limited term.” That announcement said the recommendation came from faculty members on a “Working Group of Creative Writing Academic Council faculty,” but it didn’t name them.

Satz, Safran and Jenkins said in an emailed joint statement to Inside Higher Ed that "this change will again allow Stegner Fellows the opportunity to apply to be Jones Lecturers once they have completed their fellowships. Jones Lecturers will have one-year appointments with the possibility of renewal for up to four additional years."

While it’s no longer rare for non-tenure-track faculty members to be laid off by higher education institutions facing budget woes, Stanford is a wealthy institution and creative writing is, by its own admission, a popular program.

“We have a large number of fully enrolled classes, many with significant waitlists and some where the waitlists are longer than the enrollment roster,” Jenkins said in a February 2023 article on the university’s website. He also said, “We’re in a remarkable period of hiring during which we’re fortunate enough to be bringing to campus an extraordinarily talented array of significant artists and teachers.”

But the lecturers say they’re the ones teaching most of the creative writing classes for undergraduates, and that their years of experience improve teaching. Kealey said some lecturers teach five classes a year; others teach four. He wrote on Medium of the senior creative writing professors that “the 10 of them … taught 13 undergraduate classes last year (and 19 overall, less than two classes taught per professor).”

The leaders said during the Zoom meeting the decision wasn’t about money, according to Porter. “It’s maddening to have outstanding enrollment and be phased out anyway,” he said. While the university has said it wants to simply return the Jones Lectureships to the short stints they used to be, Kealey suggests the tenured professors in his department had other motives.

“I think there’s a peasants and lords issue here,” Kealey said.

A Long Time Coming?

In 1946, Wallace Stegner, who would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for Angle of Repose , founded Stanford’s creative writing program. The Stegner Fellowships are named in his honor.

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E. H. Jones, who had an oil fortune, funded the fellowships and also established the connected Jones Lectureships, according to the university’s announcement from last week. It said these were meant to be “limited, fixed-year teaching appointments, allowing exceptional Stegner Fellows some time and support to prepare a manuscript for publication, hone their teaching skills and transition to a longer-term teaching career elsewhere.”

But “over time this framework of term-limited appointments was not followed,” the university said. It did not say when that change occurred. It might have had something to do with Eavan Boland.

Boland, an Irish poet, led the creative writing program for 20 years until her sudden death in 2020. “Eavan was just a fierce defender of the program,” Kealey said. He said her death “was a great loss to all of us.”

When Boland joined the program, Kealey said, it had maybe 20 or 25 classes. But Boland wanted every student who so desired to be able to take a creative writing class. Kealey said lecturers went to residence halls in early years to speak with students about the program. Over about 15 years, Kealey said, the program grew to offer about 120 classes.

Porter said Boland “developed a large cadre of about 20 to 25 lecturers.” Even though they were on one-year contracts, Porter said, they kept getting renewed. He said it’s true that Boland did move the lectureships away from their original intent—but that it was beneficial for students, teaching and the program.

“There are a lot of human skills to playing this game, and those don’t come in a year,” Porter said. “We have letters, testimonials from students about how much we’ve meant to them. We’re also very available to them—we talk to them outside of class, there’s a sense of continuing mentorship if they want it.”

Now, Porter said, “there is at least the appearance” of the university creating “artificial scarcity,” suggesting there’s no room for the new, younger Stegner Fellows writers to get a leg up by becoming Jones Lecturers “because these crusty old folks are hogging up all the real estate.” Safran, the senior associate dean, said, per Porter’s meeting notes, that “in some years few or no Stegners were able to advance.”

Kealey said, “There’s no shortage of space for new Stegner Fellows to be hired into the Jones Lectureships, but, I don’t know, the professors wanted to do a scorched earth with this, and that’s what they’ve done.”

The lecturers said they pushed for, and received, raises from the university in September 2023. “Exactly a year later we’re all fired,” so “connect the dots here,” Kealey said. “I think the lords didn’t like that—didn’t like the peasants speaking up.”

Porter talked about “balancing one set of values against the other.” He said the tenured or tenure-track “creative writing faculty doesn’t teach many classes and many of them are not involved—they don’t care about the undergraduates. It’s not their job to care; it’s their job to write books, be famous and raise money, and that’s very necessary.”

And part of the purpose of the Jones Lectureship program is to give new writers a step up. But Porter worries about the other side of the equation being lost. “It’s our job to care about the undergrads,” he said.

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Teaching Associate

University of strathclyde - humanities - english & creative writing.

Humanities - English & Creative Writing

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences ( www.strath.ac.uk/humanities )

Hours:  (35 hours/week)

Contract:  Fixed Term (24 months)

The Department of Humanities is a community of researchers, teachers, students, and support staff working together on some of the most interesting and exciting issues in contemporary culture. English & Creative Writing is an integral part of the Department and wider University with popular undergraduate degrees in English, and English & Creative Writing, Masters programmes in Interdisciplinary English Studies, and Creative Writing, and a vibrant PhD community. We have an opportunity to appoint a new full time Teaching Associate, on a fixed term (24 months) basis, to join our internationally renowned English and English & Creative Writing subject team. 

English has been taught at the University of Strathclyde since 1964, when the university received its Royal Charter. Creative Writing has been taught at Strathclyde since the 1980s, with notable alumni and staff including Andrew O’Hagan, Zoe Wicomb, Margaret Elphinstone and David Kinloch. We are ranked 5 th for English (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024) and 1st in Scotland for Creative Writing (Complete University Guide 2025).

We have a number of active research projects and have recently attracted funding from the AHRC, The British Academy, and The Leverhulme Trust. The unit currently teaches two undergraduate pathways (English and English & Creative Writing), and two postgraduate degrees (Creative Writing and Interdisciplinary English Studies). We have PhD students from across the globe working across areas from the early modern period to contemporary literature. Strathclyde has expertise in a range of approaches to literary production including animal studies, experimental writing, linguistic and cognitive literary studies, postcolonial writing, queer theory, and literature as heritage. In terms of period, we have a particular expertise in the Renaissance, the Victorian, and the contemporary.  

We are open to candidates with an established track record of teaching in any area of English Literature. We particularly welcome candidates whose expertise relates to race, and potentially gender and sexuality. The successful applicant will not only  teach their area of expertise; therefore, it would be advantageous if you can work flexibly across periods, specialisations and even disciplines.

To be considered for the role, you will have experience in teaching and assessment in English; the potential to teach Creative Writing would be welcomed.  You will have a PhD in English Literature and/or Creative Writing (or equivalent); substantial relevant teaching experience at undergraduate level (including experience of assessing student performance and providing student feedback) and the ability to translate knowledge of advances in subject area into teaching and assessment methods and materials.  You will have the ability to contribute teaching to a range of existing undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as designing and convening classes based on your expertise and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Experience of supervising students and developing curriculum is desirable.

Further information on the application process and working at Strathclyde can be found on our website ( www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/vacancies ).

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dr. Andrew Meehan, Subject Leader (Email: [email protected]) .

Interviews: Formal interviews for this post will be held on Wednesday, 2 nd October 2024.

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MA Creative Writing (Part Time)

Course options

Key Details

Course Overview

UEA pioneered the teaching of Creative Writing more than 50 years ago and is globally regarded as a leader of the subject. UEA has mentored countless award-winning authors, including Booker Prize winners Ian McEwan, Anne Enright, and Nobel Laureate Sir Kazuo Ishiguro. 

But today Creative Writing is changing, and so are we. Stories are now adapted from novels to streaming platforms to games and so much more. Digital technologies and AI are reshaping writing's possibilities and practical applications. Exciting fusion genres from authors across the globe are dominating bestseller lists and streaming platforms. Career opportunities in the creative industries across the world are increasingly vibrant and ever more dynamic. 

This course will equip you to engage with this world and its vast audiences, now and in the future.  You'll have the unique opportunity to work across forms of writing to help you discover and enhance your talent. You'll explore prose fiction and non-fiction, script and poetry, and hybrid, multimodal, and cross-genre writing. You'll also have the opportunity to develop all kinds of industry-oriented genre writing, from speculative fiction to young adult, fantasy to historical. You'll learn how AI and digital technology are transforming our ideas of writing and writers. You'll also find opportunities to experiment with writing for multiple digital realities and platforms, which are widely accessible and easily integrated. Most of all, you’ll develop skills to get noticed, published and build an audience in this digital world.  

At the same time, you'll benefit from UEA's established teaching excellence, creative writing workshops, and unrivalled connections with the fast-changing publishing industry in the UK and beyond. You'll become part of the university’s vibrant creative writing ecosystem, with events such as UEA Live , research and internship opportunities in the British Archive for Contemporary Writing , and a host of more informal occasions to share and celebrate your work and hear from prize-winning alumni. You’ll study in the historic city of Norwich, one of UNESCO’s Cities of Literature . You'll benefit from UEA's exceptional expertise in the world-wide breadth and history of literature, building your confidence and authority as a writer. 

You'll graduate a respected and versatile writer, steeped in practical and professional knowledge. You might translate that experience into a career in the creative industries, such as publishing and editing, writing for advertising, marketing, arts, culture, heritage and GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) sector organisations, VR and XR experiences, digital gaming, streaming TV, and more. You may be embarking on a new writing career or you may be an established professional looking to upskill in a changing environment. Perhaps you want to understand more about writing and feel the thrill of seeing your work come together on page or screen. Whatever your ambitions, this course will inspire and enable you to discover your own voice and make the most of it in the next stage in your writer’s journey. 

Study and Modules

This part-time course takes place over two years. You'll take a taught module each semester, and then over the summer of your second year you'll complete your dissertation (submitted early September) with the support of your supervisor.   

In the autumn semester of your first year, you'll take a Creative Writing workshop in which you'll explore and experiment with a range of forms of writing, from genre fiction to screenwriting and poetry, establishing a competency and confidence across genres.  

In the second semester, you'll choose from a rich range of optional modules across the School and Faculty. These draw especially on the wealth of knowledge and experience of the School's literary critics, and currently include modules on writing and play (which encourages your own playful experiments in writing), contemporary fiction, or how writing is inspired by place. These modules will help put your own writing into context and provide you with touchstones for your own creations. 

Compulsory Modules

Workshop: introduction to forms, optional a modules, theory and practice of fiction, creative encounters, adaptation and interpretation, process and product in translation, creative-critical writing, ludic literature, environmental humanities: human cultures and the natural world, digital storytelling, japanese literature, the non fiction novel, the poetics of place, critically queer: sex, gender and sexuality.

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Teaching and Learning

Throughout the course, you'll benefit from UEA's unrivalled Creative Writing tuition and literary critical expertise. Expert creative writers will lead your first workshop, helping to mentor you as you find your voice as a writer. You'll encounter leading practitioners of many of the forms you'll explore – novelists, scriptwriters, poets – who will help you to hone your craft and give their tips and insights into success in each genre.  

In your second semester, literature tutors will introduce you to traditions of writing from across the globe, helping you to interpret them and put them into context. But they'll also support you in your own creative experimentation. UEA has many years of experience pioneering forms of 'creative-critical' pedagogy, where you are invited to demonstrate your critical thinking and understanding through writing creatively. In this exciting environment, creative and critical thinking are often fused together.  

Over the course of the MA, you’ll build and develop your portfolio of writing. At the end of each of the workshops you'll submit work which demonstrates your growing versatility, craft, and experience as a writer. 

Your first-year optional module may invite you to write a literary critical essay, further creative work, or an experimental creative-critical piece. 

In the autumn semester of your second year, you'll study the ways digital technology is reshaping writing. By the end of this semester, you'll have a firm sense of the exciting potential of writing for new technologies and begin to incorporate that potential into your writerly toolkit.   

In your final taught semester, you'll take a second Creative Writing workshop where you'll continue to establish your craft, confidence and professionalism as a writer across forms. By the end of the semester, you might decide to specialise in a single form or continue to commit to the path of versatility and hybrid experimentation. 

Over the summer, you'll plunge into the thrilling culmination of your MA – your creative writing dissertation. You'll be supported by a member of our Creative Writing team as you write your project, which will become your calling-card as a writer and help to launch the next phase of your career. 

CREATIVE WRITING IN A DIGITAL WORLD

Workshop: finding your forms, creative writing dissertation, creative writing research methodology conference.

Our world-leading creative writing team will continue to help you mature as a writer, first by leading you through your second workshop, and then by supervising your dissertation project over the summer.  

In the autumn semester of Year 2, your encounters with contemporary creative digital technology will be facilitated by our cutting-edge  BLOC resources . These include our Music and Media Suite, which offers facilities for podcasting, digital design and publishing, audio production, and access to many creative software. These facilities are also supported by a superb team of professional technicians who will support you as you discover new creative abilities.  

In your module focussed on digital writing, you’ll also be assessed on the underlying writing you produce for a digital form – this could be writing for a podcast, game, XR experience, or even a combination of forms. 

Finally, your dissertation will bring your whole creative journey together, where you’ll produce an original piece of 12-15,000 words in length (or equivalent weight, in your chosen form(s)). This piece will be a reflection of the writer you have become. It may demonstrate your growing mastery of a single form – a substantial extract from a work of genre fiction, for instance – or it may show off your dexterity in moving across forms. You may also choose to focus on the digital side of your degree, producing writing for digital gaming or immersive VR experience.  

Entry Requirements

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

Degree classification

Bachelors degree - 2.2

Degree Subject

Any subject

Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of writing for assessment with their application  of 2500-3000 words in length. This could be part of a novel, non-fiction prose, script, poetry, a combination of short pieces from multiple forms, or a hybrid piece which combines forms together.

Our  Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.

UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent 

Any subject 

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):   

IELTS:  6.5 overall (minimum 6 in all areas) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.  

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date. 

 If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are: 

UK Students: £10,675

International Students: £22,700

We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month. 

Further Information on tuition fees can be found  here .

Course Related Costs

Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs. 

How to Apply

How to apply.

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University. 

To apply please use our  online application form . 

Further information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us: 

Postgraduate Admissions Office 

Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515  Email:  [email protected]  

International candidates are also encouraged to access the  International Students  section of our website. 

Employability

After the course.

You'll graduate as a confident creative writer, with an understanding of genre, audience, and the craft needed to shape writing. You'll also have a strong awareness of the contemporary writer's world and the digital dexterity needed to navigate it. This may lead to a career as a successful novelist or scriptwriter. You'll also be ready for careers across the creative industries: in publishing and journalism; marketing; roles in the arts, culture, heritage and GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) sectors; writing for digital gaming and the creative computing sectors. The creative confidence our courses give graduates have also underpinned successful business entrepreneurship. Graduates from our Creative Writing MA courses go on to careers in teaching or undertake PhDs (including UEA's own creative-critical PhDs). Many also undertake our courses for the profound pleasure and sense of achievement given by writing itself.  

Examples of careers that you could enter include: 

• Novelist/Scriptwriter 
• Publishing or Journalism 
• Marketing 
• Arts/GLAM-sector roles 
• Writing for digital gaming or creative computing sectors 
• Teaching or Academic careers 

Discover more on our Careers pages .  

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Creative Writing (Part Time) starting September 2025 for 2 years

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Year 4. Creative Writing Pack. The Mysterious Superpowers

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

4 September 2024

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Year 4 Creative Writing Pack.

The pack is revolved around a picture that is used as a writing stimulus.

This pack includes:

• Creative Writing Success Criteria.
• Creative Writing WAGOLL.
• Comprehension Questions.
• ‘Fix the Punctuation’ activity.
• Sentence Challenge.
• Magpie Map.

This resource is perfect for Year 4 writing interventions with either encouraging children to achieve Expected or Greater Depth. This resource would have to be adapted accordingly for Expected as the Success Criteria is for Greater Depth.

This could also be used as part of a writing assessment, or as part of a weeks’ worth of morning activities/meaningful time fillers. It could also be used as a stimulus for writing newspaper reports, letter, setting description etc which could then go towards the pupil’s writing moderation folders.

If you found this resource useful and would like more, please leave a review. All feedback is greatly received. [email protected] All my English resources roughly contain the same format.

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Games Design and Development BSc Honours

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Grow your design and development skills supported by experienced academic staff. Enhance your programming, experiment with technology and master gameplay design, prototyping, and in-game engine scripting

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Introducing our new Learning Framework

After working with our students to gather feedback on what they love most about our courses, we’re making some changes to how we structure and teach our programmes for the start of the 2024/25 academic year. You can find more information about how this course is affected by viewing the relevant course information sheet on our Learning Framework page.

Why choose Games Design and Development BSc at Middlesex?

Do you want to design and balance game mechanics to create emergent dynamic player experiences? On this hands-on course, you'll be making games with a mix of digital and paper prototyping and planning from week one.

Design and script games from day one. On this highly practical course, you'll be making games with a mix of digital and paper prototyping and planning. You will be introduced to a range of tools for bringing your ideas into reality, including Adventure Game Studio, RPGMaker, RenPy, Unity and Unreal.

As well as technical skills you will develop the communications and entrepreneurial skills needed to put together and manage a multi-disciplined team. You will get plenty of hands-on experience and opportunities for collaborating with other Middlesex students from our 3D animation, art and design, music, computing and graphics departments as part of our coordinated workshop activities.

You will learn design communication skills including writing, scripting, prototyping and storytelling. And learn the concepts and history of game design which will build confident communication skills so that you can explain what makes existing games successful and what players do in games that keeps them playing. You’ll also learn critical and analytical techniques for observing playtests, offering peer feedback, and iterating ideas. 

There will be opportunities for experimental design to develop your ability to evaluate and adapt technologies to create new game experiences. 

What you will gain

The games industry is complex, diverse and spans a variety of old and new technologies from print to computer software to 3D printed game pieces. This BSc gives you the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful games developer and designer in this fast-changing industry.

You will learn how to communicate a detailed game idea professionally across a range of modes including writing, prototyping, diagramming, speaking.  We will develop your experience with a variety of game engines and teach you how to use them to produce digital prototypes to match industry briefs. You will gain hands-on experience of creating and publishing games using surprising mixtures of technologies and gameplay design

We'll help you build your portfolio, setting you up for a successful career in a range of creative industries. This degree's mix of in-person and online teaching will prepare you for the world of work.

You’ll develop your employability skills and industry connections with a range of work placements and internship opportunities. Year after year, students from this programme produce fantastic, high-quality game prototypes.

Take a look at some of the   games created by our students (Itch.io)   past and present.

Global experiences at Middlesex

We offer unique global experiences which could include studying part of your degree abroad and doing a placement or volunteering in another country, as well as many international opportunities in London. You'll build your cultural awareness and understanding and get a competitive edge in the job market. You may even qualify for grant funding under the Turing Scheme. Find out more about how studying at Middlesex will increase your global experience.

What you will learn

You will learn key technical skills such as programming,  game engine scripting and technical game design and prototyping.  You will also learn how to effectively communicate and present your experimental game ideas. This will involve developing skills in creating concept documents, pitching game proposals, and incorporating feedback from peers and industry professionals.

3 great reasons to pick this course

Develop your skills in world-class facilities.

Access workstations equipped with the latest software including Unity, Processing, OpenFrameworks, Maya, Z-Brush, After Effects, Flash, Final Cut Pro and Photoshop. You also have access to a Motion Capture and Green Screen facility

in London for overall student positivity (National Student Survey 2023)

Our connection to local schools, early years and childcare settings, and nurseries can lead to placement opportunities in your later years of study

Reputation for producing successful graduates

Our graduates have gone into roles at companies such as CD Projekt Red, Outplay Entertainment, Trick27, Pixel Foundation, Rockstar, PlayStation, Square Enix and more.

Part-time study

Study at your own pace alongside work and other commitments and get the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career.

When choosing a part-time course, you will study the same modules as the full-time course but over a longer period.

Find out more about the many benefits of studying part-time at Middlesex University .

In year one you will play and analyse games critically in class using both digital and table-top games. You will use the critical language you develop to communicate your own designs through writing, diagramming, prototyping, and playtesting. In years two and three you will develop your prototyping and design communication skills through a variety of industry facing briefs and projects, individually and in small groups, including collaborating with students on other degrees. The overall themes of this degree are design communication, data driven design, project work, analysis, research, reflection, collaboration, making, diversity, integrating fun with technology, play and experimentation.

Games Design Fundamentals (30 credits) - Compulsory

Mechanics of player experience and playtesting (30 credits) - compulsory, professional studio practice 1 (30 credits) - compulsory, prototyping and scripting (30 credits) - compulsory, advanced prototyping and programming (30 credits) - compulsory, game cultures and design beyond entertainment (30 credits) - compulsory.

This module is designed to:

• Develop critical skills by examining a range of topics associated with games culture
• Teach you how to assess the construction of games produced for non-entertainment contexts
• Enable you to devise gameplay and mechanics for non-entertainment contexts.

Professional Studio Practice 2: Industry Projects (30 credits) - Compulsory

• Build upon existing game design, development and management skills
• Engage with a professional brief from industry
• Create appropriate professional documentation in response to industry brief
• Evaluate and respond to the requirements of an intellectual property and audience
• Work as part of a team to design and develop an advanced game prototype.

Technology, Gameplay, and Mechanics (30 credits) – Compulsory

This module builds on your existing technical knowledge to help you evaluate various technologies and techniques and generate game appropriate ideas using them and make prototypes to test the ideas. It will provide you with:  

• A knowledge of technical advances informing the direction of games design and development 
• The ability to evaluate and test advanced technologies and predict their application in practical project development  
• A critical understanding of the ways in which new game interfaces are developed in light of developing technologies 
• New technical competences with novel forms of interaction to expand application potential. 

Experimental Gameplay Development (30 credits) – Compulsory

This module will provide you with:  

• A range of methods for rapidly prototyping and experimenting with gameplay ideas and evaluating them 
• The ability to propose and test game ideas that provide unexpected play experiences or promoting unique feelings within players through mechanics 
• A critical understanding of the core aspects of technical design including generative gameplay, emergent gameplay, interactive storytelling, and innovative user interfaces 
• The space to learn from failure. 

Games Design Processes, Research, and Playtesting (30 credits) - Compulsory

• Understand the processes needed to run a professional project and to demonstrate industry ready skills
• Critically evaluate project work within the context of theory, history and existing practice in the field to and effectively communicate outcomes
• Communicate ideas, challenges and solutions in the field of study to demonstrate independent, responsible practices
• Apply academic reading and analysis to areas of Games Design research to inform project work
• Use appropriate social research methods with an understanding of the ethical requirements of undertaking user research.

Professional Studio Practice 3: Portfolio and Beyond (30 credits) - Compulsory

• Develop an awareness of professional games development workplace environments and the current recruitment process
• Manage your professional development portfolio to help with career planning
• Demonstrate a body of work in games design and development
• Work independently to make decisions in dynamic professional contexts.

Showcase Project (30 credits) - Compulsory

To find out more about this course please download the Games Design and Development BSc course specification (PDF) .

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You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. You will learn by attending project-based workshops and learning groups supported with short lectures. Working together you’ll develop critical language for communicating ideas about gameplay, game experiences, and game-based storytelling. You’ll make and playtest games digitally and using physical materials, discussing your prototypes with peers and tutors. In some modules you will work with students on related courses - 3D animation, art and design, computing and graphics - learning about teamwork and professional workflow as you collaborate. Focused on interactive storytelling and design, we'll equip you with the skills you need for a career in this rapidly changing area. Most learning groups have about 20–30 students. Work is divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study You will need to complete 120 credits per year.

• How we'll teach you

Coursework and assessments

Where will i study.

You will study at our leafy north London campus, in Hendon.

Typical weekly breakdown

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 6 hours of practical workshops
• 6 hours of seminars.

Teaching vs independent learning

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Academic support

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open 24 hours a day during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.

You will be assessed through practical production work including sample scripts and playable prototypes, videos of both playthroughs and design breakdowns, game planning reports, reflective reports, as well as critical essays.  

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.

North London campus

Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.

Course facilities

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team .

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page .

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget .

How can the Game Design and Development BSc support your career?

This degree equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive as a game designer in a dynamic industry. Through hands-on experience, you will develop a portfolio that will set you up for a successful career in a range of creative industries.

Graduate job roles

This degree opens up a wide variety of different career options, including technical game designer, gameplay designer, level designer, interaction designer, app designer, developer and programmer.

Graduate employers

Graduates from the course have gone into a range of roles throughout the gaming and creative industries:

• Junior Open World Designer at CDProjeckt Red
• Game Designer at Outplay Entertainment
• Game Developer at Trick27
• Level Designer at Pixel Foundation
• QA Tester at Rockstar
• Account Assistant at PlayStation
• Assistant Producer at Square Enix

Transferable skills

This degree's mix of in-person and online teaching will prepare you for the distributed nature of the world of work. You will gain experience and skills in management and team collaboration.

Our employability service , MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 10 UK universities for students who want to be CEOs and entrepreneurs (Hitachi, 2021).

MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Work placements

Placements and internships can greatly improve your future job prospects after you graduate. They usually boost your confidence and academic results by giving you the opportunity to practice what have learned in a professional setting.

Our specialist employability service will help you find placement opportunities.

At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.

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Qualifications

We accept T Levels for entry onto this course (and our extended courses with a foundation year) with GCSEs in line with UCAS tariff calculation.

We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.

If you have relevant q ualifications or work experience , we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.

Our entry requirements page outlines how we make offers.

Entry onto this course requires a portfolio review, please see more information in the Portfolio tab.

Transfer courses?

If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have completed terms at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how to transfer courses .

Mature students (over 21)

You can apply at any age, even without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.

We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

• Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
• Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
• Work placements and networking with top London employers
• Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your  country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office .

English language

You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.

To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa . Please check to see if this applies to you.

After you have applied, we will send you a link for you to submit your portfolio online via the applicant portal.

Please   apply via UCAS   using the code   W246.

Need help with your application? Check out our   undergraduate application   page.

Personal Statement

Find out how to make a an effective personal statement .

You won't be required to interview for this course. 

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students 1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students 2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

• Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
• Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
• Free specialist software for your course
• Free printing for academic paperwork
• Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:

• Additional books that you wish to purchase
• Memory media
• Travel to some (non-course essential) external events

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

• MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
• Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
• Our   MDX Student Starter Kit   to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about   undergraduate funding   and all of our   scholarships and bursaries .

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Speak directly with one of our Unibuddy student ambassadors

Unistats information.

Discover Uni provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Middlesex.

Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for Games Design and Development.

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