At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the future of creative writing programmes at a top university.
- Company: Join UCL, one of the world's leading universities with a diverse student body.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, a generous pension scheme, and on-site facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in creative writing and inspire the next generation of writers.
- Qualifications: Doctoral level education and proven experience in teaching creative writing required.
The predicted salary is between 77463 - 94677 £ per year.
University College London (UCL) is a multi-faculty college of the University of London with a population of over 52,000 students, from more than 150 different countries. UCL is among the world’s top universities, ranked 9th in the world, 5th in Europe and 2nd in London in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
The UCL Arts and Sciences (UASc) department is home to the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BASc), the UK's leading interdisciplinary degree, covering arts, social sciences and sciences. The department is launching a new Creative Writing MA course from 2027/28, based at the Bloomsbury campus.
We are seeking a Professor of Creative Writing to provide strategic leadership, shape the future direction of undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, and undertake teaching and research in creative writing. The successful candidate will help define and realise the distinctive vision of the Creative Writing MA course, fostering connections between creative practice, literary culture, publishing, public engagement and interdisciplinary research.
It is essential for the appointee to have experience in an area of creative writing and the ability to develop and teach modules in the practice and study of creative writing at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The postholder will lead a number of modules on the Creative Writing MA and the Creative Arts and Humanities BA and will contribute to curriculum development for both programmes.
In addition, they will be required to undertake world-leading research and provide internationally recognised research leadership in creative writing, including:
- publishing high quality outputs
- leading and participating in gaining grants
- developing research cultures
- shaping national and international debates in creative writing and/or creative writing studies
- undertaking doctoral student supervision and recruitment
The postholder will also be required to act as a Personal Academic Tutor and supervise doctoral students. This post is full-time, permanent and available from 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible after that date.
The postholder must be educated to Doctoral level or have equivalent professional experience in any area relevant to creative writing. Previous experience of teaching creative writing and curriculum development is essential. The ability to provide strategic academic leadership in the creative writing discipline is essential, along with the ability to initiate, sustain and lead strategic partnerships with publishers, literary organisations, cultural institutions and external stakeholders.
As well as completion of the online application form, please submit a CV and covering letter identifying how you meet the person specification. Applicants should submit all documents for consideration as part of their submission, but only the CV, covering letter and application questionnaire will be reviewed as part of the shortlisting process.
We offer great benefits including 41 days holiday, additional annual leave purchase scheme, defined benefit pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, immigration loan, relocation scheme, on-site nursery, on-site gym, enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay, and employee assistance programme.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
Professor of Creative Writing in London employer: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
UCL's Information Services Division (ISD) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among over 50,000 staff and students. With a commitment to employee growth, ISD provides extensive benefits including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge technology areas. Located in the heart of London, UCL promotes a diverse and inclusive culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
