Andrew is a graduate from the MLitt Creative Writing programme...

Tell us a little bit about your background...

I am a deafblind writer and poet from Hamilton. With a lifelong passion for creative writing, I began studying BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing at the University of Strathclyde in 2020, graduating with Distinction in 2024. I have received several writing awards, including the inaugural Michelle Smith Scholarship Fund, the Foyles Young Poets of the Year Award, the the Wells Young Poets Prize, and the Black in White Anthology Award, and have performed my work on national television and radio. Alongside my creative practice, I actively campaign for disabled people’s rights and deliver deafblind awareness training to organisations across Glasgow.

What drew you towards undertaking this degree? 

I have always been passionate about creative writing and wanted to deepen both my knowledge of the craft and my practical skills. Becoming a professional writer and published author has been a long-held ambition of mine, so undertaking this degree felt like a natural and important step. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to learn from lecturers whose work I deeply admire, including Andrew Meehan and Jessica Widner.

Strathclyde itself stood out for several reasons. The Disability team has been incredible, with a genuinely proactive, can-do approach to accessibility that has made a huge difference to my experience. I was also really attracted to the university’s lively and welcoming student community. Alongside my studies, I’ve been able to get involved in a range of activities, including performing in shows with ReAct Theatre Society, which has made my time here both creatively fulfilling and socially rewarding.

Tell us about the format of the programme. What was a typical week like?

The programme combines lectures, tutorials, and editorial groups, creating a balance between learning, discussion, and practice. Lectures typically provide an overview of key texts, exploring craft techniques and what we can learn from other writers, while tutorials allow for writing exercises and more focused discussions. Editorial groups are a particularly valuable part of the course, giving us the chance to share works-in-progress, receive feedback, and develop our writing with assistance from coursemates.

The classes offer a wide variety of approaches and experiences. Modules such as The Shape of Stories focus on crafting compelling fiction and non-fiction, while Writing Life explores the practical realities of being a writer. The Made project encourages experimentation with multimedia forms—I created a tactile comic book as part of this, which was especially meaningful in terms of accessibility while being very rewarding creatively. There are also opportunities to submit work to The Strathclyde Review, which is an incredible platform to showcase your writing and celebrate what you’ve learned throughout the programme.

What is the academic support at Strathclyde like?

The academic support at Strathclyde has been excellent and genuinely feels like a community. My lecturers have always been incredibly responsive, whether that’s replying to emails, checking that materials are accessible in advance, or offering one-to-one meetings to talk through ideas. That level of care and openness has made a huge difference to my confidence and progress as a writer. Crucially, most of my lecturers treat us as fellow writers rather than simply as students, respecting our creative decisions and learning from our own experiences as well.

There’s also a strong sense of encouragement beyond the classroom, with regular opportunities being shared to attend events, workshops, and meet other writers. Just as importantly, there’s a real sense of mutual support among coursemates—we actively want to see each other succeed, which creates a collaborative and inspiring environment to learn in.

What are you doing now?

I am currently actively pursuing a career as a writer, seeking publication opportunities and regularly submitting work such as poetry and short stories. I am also looking ahead to the possibility of undertaking a PhD in Creative Writing to further develop my practice and research interests.

The MLitt has had a hugely positive impact on my work. It has strengthened my skills, built my confidence, and encouraged me to be bold and inventive in my writing. Studying part-time has also given me the flexibility to take on freelance opportunities alongside my degree, including writing articles, undertaking voice work, and applying for writing-based roles.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to this course?

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is serious about developing their writing skills and pursuing a career in writing. My advice would be to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to experiment with new forms, styles, and ideas. It’s also important to remember that there’s no such thing as a “perfect writer”—everyone is learning, and that’s part of the process.

Most importantly, put your heart and soul into the course. The more you invest in it, the more you’ll get out of it. If you fully engage with the workshops, feedback, craft materials, and opportunities available, you’ll grow immensely as a writer.