Describing the creative writing thesis: a census of creative writing doctorates, 1993-2008

This paper examines data collected on creative writing doctoral theses awarded in Australia and New Zealand up until June 2008 with regard to demographics, differences between awards, ease of access to theses and publishability. Using this analysis, ideas on further avenues for creative writing research are considered - including focus on popular genres. This paper responds to calls within the discipline, notably from Webb and Brien’s 2006 paper ‘Strategic Directions for Research in Writing: A Wish List’, to increase the discipline’s strategic understanding of what has already been achieved in order to improve the sustainability of the discipline, provide better information for decision-making and promote the discipline’s ability to deliver high quality research. This paper presents only a small portion of the research needed regarding qualifications offered in the discipline and shines light on the gaps that remain.