Creative Writing in Higher Education: Global Perspectives and Prospects for Implementation in Iran

Over the past few decades, creative writing has been consolidated as an academic discipline within higher education systems worldwide. It has played a pivotal role in cultivating professional writers, enriching contemporary literature, and strengthening the relationship between universities and society. This article examines the structure, objectives, and pedagogical approaches of creative writing programs at leading universities in the United States and the United Kingdom. From the standpoint of curriculum design and pedagogical methodology, these programs typically integrate a diverse combination of specialized workshops, literature and literary skills courses, creative theses, elective and interdisciplinary modules, and professional training. The second section of the article addresses the necessity and feasibility of establishing creative writing as a formal academic program in Iran. Through an analysis of the approved master’s curriculum in creative writing, the study demonstrates that, despite Iran’s considerable cultural, literary, and academic potential, the institutionalization of this discipline encounters significant challenges. These include limited pedagogical experience, scarcity of native text books, and institutional resistance to curricular innovation. The article concludes by proposing strategies for the effective implementation of creative writing programs in Iranian universities.