Program Structure

The Deledda Master in Creative Writing & Translation is a two-year international low-residency program designed to combine academic rigor, creative depth, and flexible accessibility for working professionals. Students can begin the program in November or in May.

The program integrates:

  • Intensive in-person residencies
  • Structured online mentoring
  • Progressive development of a substantial final thesis

Duration

  • Standard duration: 2 years
  • Maximum completion period: 3 years

Academic Format

The program follows a low-residency model combining immersive residential sessions with sustained online mentorship.

In-Person Residencies

Students participate in a minimum of three intensive one-week residencies hosted in Sardinia. Each residency lasts six working days and is held during the last week of November and the last week of May. Upcoming residencies: 22–29 November 2026 and May 2027 (exact dates to be confirmed).

Residencies include:

  • Advanced writing and translation workshops
  • Craft seminars
  • Critical discussions
  • Public readings and presentations
  • Meetings with visiting writers and translators

Residencies function as immersive laboratories where creative practice and intellectual exchange converge.

Online Semesters

Between residencies, students complete four semesters of structured distance study, guided by individual faculty mentors.

Each semester includes:

  • One-to-one mentoring
  • Personalized reading and writing plans
  • Regular submission and revision of original work
  • Continuous development of a long-form creative or translation project

This model allows students worldwide to pursue advanced creative training while maintaining professional and personal commitments.

Tracks and Activation Policy

The Master offers two academic tracks:

Creative Writing Track

(Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry)

The Creative Writing track is open for both intakes: November 2026 and May 2027.

Literary Translation Track

The Literary Translation track is equally designed and academically ready.
It will be activated upon the formation of a minimum cohort of two students.

This flexible activation model ensures:

  • Intensive mentorship
  • Small cohort excellence
  • High academic quality
  • Sustainable program development

The program intentionally maintains small cohorts in order to guarantee close faculty supervision and an exceptional level of creative engagement.

Two Intakes a Year

The Deledda Master welcomes new students twice a year. You can begin the program with either residency, in November or in May. Both paths lead to the same degree, the same credits, and the same faculty mentorship.

November 2026 intake — First residency: 22–28 November 2026 · Applications close: 31 October 2026

May 2027 intake — First residency: May 2027 (exact dates to be confirmed) · Applications close: 31 March 2027

Typical Academic Path – November start

  • Winter Residency (WR#1) + Semester 1
  • Summer Residency (SR#1) + Semester 2
  • Winter Residency (WR#2) + Semester 3
  • Summer Residency (SR#2) + Semester 4

Typical Academic Path – May start

  • Summer Residency (SR#1) + Semester 1
  • Winter Residency (WR#1) + Semester 2
  • Summer Residency (SR#2) + Semester 3
  • Winter Residency (WR#2) + Semester 4

Credits

  • 4 credits per residency
  • 4 credits per online semester
  • 4 credits for the final thesis

Credits required for graduation:

  • Minimum: 32 credits
  • Maximum: 36 credits

Final Thesis

The culmination of the program is a substantial creative or translation thesis completed during the fourth semester.

Creative Writing Thesis

  • A collection of short stories, a novel, a memoir, or a poetry manuscript
  • Accompanied by a brief critical reflection on the creative process

 

Literary Translation Thesis

  • A translation of a literary text, accompanied by a brief translator’s commentary reflecting on the translation process and key linguistic and cultural challenges.

Educational Philosophy

The program is built on the conviction that writing and translation are rigorous intellectual practices grounded in discipline, craft, and sustained mentorship.

Its objectives are to:

  • Develop mature and self-aware creative practice
  • Strengthen voice, style, and formal precision
  • Cultivate intercultural competence
  • Prepare students for professional engagement in literary and cultural fields
  • Foster integration into international networks of writing, translation, and research