A PhD in Creative Writing is not your typical doctoral journey. It is a different kind of PhD, which blends creative practice with rigorous research, and one that places voice, lived experience and storytelling at its core.
At DMU, we have particular expertise, and considerable experience, supervising creative writing practice research PhDs. Creative writing is recognised as a powerful form of research methodology in its own right, and students are supported by published and experienced writers. The writing team nurture all aspects of their projects: their creative craft, their theoretical research underpinnings, whilst also maximising opportunities to share their work with wider audiences
For Dr Caroline Butterwick, this was exactly the kind of PhD experience which led her to study with us. On 22 January 2026, Caroline reached a milestone that reflects years of dedication, creativity and purpose as she graduated with her PhD in Creative Writing. But her journey to this point began much earlier, shaped by both personal inspiration and a desire to tell stories that truly matter.
Caroline’s path to De Montfort University was influenced by someone close to her. After hearing her sister speak so positively about the support she received during her own Creative Writing undergraduate degree, Caroline was encouraged to take the next step. That encouragement, combined with her own ambition, led her to apply for a PhD. She was successfully awarded a Midlands4Cities bursary, enabling her to pursue her research and develop her voice as a writer and academic.
From the outset, her PhD became more than just a qualification. It was a space to explore ideas, challenge perceptions and connect with a wider research community. Along the way, Caroline immersed herself in events, shared her work and benefited from the guidance of her supervisors, all of which helped shape both her research and her confidence.
I really enjoyed studying for my PhD in creative writing at DMU. I valued the support of my supervisors, as well as being part of a community of researchers, joining in events and getting opportunities to share my work. My PhD explored disability life writing, and my research has developed my understanding, as well as creating new knowledge that I'm excited to disseminate. It was a joy to study something I'm so passionate about, with such great support.
—Dr Caroline Butterwick,
At the heart of Caroline’s doctoral journey is her memoir, Little Bright Things in the Dark. This deeply personal work explores her lived experience of visual impairment and mental health challenges. Rather than following familiar or expected narratives, Caroline’s writing deliberately pushes against them. Her unflinching and moving work set out to provide a ‘counternarrative’ to stereotypes surrounding these challenges – and especially to undermine the pressure for ‘triumphalist’ narratives arcs of ‘overcoming’. In the process, she challenged harmful narratives that promote dubious binaries of ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ disabled people; and how they stem from social, cultural and political ideologies around disability. Caroline not only contributes new knowledge to her field but also opens up space for more honest, nuanced conversations.
Her voice extends beyond academia. Caroline has written for publications including The Guardian, Psychologies and BBC Countryfile, bringing these important discussions to wider audiences.
Even though she has completed her PhD, her journey as a writer continues to evolve. She’s currently working on a Young Adult novel, while her memoir is already with an agent.
Caroline’s story is a reminder that a Creative Writing PhD is not just about producing work, but about shaping perspectives, challenging assumptions and creating meaningful impact through storytelling.
If you are considering your own Creative Writing project and want to explore where it could take you, you can get in touch with Professor Simon Perril at sperril@dmu.ac.uk .
Click here to find out more about Postgraduate Study at DMU.