Meet Tomi Clement, recipient of Kellogg's MSt in Creative Writing Bursary.

Tomi Clement is the 2024 recipient of Kellogg’s MSt in Creative Writing Bursary.

We asked Tomi what motivated him to apply for this course and how he felt when he received an offer.

I have always been a writer and a storyteller. In my work, I attempt to make sense of myself, my experiences, and the (crazy, awful, beautiful) world as I see it. After finishing secondary school, I completed a BA in English and Drama at Queen Mary University of London. Towards the end of my time at Queen Mary, I began considering my next steps and ultimately decided to apply to creative writing courses across the UK.

I have always wanted to be a novelist, and many of my favourite contemporary authors – including Kazuo Ishiguro, Eleanor Catton, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Ian McEwan – have taken this route. I applied to Oxford’s MSt without feeling very optimistic. In fact, I mostly kept my Oxford application a secret. I was shocked and overjoyed to receive an offer. I may have gone slightly mad for about three minutes.

Why did you choose Kellogg as your Oxford College?

Kellogg has many connections with my MSt. I will certainly join the Centre for Creative Writing, where I will attend masterclasses and research seminars and collaborate with students and writers working in a variety of disciplines beyond my course. I will also enter Kellogg’s annual Creative Writing Competition.

The College seems friendly and fun with a huge amount to offer. In particular, I look forward to attending lectures and seminars held throughout the year, and the Kellogg College Ball. The Hub sounds fantastic. And I hear that Kellogg’s food is amazing (I like the idea of a more egalitarian dining hall without a high table).

What are you looking forward to about starting your course at Oxford?

I am particularly looking forward to meeting the other students on the MSt. Especially reading each other’s work. I expect the standard will be very high, but I look forward to being pushed, challenged, and inspired. The residences and retreats sound fantastic. And of course, I am also looking forward to meeting the Oxford professors. To have their eyes on my work will be such a privilege. I am eager for their guidance and advice.

I also look forward to working with some new literary forms. I have really only ever written prose fiction. But on the MSt, I will work with poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, and creative non-fiction, too. I am excited about the work placement in my second year. And I am also just very much looking forward to getting to know the city of Oxford. I have been a Londoner all my life. But who knows? I may take a strong liking to Oxford …and then Oxford may not be able to get rid of me.

How will the scholarship help you in your studies?

When I received my course offer, I knew immediately that I would accept, however, I also began wondering how I would fund this opportunity. I decided to apply to the bursary, but again without high hopes. I was overjoyed to receive the email with the good news – I could not believe it. The bursary is a tremendous opportunity, removing so much pressure and giving me so much more freedom. I will have the time and space I need to write. Thank you!

How was your experience of applying, and what advice would you give to others like yourself who are thinking of applying to a graduate course at Oxford?

I felt nervous about my interview, but this ended up being quite a fun experience. Some of the questions were easier, some more challenging, but the interviewers were kind, supportive and encouraging.

The main piece of advice I would give to those thinking of applying would be to begin the process early. Don’t leave things to the last minute. Give yourself the time and space you need to put together an application of which you are proud. I began getting everything together months before the deadline and this really paid off. Of course, also be sure to give your referees plenty of time to send in their references.

Be honest in your personal statement. Be honest in your interview. Don’t exaggerate – but equally, don’t undersell yourself. Just be yourself.

Finally, I would recommend having others review your application. I had some fantastic and generous university professors read through my supporting documents. This proved invaluable.

Where do you hope your studies at Oxford will take you?

At Oxford, I look forward to improving as a writer and making valuable connections. I recently began working on a new novel set within a boys’ boarding school. I hope to get this novel out into the world once it has been completed. That would be an absolute dream.

Meet more of our Scholars here.

The Kellogg MSt in Creative Writing Bursary is generously supported by an alumna of the College. The Bursary offers one-time funding of £9,025 per year for one new student. Find out more about Kellogg’s scholarships and bursaries.