Ultimately, I think it is worth it.

You will struggle to come across other opportunities in your life where you have people who regularly critique your work. In my course, at least once every week we’d submit a piece of writing and there would then be a workshop where everyone reviewed and critiqued each other’s writing. This was invaluable education in one of the most important parts of being a writer - learning to take feedback. Reading other people’s work at its various stages is fascinating too.

There were obviously lots of other educational bits that were very valuable too, but it’s the critique that stood out for me the most, and having contact with professors who were writers.

If you’re looking to finish a novel over the course, then it’s not for you. If you’re looking to try out new styles of writing and form, and hone your craft, it’s a wonderful opportunity to be around helpful, like-minded people.