creative writing courses somerset

Creative Writing

Ready to take your writing to the next level sharpen your skills as part of our renowned community of writers. our highly regarded courses are taught by acclaimed authors..

University of the Year for Social Inclusion

Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024

#2 in the South West Overall

for Creative Writing (Complete University Guide, 2024)

#6 in the UK

and #1 in the South West for Creative Writing Graduate Prospects – Outcomes (Complete University Guide, 2024)

#10 in the UK

for Graduate Prospects in Creative Writing (Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)

What do writers do after completing an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa?

In this recorded online event, six former MA students from our  MA Creative Writing share their experiences of the course along with insights into their careers and paths to publication. Our guest speakers write fiction, poetry and non fiction. They also organise events.

This event is sponsored by Bath Spa University and delivered in partnership with Novel Nights, a literary events organisation set up by Bath Spa University alum, Grace Palmer.

2 April 2024

BSU is taking the opportunity to celebrate members of its Writing for Young People community

9 October 2023

The late Professor Fay Weldon has been commemorated with a portrait in her honour

6 September 2023

Dr Stephen Moss has been shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize for nature writing

12 July 2023

Professor Steve May, former Dean of the School of Humanities and Creative Industries, has passed.

Bath Spa University Research Centre in Creative Writing is a prospering centre of excellence, representing perhaps the strongest academic teams of creative writers in the country.

We believe that writing is a powerful instrument for discovering new ideas; that the development of writing skills is a vocational commitment, and that all writers benefit from sharing work in progress.

Courses on offer

We’ve got a wide range of undergraduate courses. Unsure of the right course for you? We give you plenty of options and our combined courses mean you don’t have to limit yourself to one programme if two tempt you.

Your next challenge

What does your life have coming up next? Fancy jetting off to the other side of the world, founding a business, mastering a new hobby or landing your dream job? You could achieve all this and more studying with us.

“There is no better environment to learn the craft of writing.”

MA Writing for Young People  graduate Lucy Hope's debut novel  Fledgling  was picked up by award-winning children’s publisher Nosy Crow just months after Lucy found her agent following the release of the course’s annual anthology.

Our creative writing community

Gavin James Bower

Alexia Casale

Nathan Filer

Annalie Grainger

Robin Mukherjee

Steve Hollyman

Nizrana Farook

Kate Pullinger

Rachel Hamilton

Lucy Cuthew

Toni Chappell

Sam McManus

Tim Liardet

Jasbinder Bilan

Lucy English

Anna Freeman

Gerard Woodward

Beth Williams

Philip Hensher

Alyssa Hollingsworth

Naomi Alderman

Sam Beckbessinger

Dashe Roberts

Kristien Potgieter

Karen Gregory

Jess Butterworth

Tanvir Bush

Lucy Sweetman

Richard Kerridge

Stephen Moss

Creative Writing at Bath Spa

Publications

The Poetry Hub

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Creative Writing - Taster

• Day: Thursday
• Time: 19:00 - 21:00
• Duration: 1 session
• Location: Holyrood Academy, Chard
• Start: 06/06/2024

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Course overview

This course is for anybody with an interest in developing their creative writing skills. It will provide stimulus material for writers to create poetry or prose and will encourage participants to share their work and identify strengths and areas to be further developed.

These taster sessions will be in the evening, for 2 hours and will be conducted face to face.

Course assessment

This course is not assessed and there are no exams.

Course progression

At the end of this course, if you’d like to continue with your learning in this subject, you’ll be able to progress onto our Starter Level workshop or course.

Our workshops and courses are designed to provide essential skills, develop confidence and resilience, improve your health & wellbeing, prepare you for further learning or employment, provide ways to learn with your family and build communities. We have a wide range of workshops and courses and you can explore more on our website. There’s something for everyone! 

Need to know…

Entry Requirements:

This workshop is suitable if you have no experience in this subject, and want to discover if it’s for you.

Fee information:

FREE If you are aged 19+ AND are unemployed AND receive a benefit / your annual income is less than £25,000 per year AND live in Somerset (not including Bath & North East Somerset) AND you have lived in the UK/EU for the last 3 years OR you have refugee status / right to remain. *Please note – proof of eligibility will be requested during the enrolment process.

£0 If you are aged 19+ AND your annual income is over £25,000 and live in Somerset OR you live in Bath & North East Somerset OR you live anywhere else in the UK. Some Community partners may not be able to accommodate learners from outside Somerset. This will be highlighted during enrolment.

Our funding rules have changed – how this affects you… You can only enrol on ONE free* workshop/course at each level, e.g. one Taster, one Starter… and so on. Our new levels are designed to encourage you to learn and progress in your chosen area of interest. If you enrol on multiple workshops/courses at the same level, we’ll contact you to discuss (as there are exceptions), or you’ll be given the opportunity to pay for your place, (costs are detailed on each course page).

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The Home of Creative Writing

Festival of writing.

Arvon is a charity that runs creative writing courses, events and retreats both in-person and online. Our courses are tutored by leading authors and include a powerful mix of workshops and individual tutorials, with time and space to write, free from distractions of everyday life. Grants and concessions are available to help with course fees.

ARVON COURSES & RETREATS

Residential writing week: playwriting.

Moving from ideas into scripts

• Non-Fiction

Masterclass: Exploring Autofiction

Stealing content

Online Writing Day: Making Progress with your Novel in Progress

Dig deep and go forward

Starting to Write , Theatre

Online Writing Day: Write a Short Play in a Day

From idea to script

Masterclass: The Poetry of Care

How to write a poem when you've got 100 more important things to do (and how it can help)

Fiction , Poetry , Short Story , Other

Online Writing Week: Starting to Write

Honing your working class voice

Fiction , Starting to Write

How I Write: Isabel Waidner

Q&A and Reading

Masterclass: Poetic Metaphor

Nailing the mechanics of metaphor

“Every time I’ve taught at Arvon - going back over fifteen years now - I’ve seen how much difference just a handful of days can make in the life of writers. There’s a perfect mix of tutorials, writing time, socializing, and discussion - all those elements come together to create an atmosphere in which writing projects move in that longed-for but often unattainable direction: forward.”

— Kamila Shamsie

ARVON AT HOME

Our online programme of courses, events and writing support

Virtual versions of our famous Writing Weeks, plus Masterclasses, free How I Write events, Online Writing Weekends, Writing Days and more . . . all accessible from the comfort of your sofa.

SUPPORT ARVON NORTH

Arvon North is an ambitious capital project to adapt Lumb Bank into a beacon of creativity for the North

Help us transform Lumb Bank into an engine-house for creative writing development in the North of England, connecting the rich literary collateral of the region with a community of writers locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

CLOCKHOUSE WRITERS' RETREAT

Give your writing the time and space it deserves with Arvon’s dedicated Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse

The Clockhouse is specifically designed for writers on retreat. It has four apartments for writers, each with bedroom, study-lounge and bathroom. All food is provided for you, so you can spend your time as you please.

DONATE TO ARVON

Do you believe that everyone should have the opportunity to unlock their creative potential?

Arvon is a charity that believes everyone deserves the freedom to imagine, write and explore ideas regardless of their age or financial background.

OUR SCHOOLS & GROUPS WORK

We offer residential weeks for schools, young people and adult groups.

Our weeks for schools and groups follow the same pattern as our adult course programme – led by two professional writers, with tutorials, group workshops, and time and space to write.

ARVON BLOGS

My Arvon Week: Jessica Eve Watkins

15 Apr 2024 / My Arvon Week

A preview of Jessica Eve Watkin’s experience on a week-long writing retreat at Arvon’s writing house, The Hurst. “ ‘The…

SI Leeds Literary Prize 2024

07 Mar 2024 / General

A writing prize that helps discover exciting new talent from underrepresented groups will be accepting entries again next month. The SI…

Arvon and Creative Minds Calderdale to Develop Writing for Change Project

28 Feb 2024 / News

Arvon and Creative Minds Charity, hosted by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, are embarking on an exciting project aimed…

My Arvon Journey: Gráinne O’Hare

27 Feb 2024 / My Arvon Journey

When I logged on to my first online Arvon workshop, it was autumn 2022 and already chilly at my writing desk;…

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Creative Writing Courses

Everything there is to know about our creative writing courses in Bristol. Hear from our learners or contact us for more information .

About Our Creative Writing Courses

Our courses are designed to ignite your passion for writing and unleash the boundless power of your creativity. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore the world of writing or an experienced wordsmith looking to enhance your skills, these courses will take you on a transformative journey through the realms of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Courses on Offer

We have creative writing courses and workshops to suit everyone.

Creative Writing Group

A monthly, tutor-led, creative writing group designed for learners who wish to gain feedback and encouragement to keep them on the path to finishing a piece of fiction. —  Monthly or Weekly, Tutor-led, Writing Clinic

A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction

This course will get your creative juices flowing! If you have always wanted to write but were never sure how to, this course will demystify the process. Make a start now. — Beginner Level, Wednesdays

Writing Short Stories

Writing short stories helps you discover your writing voice. This course is designed to show you the art of writing short stories and to submit them for publication. — Beginner to Intermediate Level, Wednesdays

Saturday Creative Writing

Creative writing courses on the weekend for intermediate to advance writers. Suitable for those who would rather write in the weekend. — Intermediate to Advanced Level, Saturday

Upcoming Courses

Bring a treasured heirloom back to life! You will learn traditional upholstery skills and methods using traditional materials. If your project requires it, you can also learn how to use a sewing machine. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS9 1BN.

Due to limited storage, please bring smaller, lighter pieces. All pieces of furniture MUST be taken home at the end of the course unless you have enrolled on the next course.

• Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm   Nicola Hamilton
• 6 sessions from 12 September     £148/£90   T10A  Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 31 October     £148/£90   T10B  Stoke Lodge
• 5 sessions from 9 January     £124/£75   T10C  Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 20 February     £148/£90   T10D  Stoke Lodge
• 5 sessions from 17 April     £124/£75  T10E  Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 5 June   £148/£90   T10F  Stoke Lodge
• Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm   Nicola Hamilton
• 6 sessions from 12 September    £124/£75   T11A    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 31 October     £124/£75   T11B    Stoke Lodge
• 5 sessions from 9 January   £104/£63   T11C    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 20 February   £124/£75   T11D    Stoke Lodge
• 5 sessions from 17 April     £104/£63   T11E    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 5 June   £124/£75   T11F    Stoke Lodge
• Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm   Nicola Hamilton
• 6 sessions from 13 September   £124/£75   T12A    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 1 November   £124/£75   T12B    Stoke Lodge
• 5 sessions from 10 January   £104/£63   T12C    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 21 February   £124/£75   T12D    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 18 April   £124/£75   T12E    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 6 June   £124/£75   T12F    Stoke Lodge
• Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm   Nicola Hamilton
• 6 sessions from 15 September   £124/£75   T13A    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 3 November   £124/£75   T13B    Stoke Lodge
• 5 sessions from 12 January   £104/£63   T13C    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 23 February   £124/£75   T13D    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 19 April   £124/£75   T13E   Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 8 June   £124/£75   T13F    Stoke Lodge

Repair, Reupholster and Reuse A Dining Chair

Give an old dining chair a new life! Whether contemporary or traditional, drop seat or deep sprung you will be guided through all the steps necessary to get that professional finish!

This workshop will be delivered at Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS9 1BN.

Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm   Grace Ingram

• 6 sessions from 4 November  £147/£97  T26A    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 24 February   £147/£97  T26B    Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 21 April          £147/£97  T26C     Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from  9 June            £147/£97   T26D   Stoke Lodge

Cushion Recovery

Do you have any cushions or soft furnishings that need a new lease of life? This course is for you! You will learn to totally remake your cushion cover from scratch to get that professional finish.

Wednesday 6pm to 8.30pm  Grace Ingram

• 6 sessions from 2 November  £116/£74   T25A   Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from  22 February  £116/£74   T25B   Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 19 April          £116/£74   T25C   Stoke Lodge
• 6 sessions from 7 June             £116/£74  T25D    Stoke Lodge

Upholstery On Saturdays

These one-day workshops can be used as a “taster” or as an opportunity to complete an unfinished project. If you intend to finish a project in a day, please bring fabric and braid (if appropriate). Please choose a small, manageable piece. No previous experience necessary.

Pieces of furniture cannot be stored at Stoke Lodge due to limited storage space.

• Saturday 10am to 4pm   Nicola Hamilton
• 1 session on 15 October   £55/£40   T14A   Stoke Lodge
• 1 session on 12 November   £55/£40   T14B   Stoke Lodge
• 1 session on 10 December   £55/£40   T14C   Stoke Lodge
• 1 session on 4 February   £55/£40   T14D   Stoke Lodge
• 1 session on 4 March   £55/£40   T14E   Stoke Lodge

Testimonials

Here is what our happy learners have to say about our courses.

Knowledgeable & Passionate

The tutors were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about fostering our growth as writers. The personalized feedback I received was invaluable in honing my skills and pushing me to new creative heights.

Insightful & Supportive

The tutors provided insightful guidance and created a supportive environment where I felt comfortable exploring my creativity. Through the course, I discovered my unique writing voice and gained the confidence to share my stories with the world.

Constructive & Inspirational

The feedback I received was constructive and pushed me to refine my craft further. This course rekindled my passion for writing and inspired me to explore new avenues of storytelling. I would recommend the course.

Tutor Profile

Carolyn lewis creative writing tutor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Courses are relaxed and friendly. Most of our courses are in small groups of 6 to 8 learners. Each learner has their own workspace in the classroom and the tutor will work with you on individual aspects of your project.

A suitable project can be anything from foot stool or dining chair to a small armchair or wing chair. Learners have even chosen to upholster headboards for beds. The techniques learned depend to an extent on the project you bring, from webbing and springing to stitched edges, box cushions and other soft furnishings.

Courses are hands-on from the start and you will begin work on your project during the first lesson. There may be dust involved when stripping the furniture and loose tacks and staples on the floor therefore dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear.

Courses take place in our workshop at Stoke Lodge.  Stoke Lodge is our adult learning centre off Shirehampton Road in Stoke Bishop.  The building has been hosting adult learning classes for over 50 years and is a beautiful old house set in fantastic grounds.  We have plenty of free car parking and our back car park is closest to the annexe building and the upholstery classroom.

The upholstery room is a spacious room on the ground floor of our annexe building.  The room has large windows and French doors that open out to the grounds so there is plenty of natural light.

Yes, we have a morning and an afternoon tea/coffee break at Stoke Lodge.

Drinks are served in the main building (just next to the annexe) and we charge £1 for a cup of tea, coffee or herbal tea with biscuits.

Tea breaks are a great way to step away from your project, grab a drink and catch up with learners on your course or those on other courses in the building. Its always a nice social part of the day where everyone gets the chance to stretch their legs and refresh.

No specific experience is needed although if you have some experience of hand and/or machine sewing that may be useful.

Need More Information

Contact us now.

Need more information regarding our creative writing courses? You can call us on 0117 903 8844 , email or visit us in person at Stoke Lodge. Office hours applies.

Stoke Lodge Adult Learning Centre Shirehampton Road, Bristol, BS9 1BN

Looking For A Different Course?

If you are looking to book a different course, use the search facility or list of courses by category in the sidebar. For the latest updates and course releases, sign-up to receive our ‘In The Loop’ newsletters or read our recently published newsletters online .

Creative writing: where do you get your ideas from?

It’s time to start putting pen to paper! Entries for the Mid-Somerset Creative Writing classes are due in on 19 January 2022.

Most writers take a notebook and pen with them everywhere they go, to jot down observations and ideas.  

What if the ideas don’t arrive, and you’re f acing a blank page or screen?

Some apt lines from Poets need not by Liz Lochhead…

Inspiration? Bell rings, penny drops, the light-bulb goes on and tops the not-good-enough idea that went before? No, that’s not how it goes. You write, you score it out, you write it in again the same but somehow with a different stress. This is a game you very seldom win and most of your efforts end up in the bin.     

We gathered together some tried and tested ways, recommended by well known writers, to help you find some inspiration.

Be yourself

Ideas run away from a negative and critical voice in your head, judging you even before you start. 

Joanne Harris advises , ‘Don’t write what you think you ought to write.’

Very few of Shakespeare’s ideas were original. Writers borrow from each other all the time. It isn’t stealing, it sparks your imagination.

‘The simplest, easiest and most painless way to write is to be stimulated or inspired by another piece of writing.’ Michael Rosen

Study real events

Dramatic events happen in real life, stranger than fiction. History and the news are rich sources of material, particularly for playwrights. 

The Crucible by Arthur Miller depicts the 17th century Salem witch trials.

Machinal by Sophie Treadwell is based on a real, notorious murder in the 1920’s.

Go on a hike

No luck sitting at a desk? Try going out in the fresh air. It’s hard to write a poem about nature without being immersed in it. 

Novelist Ian McEwan finds walking helpful.  ‘The rhythm of walking is very amenable to the rhythm of thinking – and that’s a good way of letting ideas begin to take on a bit of life.’ 

Write what you know

Many books and poems are based on events, relationships, and scenes in the writers’ lives. 

Examples of classic novels which depict the authors’ own experiences include…

Villette by Charlotte Bront ë

Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson 

Get unstuck

Writer’s block happens, even to the best.  

Malorie Blackman suggests this remedy – ‘Play a musical instrument, sing songs, draw, paint…surround yourself with lots of creative activities, and that way it kind of gets your creative juices flowing.’

Start Writing

Once you begin, and keep going, ideas will come along the way (although it might be uphill).

‘Sometimes you just have to write even when the muse is not cooperating.’ J. K. Rowling

And finally…

On the subject of Where Do You Get Your Ideas? Neil Gaiman writes…

You get ideas from daydreaming. You get ideas from being bored. You get ideas all the time.

Great article. I also think avoiding distractions when you’re in your creative flow is also important. No checking your inbox. No scrolling your social media. Yes have breaks every half an hour. Walk round the block. Make a drink. But quickly nipping out of your creative zone to check Instagram Stories can be really detrimental. I know!

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Friendly Expert Writing Retreats & Workshops

Inkwell creative writing courses –, beyond words.

Discover your inner writer in a beautiful setting with experienced, published tutors. Our residential and day courses offer a chance to explore your voice and build on a range of writing techniques with like-minded people.

FRIENDLY EXPERT WRITING RETREATS & WORKSHOPS

Inkwell creative writing courses – beyond words, explore your creativity and improve your writing.

Whether you are a new writer or wrestling with your work-in-progress, Inkwell courses will allow you to hone and practise your skills in drama, poetry and prose.

All tutors are successful, published writers. Residential courses are joined by another critically acclaimed guest writer. Workshops focus on developing craft and style through a variety of prompts, and are designed to appeal to writers in any genre. Emphasis is placed on the importance of critique and feedback in a supportive and safe environment.

Meals and accommodation are included on residential courses, with a complimentary glass of fizz on the first night. At whatever writing stage you happen to be, whether that is on the point of publication or at the beginning of your writing journey, allow yourself peace and space to release your creative energy. In a world that never stops strutting and fretting, take time out to find your own words.

Residential retreats, writing courses And Workshops

Writing courses and workshops.

Explore the upcoming creative writing courses and workshops. Book a place and pay online.

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Golden Glow

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Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers

Banish writer's block forever with these techniques from the published writer's toolbox. This course will show you how to liberate the imaginative, inventive genius that is inside of you and transform your visions into the written word.

Requirements

Who doesn't know the fear of the blank page? How can you transform your visions into the written word? Is it really possible to become a terrific writer? You'll find the answer to these and more of your questions in Writeriffic.

In this high-energy course, you will learn a number of invaluable tricks from the published writer's toolbox. Whether you're at work now or hoping to write a novel, a nonfiction book, a memoir, short stories or articles, Writeriffic liberates the imaginative, inventive bolts of genius that are inside everyone. If you've ever dreamed of hearing your writer's voice and writing what's in your heart and head, this course will make it happen!

Enrollment Options:

Lesson 1 - the nature of creativity, creativity and self-discipline, and finding one's voice, lesson 2 - the nature of creativity, creativity and self-discipline, and finding one's voice (continued), lesson 3 - creating a workspace, molding a creative life, feeling the fear of starting, knowing your reader, lesson 4 - creating a workspace, molding a creative life, feeling the fear of starting, knowing your reader (continued), lesson 5 - types of creative writing opportunities, clipping files, market guidebooks, the bubble method, lesson 6 - types of creative writing opportunities, clipping files, market guidebooks, the bubble method (continued), lesson 7 - grammar, self editing, production tips and finding time to write, lesson 8 - grammar, self editing, production tips and finding time to write (continued), lesson 9 - overcoming obstacles and building confidence, fearing ourselves, naming characters and selecting titles, lesson 10 - overcoming obstacles and building confidence, fearing ourselves, naming characters and selecting titles (continued), lesson 11 - evaluating and sharing your work, attending writing conferences, treating yourself well, keeping your dreams alive, lesson 12 - evaluating and sharing your work, attending writing conferences, treating yourself well, keeping your dreams alive (continued).

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Eva Shaw, Ph.D., is a full-time working writer. She has authored thousands of articles, essays, short stories, and more than 70 books, including "Writing the Nonfiction Book," "Insider's Guide to San Diego," and her latest release, "The Pursuer." Her work has been featured in USA Today, San Diego Union Tribune, Publisher's Weekly, and others. She has won several awards, including the Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the Woman of Merit Award.

Instructor Interaction : The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

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Creative Writing

Register for alerts on the next start date

Leave us your contact information and we'll be in touch when the course next runs.

Who is it for?

This is a beginners course for people with an interest in creative writing. The course provides a sound introduction to numerous techniques, a wide range of texts, literary critique, and evaluation skills.

There are no formal entry requirements. An interest in wider reading and writing is desirable.

What does the course involve?

Through evaluating a diverse collection of texts, including your own writings, you will explore the following:

• a range of literary techniques, including sensory imagery
• character development
• realistic dialogue
• plot and structure
• literary critique
• basic evaluation skills

The course topics are ‘revisiting familiar things’ and ‘writing from experience’, and are designed to be flexible enough to accommodate individual writing styles and preferences whilst providing a challenge.

How is the course assessed?

There are no formal assessments. However, the course will be assessed formatively throughout and the course aim is that you will produce pieces of writing for each course topic.

Additional Notes

There are no required additional materials or resources, but you will need writing materials/media. In addition, you may wish to purchase books for personal use as the course progresses. The college has the following facilities: an extensive range of modern computer equipment, a well-equipped Resource Centre (available to you outside normal class times), and an on-line learning system you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. 

What do I do next?

Please enrol online by clicking on the Enrol button above. If you are under 19 or haven’t lived in the UK for the last three years, please contact the college either in person or by phone on 01743 342333 between 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am-4.30pm on Friday to discuss your options further.

You will be required to pay any course fees at the time of enrolment, so please ensure that you have your payment method ready.

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For Part-time / HE PT course enquiries

01743 342 333

5 more courses like this

• Drama & Theatre A Level
• English Combined A Level
• English Language A Level
• English Literature A Level
• Creative Writing - Developing Your Craft

Career Options

Authors, writers and translators.

Up to £36,000

Advertising accounts managers and creative directors

Up to £48,000

Are you an employer?

See how an apprentice can help your business.

Find out more

Thank you for your enquiry about an application, now that term has started please ring the Admissions team on 01743 342346 for Vocational courses at London Road or 01743 260410 for A levels and Art courses based at English Bridge and Welsh Bridge and they will help you with your application. Voice messages can be left, please give clear details about contact numbers.

020 3376 7945

• [email protected]

Our home study courses offer you the flexibility to complete your assignments when it is convenient for you. You can work at your own pace and spend as much or as little time on an assignment as you need.

Our Classroom-based courses cover the same material as home study, either every other Saturday or one evening a week. It’s up to you. Whatever option you choose you’ll receive the guidance and support of our expert tutors.

Ask a question

Complete your contact details, add your question and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Unleash your creativity and begin your journey as a writer. Start writing confidently and creatively! Payment plans available. No minimum qualification.

• 3 Months Duration

Study at your own pace with access to online course materials and full tutor support.

Live Online Classes

Attend virtual classes with access to online course materials and full tutor support.

Classroom-based

Attend in-person classes with access to online course materials and full tutor support.

Elevate your writing to new heights and embark on your creative journey with confidence and advanced skills. Payment plans available. No minimum qualification.

• 6 Months Duration
• £2,095
• £2,195

Achieve professional excellence in creative writing and launch your literary career with a strong, professional foundation. Payment plans available. No minimum qualification.

• 9 Months Duration
• £1,425
• £2,725
• £2,865

I would certainly recommend the Post Grad Dip to friends or other students looking to gain a professional qualification, so many new skills to learn, to support future opportunities in the visual arts field. Mark Powell Student - BAPH

The support I get from the student community and my tutor are essential. It isn't always easy and it's clearly demanding, but the whole experience is extraordinary and one of the best investments I've ever made. Daniel Oliver Student - BAPH

This course has taken me on an amazing journey - there has been a lot of learning with tutors who have given constructive feedback to help with progression. It moreover gave me the opportunity to study from home. Such a worthwhile and enjoyable course! Tiffany Hayes Student - BAPH

Between the forums online and our Facebook page I feel more connected with students and staff and I never feel silly asking my tutor even the most basic of questions! I'm particularly impressed with the feedback I get when I hand in my assignments - it is very detailed, constructive and helpful. Sonya O'Donoghue Student - PAI

The British Academy of Creative Writing is a leading provider of accredited, industry recognised creative writing qualifications in UK.

0161 5246 537

0121 3121 661

0131 3221 081

0289 6943 706

029 2271 2268

0117 463 5237

British Academy of Creative Writing ©2024

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Register and Join us on Zoom

The writers circle.

creative writing workshops & community

Book Launch: AKMARAL by Judith Lindbergh

Join TWC's Founder/Director to celebrate her new novel - Thursday, May 9, 2024, 6:30 PM, Millburn Public Library, Millburn, NJ - Free and open to the public!

2024 Spring Mini-Retreat - May 19

at Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge, NJ

2024 Summer Creative Writing Intensives

For Teens Who LOVE to WRITE ~ Registration is open ~ Take advantage of our EARLY BIRD PRICING

Summer Adult Workshops

4, 5, and 6 week workshops - Summer is the perfect time to write!

Celebrating the Written Word

Summer adult classes are here take advantage of those long, sunny days for inspiration and writing, offering 4, 5 and 6-week workshops., great summer choices:.

Where Do I Begin? | Summer Writing Book Club | Creating Kid Lit | Romancing the Novel | Humor | Writing Short Stories & Flash Fiction and much more!

See our full schedule and register !

Special events : next up.

Book Launch: AKMARAL by Founder/Director Judith Lindbergh

Thursday, may 9, 2024, 6:30 pm at the millburn public library, millburn, nj.

AKMARAL : a nomad woman warrior of the ancient Asian steppes must make peace with making war

From the author of THE THRALL’S TALE, praised by Pulitzer Prize winners Geraldine Brooks and Robert Olen Butler, comes a tale inspired by Greek legends of Amazon women warriors and modern archaeological discoveries.

Judith will be in conversation with Art Historian and President of Friends of the Millburn Library Dorothy Kelly with live music provided by Cooper Davis & Friends.

This event is free and open to the public.  Advance registration is greatly appreciated!

Spring Mini-Retreat

May 19 at lord stirling park, basking ridge, nj.

Get away from the suburban hubbub and dedicate a day to your writing!

Summer Is Just Months Away!

Register now for our teen summer intensives and wordsmash mini-camps for 3rd to 7th graders., for teens who love to write, ~ now in our 12th season ~, week 1: july 15-19   |  week 2: july 22-26   |  week 3: july 29-august 2, ~ join us for one, two, or all three weeks ~.

The Writers Circle is a Scholastic Awards Summer Scholarship Program partner.

WordSMASH 2024 Is Live!

Registration is open for our creative writing mini-camp for grades 3-5 and 6-7 .

Our two-hour per afternoon, week-long program is chock-full of writing games, wacky prompts, and time to sink into a favorite book just to read! Seasoned writers will be challenged by story starters unlike anything they’ve seen in school. Reluctant writers will find TWC’s interactive games and prompts an irresistible invitation to start creating. Our collaborative, energetic environment will lay the foundation for kids to let loose and let the words flow.

We have programs in Morristown, Summit, and South Orange, NJ , plus virtual options for kids writing across town or around the country!

From The Writers Circle Blog

Writing When Life Gets In the Way

by Co-Director Michelle Cameron “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” – John Lennon Once upon a time, back when I worked for a digital agency, we were asked to explore a list of life events for a corporate client. No…

The Summer of Eras!

by Rebecca Kilroy, former Summer Intensive Program Coordinator, moving on to brand new things It’s the summer of Eras! I’ve lost count of the number of Eras tour t-shirts our students wore to the Intensive. Not a single Wednesday special event passed without at least…

On Journaling

by Christina Kapp, TWC Instructor & Outreach Coordinator I wish I could say that my journal was any less cluttered than my desk, my closet, my attic, but it’s not. I aspire to order in so many things and fail miserably. There are plenty of…

TWC New Jersey Locations & online classes, too!

Find out more:.

The Writers Circle reserves the right to shift any in-person or hybrid program to virtual instruction based on the health and safety recommendations of the CDC, WHO, the State of New Jersey, or other authorities or involved parties.

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Creative Writing Courses Online & in London

Learn from published authors in a relaxed and safe environment!

Fancy trying your hand at creative writing? Or are you looking to take your passion for writing to the next level? Find your inspiration to write at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied.

Learn the art of creative writing from published writers in a range of courses designed to support and encourage your creativity. You'll explore your own potential, discover a range of literary forms and techniques, and develop your writing skills. Our courses will help you grow your confidence and passion for writing, while motivating you to achieve your personal goals.

Workshops available both online and in-person

To help you fit your studies around your busy life, you have the freedom to either learn online in the comfort of your own home, or in a classroom setting from our Central London location. Whatever your preference, you'll be able to meet fellow learners, interact, share, and learn in a way that motivates and inspires you. For more information about our live online courses, please see our  guide to online learning .

Choosing a level that's right for you – beginner to advanced level

Whether you're completely new to creative writing, have some previous experience, or you're writing at the professional level, we have courses that can support your needs. Our goal is to provide a supportive space in which you feel empowered to experiment, express your ideas, and challenge yourself to write creatively to a level that feels right for you.

Find your voice and nurture your creativity

On our courses, you'll receive guidance on how to give and receive constructive feedback on written work, and learn how to use that feedback to improve your writing. You'll share ideas and sharpen your critical thinking skills through close analysis of peer and published work, as well as growing your vocabulary, your communication skills, and your knowledge of the mechanics of writing.

For the latest news, courses, events and competitions, stay in touch with the Department on  Facebook  and  Twitter .

• Online courses
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• Introductory and general creative writing courses 22 courses
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Maths Online Self Study Course (Multiply Norfolk)

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Functional skills english, multiply - number confidence: online learning (west sussex), confidence with numbers (self study) - brighton & hove multiply, support work in schools, community interpreting, family esol (everton).

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