Creative Writing
Explore methodologies across all writing categories as you refine both your personal style and voice utilizing the most effective tools and techniques. Schedule flexibility combined with a variety of elective options allows you to tailor the curriculum based on personal interests and skill sets. Build your platform and grow your brand as you work to successfully achieve your writing goals.
Creative Writing Certificate
Essentials of creative writing, introduction to screenwriting, narrative writing workshop, poetry workshop, funny business: finding humor, even funnier business: finding humor 2, the business of creative writing, writing inspired by surrealist art, film, and poetry, writing your truth: memoir, advanced revision workshop, certificates.
Our customizable Creative Writing Certificate program provides individualized guidance from experienced instructors who have published works in multiple genres.
Through weekly lectures, readings, and opportunities to share your work in a supportive environment, you will begin to hone your craft, learning tips for how to create compelling characters, snappy dialogue, and satisfying story structures.
Do you think you have a great idea? Join our class as we combine professional screenwriting formatting lessons and story structure in order to create entertaining and engaging screenplays.
This writing-intensive course takes a hands-on approach to the craft of storytelling, exploring the tools, materials, and mechanics used to construct powerful narratives, whether fictional or factual.
In this class, we will cover the “how-to” of haiku, in addition to reviewing the basic elements underlying poetry of any length or style—meter, metaphor, and musicality.
You have a funny bone, but you seem to have misplaced it in your writing. How can you create a balance with all those pesky narrative components while adding humor? This course will set you on the path to highlight moments with humor.
Get ready to have even more fun than before (if that’s possible). Even Funnier Business will give you access to more techniques and styles to further develop what you consider to be humorous and myriad ways to access it.
Learn how to identify your brand and build your platform, as well as to evaluate the commercial potential of your work and understand the paths toward monetizing your writing.
Tap into the endless flexibility of your imagination by utilizing Surrealist techniques to generate and express your wildly creative ideas.
This course will set you on the path to discovering your truth, highlighting your supporting cast of characters, and determining the urgency behind your own story.
During this workshop, our instructor—an experienced editor and writer—will provide valuable constructive feedback for participants and their respective works. Participants must submit a sample of work.
SUPPORT & INFO
Creative writing courses
Short and part-time courses with Oxford University
Need an extra push to finish your novel, poem or play? Want to explore new genres? Whether you're a beginner wondering where to start, or an experienced writer looking to extend your craft, we have a course for you.
Short courses
Our short courses in creative writing include in person and online live-time weekly classes, day and weekend schools and flexible online courses.
Courses cover all genres: fiction, poetry, memoir, creative nonfiction, drama, writing for young adults and critical reading. There are courses for beginners and options for those with experience. Class sizes are kept small to maximise interaction between you, your classmates and your tutor.
Credit earned from some of our short courses is transferable towards our Certificate of Higher Education – a part-time undergraduate course in which you study a main subject discipline, but also undertake study in other academic subjects.
- View all short courses in creative writing
- Ways to study: how our short courses work
Summer schools
Join us for one of our Oxford creative writing summer courses , and spend a week or longer immersed in your craft. Accredited and non-accredited options are available; courses take place at Rewley House and at Oxford's historic colleges.
- Creative writing summer courses
Part-time Oxford University qualifications
From undergraduate level to advanced postgraduate study.
- The Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing is a two-year part-time course that helps you to strengthen your ability in four major areas of literary activity — prose, poetry, drama and analytical reading — while letting you specialise in the genre of your choice. Choose from two study options: regular in-person meetings in Oxford or mostly online, with a summer school in Oxford.
- The Certificate of Higher Education is a flexible, part-time programme which lets you study a main subject discipline (such as creative writing) while also undertaking study in other academic subjects. Ideal for lifelong learners, you can study what you want, when you want, how you want. The credits you obtain from taking short online courses, weekly classes and attendance at the Oxford University Summer School for Adults all count towards your final award.
- Delve deeper into creative writing with our MSt in Creative Writing – a two-year, part-time master's programme offering a unique combination of high contact hours, genre specialization, and critical and creative breadth, delivered in a clustered learning format of five residences, two guided retreats and one placement over two years.
Student spotlights
Charles bush.
Charles Bush published his debut young-adult novel thanks to the skills and experience gained from completing the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.
Tahmina Maula
Tahmina worked as a senior manager in education before taking a career break to undertake the Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing.
Daisy Johnson
While studying the MSt in Creative Writing Daisy worked on a collection of short stories which would later become her debut book.
Upcoming courses
Trollope, eliot, dickens and hardy: reading victorian fiction (online).
- Wed 17 Apr 2024 – 28 Jun 2024
Writing Lives (Online)
Reading and writing poetry.
- Mon 22 Apr 2024 – Mon 08 Jul 2024
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
Logos: A Theory of Everything
- Tue 23 Apr 2024 – 28 May 2024
- 2:00 – 3:15pm
The Sleep of Reason: Popular Science Fiction Cinema since 'Blade Runner' (1982)
- Tue 23 Apr 2024 – Tue 25 Jun 2024
Part-time award programmes
Part-time creative writing award-bearing courses for those looking to gain an Oxford qualification.
Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing
Mst in creative writing, undergraduate certificate of higher education.
Creative Writing for Beginners (Evenings)
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Start Date(s): 10 April 2024
- Duration: Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm, ten weeks
- Study Mode(s): Short course
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Find us on:
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Introduction:
Where the flickering flames of imagination dance with the shadows of the unknown, there lies a story waiting to be told.
It's a tale that begins with you, the daring adventurer of words, stepping into the enchanting world of creative writing for beginners.
With every pen stroke, you'll summon vibrant characters from the depths of your mind, breathe life into evocative landscapes, and weave narratives that will awaken the curiosity of readers.
This course invites you to unlock the secrets of storytelling in various genres, from the verses of poetry to the drama of playwriting.
Your journey is one of exploration, guidance, and camaraderie, as you discover the writer within and set sail on a literary odyssey.
Here's what previous attendees said:
‘I chose this course because I wanted to develop my skills and enjoyed the whole experience, loved every minute. The balance of completing creative writing exercises and having a dialogue and discussion was perfect, and I was always inspired every week. I met a group of lovely like-minded writers and plan on staying in contact to follow each other's writing journeys' EG
‘Tina was a fantastic tutor and I enjoyed trying lots of different writing styles' HB
‘I wanted to get back on track with my novel, and have lots of information about the creative writing business. I have learnt different writing techniques and styles, and got useful feedback on my work'
‘Really enjoyed the workshop aspect of the sessions and reading pieces out loud to the group. I wanted to see if I could stretch myself and I think that if you can write, then you can learn to write different genres. I most enjoyed novel writing and poetry, but I enjoyed it all' KE
‘Tina was a lovely and knowledgeable tutor and the course was above and beyond my expectations. I learnt more about creative writing and built up my skills to write for both fun and potentially professionally. It's been a huge confidence boost. I enjoyed the whole thing - it was really varied and the group were lovely' LJ
What you’ll study
This comprehensive course will ignite your creativity and help you embark on a journey into the world of writing.
If you've never attended a creative writing course before, if you’ve had an idea but don’t know how to approach it, or if you’re simply looking to challenge yourself, this course is the perfect starting point.
Throughout this course, you'll explore a diverse range of writing genres, including poetry, short stories, flash fiction, playwriting, and even the ambitious task of crafting a synopsis for a full-length novel.
You'll engage in classroom discussions and participate in a variety of practical writing exercises that will serve as stimuli to inspire your creativity and encourage exploration of your writing skills.
During this course, you will:
- create a sense of place for your writing and your characters
- develop the hook that will get readers to read on
- understand the different working styles for different writing projects
- use poetry as a way in to further creative writing
- learn about the importance of a well-constructed synopsis
- gain knowledge of different opportunities to enter creative writing competitions
- understand how to submit your work to agents and publishers
- learn how to redraft and refine your work.
Embark on this creative writing adventure and unlock your potential as a writer and storyteller.
Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and supported as you take your first steps into the world of creative writing!
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course.
- Getting started, finding inspiration and creating characters who breathe
- Short story writing, poetry, flash fiction and the mini saga
- Exploring the world of playwriting and writing for television.
- Playing with ideas
An introductory session enabling you to get to know each other and your individual writing needs and interests, as you start to share work within a workshop environment.
- Searching for the Original
Looking at the ideas and themes that inspire us, and how to begin to select those we wish to develop further, whilst also considering the required passion for the ‘subject’, necessary to carry us through and to bring the ‘story’ to life. Considering the importance of ‘originality’, in order to engage the reader/audience, and the different methods this can be achieved – storyline, structure, time set, and narration. What creates the ‘Wow’ factor, which makes us feel this is something ‘different’, and how ‘different’ can become ‘special’.
- Creating Characters who Breathe
Looking at the importance of creating strong realistic and believable characters who resonate with the contemporary world. Considering what makes a character truly ‘exist’, and the attraction for both publishers and producers to connect with characters who can ‘breathe’ both on and off the page.
Selecting appropriate lead characters and considering the importance of creating the right ‘sense of place’ to enable their development against both their environment, and their relationship with others. Looking at what makes us relate to/believe in a character, and areas of weakness in construction that fail to suspend our disbelief, or leave us needing/wanting more, in order to fully engage with them.
- The Importance of the First Page
Leading the reader in. Looking at favourite and inspirational works by published authors. Considering what makes us ‘want to read on’, and how the important ‘hook’ is created. You will be working on creating your own ‘first page’ as an introduction for either a short-story or a full-length novel.
- Keeping It Short
Working on the styles and techniques required for the art of Short Story Writing. The similarities and differences from writing a full-length novel, and the challenges that writing the successful short story can bring. Information will be given on a variety of short story competitions, for those who are interested in submitting work.
- Flash Fiction and The Mini-Saga
Maxi to Mini – taking ‘big ideas’ and the art of making them into small masterpieces. Using these shorter writing styles to help to focus and structure our ideas, and to highlight the key themes and intentions of our work, whilst considering how few words are really needed to tell a ‘good story’.
- Working with Lines
Looking at how poetry can work both within a poetry collection, and other forms of writing. Considering poetry as an ‘economical’ way of writing, and a ‘way into’ developing other writing forms. Also considering the poetic ‘rhythm within a piece of prose, and how prose can ‘become’ a piece of poetry.
- Starting A Play
How to begin working on a play, and the importance of character development. Looking at contemporary ideas/themes for the modern-day stage, the working relationship between writer and director, and what brings a play ‘to life.’ Considering the differences between writing a novel and a play, and how one may be adapted into another.
- Writing for TV
Looking at new original ideas for the TV market, and opportunities available and open for submission. The importance of ‘professionally’ formatting work, moving through the initial synopsis, treatment, scene by scene, to completing the full script.
Synopses and the art of redrafting – the end is just the beginning!
- Creating A Synopsis
Looking at the importance of being able to create a well-constructed and information synopsis for your work, and one which will inspire and encourage the reader to look at the ‘full story’. Using a synopsis to create an idea for a full-length novel. Looking at what inspired you/drove you, to create the piece, and how to convey that effectively in a short paragraph.
- The Art of Redrafting
The End is just the Beginning – The importance of redrafting, and refining, and condensing your work. Getting ‘it down’ is only half the journey and learning to redraft successfully is an art in itself. Learning how to cut work and redefine it effectively, as well as sometimes having to ‘let go’ of something we really wanted to keep, because it isn’t ‘needed’.
Further information on what you'll study
By the end of the course, you'll not only have a variety of writing projects in progress but also a network of fellow writers and potential collaborators.
You will have learnt how to analyse and critique what makes an engaging piece of writing for both reader and audience, how to apply this to the redrafting of your own work and have the confidence to formulate your own ideas and structure your writing.
Get published with our student anthology; every term we ask for submissions and print a short anthology of your original creative writing, which you can keep after the course.
You’ll be able to continue your creative writing journey and take your work to the next level, and if you’re feeling brave after completing this course, you’ll be able to enter creative writing competitions and even submit your work to agents, publishers, theatres and producers.
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How you’re taught
You will receive guidance and feedback in a supportive seminar environment, engaging in classroom discussions, critiques, and practical writing exercises.
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
98% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Further information
By the end of the course, you will have a variety of writing projects in development, and a network of fellow writers and potential collaborators with whom you can progress your work further.
Tutor profile:
Tina Jay is an award winning playwright, having won both the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing for her play ‘Walking’ and the International Student Playscript Competition (judged by Sir Ayckbourn) for ‘Rotten Apples’.
Her plays have been performed in London, at venues including Tristan Bates, The Park Theatre, Lost Theatre, Greenwich Theatre, Barons Court, Rich Mix, and The Royal Exchange in Manchester.
Her most recent play 'Syndrome' completed a two-week run at Tristan Bates Theatre in February 2020, with the production having been described as a ‘Masterpiece’ and ‘Pitch Perfect’, receiving 5-star reviews and 2 Offie Nominations.
Three of her short stories from her audiobook 'Love Light Betrayal' were also performed at Quad Cinema in Derby.
Tina has taught creative writing in a variety of disciplines, and has an MA in TV Scriptwriting (with Distinction).
She is currently working on a number of new TV, Film and Theatre projects.
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Careers and employability
The course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the creative writing industry; students who have taken this course have gone on to build a portfolio of published work through submitting to literary magazines or self-publishing, progressed onto degree courses and embarked on careers in writing, publishing and teaching.
This course is your toolkit to ensure that you are well-prepared to pursue a successful career in the competitive field of creative writing.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Are you interested in progressing your writing?
Find out more about our undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
BA Creative Writing
MA Creative Writing
Campus and facilities
You will be studying creative writing in a UNESCO City of Literature, and be based in the School of Arts and Humanities on the City Campus.
You will find modern teaching spaces and quiet study environments to develop your ideas and writing.
You’ll have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You’ll also be invited to join WRAP , our Writing, Reading and Pleasure programme of book groups, meet ups and talks from readers and authors.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
- International
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: No experience required.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £435..
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
You will also need to bring with you a notepad and pen, or a laptop if you prefer.
If you'd like to do some pre-course reading, you can look at:
- Write, by Phil Daoust (Guardian books)
- More Five Minute Writing, Margret Geraghty - How To Books (Constable and Robinson Ltd).
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here .
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
Evening course (10 April - 12 June 2024)
Browse all our creative writing short courses .
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