Explore Culture, History & Humanities Courses
Explore our extraordinary range of History, Culture and Writing courses and lectures. We offer both introductory and specialist in-depth courses to suit all levels of interest and experience, from ‘How to read a film’ and World literature, to Creative non-fiction writing courses and American history and Politics courses.
Our tutors are experts in their fields and experienced educators; many have published, teach in universities or share their expertise in the media. Tutors share their knowledge and passion through presentations, readings, interactive discussion and exercises, analysis, and other activities.
Many students return to take more courses, telling us they enjoy being part of our City Lit Learning community.
Our popular courses often sell out quickly, so we invite you to browse and book your place now.
- Ways into poetry: intensive
Course start date: Tue 20 May 2025 (and 5 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Alice FrecknallAre you just starting to write poetry? This shorter version of our introductory Ways into poetry course offers an opportunity to experiment with language and a variety of poetic devices. Discover the key elements of a poem in a friendly and interactive class.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Ways into creative writing: intensive Course start date: Mon 23 Feb 2026 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lucy PopescuNot sure whether creative writing is for you? Give it a try on one of these fun and supportive short courses covering the basics of fiction and poetry. Increase your confidence and produce work through guided exercises and discussion.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Autobiography into fiction: getting started Course start date: Sat 31 May 2025 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nick BarlayLearn how to turn real-life experiences into gripping fiction in this fun short course for fiction writing beginners and experienced writers. Develop your writing skills and explore techniques for transforming personal stories into strong narratives.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Creative writing: getting started Course start date: Sat 21 Feb 2026 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Deborah MartinGive creative writing a try on this fun and supportive online short course. Ideal if you want to express yourself but need help in getting started. Guided exercises will encourage you to experiment and unlock your imagination.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Ways into creative writing: a gentle paceCourse start date: Wed 11 Feb 2026 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Henry MartinAre you brand new to creative writing? Do you want to build your confidence in a supportive environment alongside other beginners? This gentle short-course guides students taking their first steps on the path to becoming a creative writer.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Writing poetry: getting started Course start date: Sat 7 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Billie ManningThis short, fun taster course is the perfect starting point for students who are writing for the first time or new to the poetry path. Join us for thought-provoking writing exercises and poetry theory for beginners.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Life writing: getting started Course start date: Mon 16 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Alice RobbThis inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and approaches for writing about your own life.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing science fiction Course start date: Tue 17 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: KR MoorheadLearn how to build futuristic worlds and set them to explore thought-provoking concepts in this course on writing science fiction.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - World-building for fantasy and speculative fiction writers Course start date: Sat 12 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: KR MoorheadLearn how to build worlds that lend your fantasy or speculative fiction credibility, richness and the kind of depth that leaves readers wanting more.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing about food: getting started Course start date: Sat 2 Aug 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Laura SilvermanWhether you’re keen to review dishes, interview chefs or write about sustainable eating, now is your chance. This introductory course will cover the basics of writing about food.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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