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.
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- Film studies taster
Course start date: Mon 13 Jan 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jon WisbeyLearn how to evaluate and discuss films while enjoying a working example of a City Lit Film Studies class. In this class we will view and explore clips from a number of films, including popular remakes, enabling us to consider and compare themes and techniques from differing filmmaking countries. There will be a chance to review – in brief – upcoming film courses at City Lit (January - September 2025).
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00 - Craft focus: mastering descriptive language Course start date: Sat 25 Jan 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieDescriptive language can provide texture and clarity to a story, promoting reader engagement and a sensory experience. In this short course, learn how to create vivid descriptions that will elevate your prose. This course will support writers of fiction and non-fiction.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Writing flash fiction: getting started Course start date: Sat 1 Feb 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Suzannah V. EvansFlash fiction is the art of telling small stories that make a big impact. Learn how to harness the power of economy in this practical short course. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Autobiography into fiction: getting started Course start date: Sat 15 Feb 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
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.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing about food: getting started Course start date: Sun 16 Feb 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Laura SilvermanLove food and want to write about it? Whether you’re keen to review dishes, interview chefs or write about sustainable eating, now is your chance.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Submitting your short stories to magazines Course start date: Sat 8 Mar 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vicky GrutThis is a fast-track course to help you hone and prepare your short stories for submission to magazines and publishers.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Craft focus: narrative time in fiction Course start date: Sat 22 Mar 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vicky GrutAll fiction is bound by time: a story must begin and end. In this practical short course learn how time functions in fiction and, through practical writing exercises, how you can manipulate it to great effect. Suitable for those with some creative writing experience.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Ways into playwriting: getting started Course start date: Sun 30 Mar 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Henry MartinExplore the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage in this introductory online course. Get to grips with dialogue, character, story and structure, and start work on your own play.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Create your first poetry collection Course start date: Sat 7 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Megan BeechYou've written and workshopped your poetry, and now you're ready to create your first collection. But where do you begin with that process? This workshop offers instruction and advice on putting together your first poetry collection.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - How to write a thriller Course start date: Sat 28 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieLearn the art of writing a thriller novel, from concept and character to the twists and turns of story pacing.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - How to pitch your screenplay Course start date: Sat 5 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Alan NixonYou've worked hard on a screenplay but how do you sell it? This short intensive course identifies tools you can select to create a compelling Pitch Treatment.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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