Explore History, Culture & Writing
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.
Courses available both in-person and online
We offer a range of courses allowing you to choose between online and in-person learning. All our courses are live, interactive, and taught by expert tutors. No matter how you prefer to learn, you’ll receive the same great City Lit experience. See our guide to online learning for more information about accessing our live online 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.
- Creative non-fiction: an introduction
Course start date: Thu 9 Jun 2022 (and 5 other dates)Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Claire CollisonThis short introductory course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing. On this course you will start to produce your own works of creative non-fiction.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £52.00 - Ways into creative writing: an introductionCourse start date: Wed 25 May 2022 (and 14 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Tasha KavanaghNot 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.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £36.00 - Micropoetry: small poems, big ideasCourse start date: Fri 22 Jul 2022 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Jennifer WongExplore the emerging art form of micropoetry in this fun but informative day workshop. Compose your own poetry and learn how to make every word on the page count.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Social media for writersCourse start date: Sat 30 Jul 2022 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lisa GollLearn to wield a powerful tool in the contemporary writer’s arsenal: social media.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Art history tasterCourse start date: Mon 12 Sep 2022 (and 15 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayCurious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.
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 £8.00 Concession £7.00 - Writing fictionCourse start date: Mon 25 Apr 2022 (and 12 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Jonathan BarnesLovers of fiction can develop their creative writing skills on this practical intermediate course. You'll explore the fundamentals of fiction writing craft such as character and structure, and unlock your imagination to produce compelling prose. 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.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Autobiographical writingCourse start date: Mon 19 Sep 2022 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nick BarlayWhether writing for self-discovery, testimony or to tell your story, this term-long course explores how to ensure your autobiographical work is both evocative and powerful.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Advanced fiction writing workshopCourse start date: Mon 19 Sep 2022 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
For experienced writers, this supportive but rigorous workshop offers the perfect opportunity to develop your novel or short story. Receive in-depth feedback and benefit from detailed group discussions on the art of fiction.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £110.00 - Ways into poetryCourse start date: Wed 27 Apr 2022 (and 10 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Lawrence BradbyRelatively new to writing poetry? This inspiring course offers an opportunity to experiment with language and a variety of poetic devices alongside fellow emerging poets. Discover the key elements of a poem in a friendly and interactive class.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Developing your novelCourse start date: Mon 25 Apr 2022 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Ways into creative writingCourse start date: Mon 25 Apr 2022 (and 19 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street (other locations are available)
Want to have a go at creative writing in a supportive environment? Join one of these introductory courses. Guided exercises will give you the tools to explore language creatively and find your own writing voice.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Creative non-fictionCourse start date: Mon 25 Apr 2022 (and 13 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Paul LaffanExplore practical and imaginative approaches to creative non fiction, including travel writing, life writing and the essay. Analyse published work, produce your own pieces, and benefit from detailed feedback.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Writing for childrenCourse start date: Tue 26 Apr 2022 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Neil ArkseyAlways wanted to write a children's book? This practical course will develop your ability to write for different age groups and genres of contemporary children's fiction.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £389.00 Senior fee £389.00 Concession £195.00 - Starting your novelCourse start date: Mon 25 Apr 2022 (and 6 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Tutors: Vicky GrutGot a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Current affairsCourse start date: Wed 21 Sep 2022
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Michael BloomfieldDo you want to find out more about the issues in the news? Enrol early for lively, informed discussion on current events in Britain and the world. Tutor: Michael Bloomfield.Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £151.00 Concession £95.00
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