Poetry

Poetry Writing Courses Online & in London

Be inspired to write poetry at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied. Experiment with poetic form and technique, develop your craft, and fine-tune your poems in our range of courses and workshops.

We have poetry lessons and courses for everyone, from complete beginners right up to experienced poets looking for detailed feedback on their work.

Learn from published authors

Our tutors are published authors, practising writers and experts in their field. So you'll benefit from the expert tuition from a published author as well as getting feedback on your work as you develop your writing skills. There will also be opportunities to participate in group discussions and activities with fellow students. Learn about their recent accomplishments.

Unheard Voices Scholarship

City Lit’s Malorie Blackman Scholarships for 'Unheard Voices', providing three annual awards worth up to £1000 each, to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing department at City Lit. Learn more >

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

Courses available both in-person and online

We offer a range of long and short courses allowing you to choose between in-person and online learning.

Learn in the centre of London with our in-person courses. Our purpose-built facilities in Covent Garden mean we are ideally located and easy to get to. 

See our guide to online learning for more information about accessing our live online courses.

All our courses are live, interactive, and taught by expert tutors. No matter how you prefer to learn, we've got the class for you.

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  1. Poetry workshop: intensive
    Course start date:  Tue 16 Apr 2024 (and 2 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Julie Irigaray
    Want to have your poems critiqued in a supportive environment? This intensive poetry workshop focuses on offering feedback to poets who have already written a selection of poems and are looking to push their writing further.



    This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
    Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £70.00
  2. Developing your poetry
    Evening
    Course start date:  Tue 16 Apr 2024 (and 5 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Cecilia Knapp
    For those familiar with the basics of poetic form, this intermediate course explores craft and content through reading exercises, writing exercises and constructive feedback. Ideal if you have already attended 'Ways into poetry'.



    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
    Rating:
    96% of 100
  3. Ways into poetry
    Evening
    Course start date:  Mon 15 Apr 2024 (and 6 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Andrew Weale
    Relatively 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
    Rating:
    94% of 100
  4. Create your first poetry collection
    Evening
    Course start date:  Tue 19 Nov 2024 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Julie Irigaray
    You'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.
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
    Rating:
    100% of 100
  5. Writing poetry: getting started
    Evening
    Course start date:  Thu 23 May 2024 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Billie Manning
    This short, fun workshop 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.



    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 £35.00
  6. Ways into poetry: a gentle pace
    Evening
    Course start date:  Thu 30 May 2024 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Andrew Weale
    Are you brand new to writing poetry? Do you want to build your confidence in a supportive environment alongside other beginners in the craft? This gentle short course guides students taking their first steps on the path to becoming a poet.



    This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
    Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £70.00
    Rating:
    100% of 100
  7. Writing villanelles
    Evening
    Course start date:  Wed 12 Jun 2024

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Ellen Cranitch
    Do not go gentle into that good night; write villanelles that rage, rage against the dying light. Learn about the form popularised by Dylan Thomas, in order to manipulate it in new, subversive ways.



    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 £45.00
  8. Poetry: a taster
    Evening
    Course start date:  Tue 3 Dec 2024 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Julie Irigaray
    This short, fun workshop 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.



    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
    Rating:
    90% of 100
  9. Masterclass: poetry (a year-long workshop)
    Evening
    Course start date:  Wed 4 Oct 2023 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    This year-long poetry masterclass is open by selective application to a maximum of ten students. You will receive inspiring tutor instruction and rigorous constructive feedback on your poems as you prepare them for publication and performance.
    Full fee £879.00 Senior fee £879.00 Concession £879.00
  10. Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00
    Rating:
    100% of 100
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