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.
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.
- Poetry masterclass at Keats House, HampsteadCourse start date: Sun 4 Jun 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keats House
Tutors: Helen CoxThis advanced day workshop explores approaches to poetry and workshopping techniques in the idyllic surroundings of Keats House, the former Hampstead residence of the Romantic poet, John Keats.Full fee £79.00 - Picture book writingCourse start date: Sun 29 Oct 2023 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeWould you like to write a picture book text for young children? This course is designed for children's writers and for illustrators wishing to write their own stories, develop their ideas and technique.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £139.00 - A taste of creative writingCourse start date: Sun 11 Jun 2023 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vicky GrutGive creative writing a try on this fun and supportive online short course. Ideal if you want to write but need help getting started. Guided exercises will encourage you to experiment and unlock your imagination.(Course includes a 2-hr break: 12:30-14:30).
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Writing a short filmCourse start date: Sun 18 Jun 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sharmila ChauhanWould you like to write a script for a short film? This short course offers an insight into the fundamentals of screenwriting through tutor input, writing exercises, group work and discussion.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - World-building for fantasy and speculative fiction writersCourse start date: Sun 4 Feb 2024 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Mary VictoriaLearn how to build worlds that lend your fantasy or speculative fiction credibility, richness and the kind of depth that leaves readers wanting more.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Craft focus: grammar, syntax and style for creative writers - a tasterCourse start date: Sun 2 Jul 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: William BradyGreat poetry and prose begin when the writer puts the right words in the right places. Learn how and why the rules and conventions of language matter in this new course, which combines creative writing with opportunities to learn/revise essential points of grammar and useful literary concepts. Suitable for beginning writers looking to build confidence, and those with more experience who would like to practise these essential skills.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Ways into screenwriting: a tasterCourse start date: Sun 9 Jul 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Alan NixonWant to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this online taster course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going. (Course has a 2-hr break from 12:30-14:30.).
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Writing about food: getting startedCourse start date: Sun 11 Feb 2024 (and 2 other dates)
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 £69.00 - Writing and rewriting fairytalesCourse start date: Sun 3 Mar 2024 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lucy PopescuOnce upon a time there was a City Lit workshop all about writing fairytales. The quest: to inspire writers to pen stories of love, fear, forests, revenge, dragons, witches, kings, queens, frogs and magic.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Craft focus: scenes in fictionCourse start date: Sun 16 Jul 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Thomas McMullanLights, camera, action! Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we watch the action unfold, as a story moves toward its conclusion. In this short course you'll learn about this essential unit of fiction craft, and develop scenes that grab readers' attention.Full fee £69.00 - Poetry and the moving imageCourse start date: Sun 21 Jul 2024 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Helen CoxBoth film and poetry explore imagery and have the capacity to capture and expand a single moment in time. On this fun short course you will learn how write poems inspired by the world of film and cinema.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Writing flash fiction: a tasterCourse start date: Sun 23 Jul 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Maria ThomasA sideways glance: succinct, powerful. This short workshop on the essential components of flash fiction will teach you to tell a complete story in very few words. Please note: this course will have a 2-hr break from 12:30-14:30.
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 - Writing the cityCourse start date: Sun 30 Jul 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Thomas McMullanThrough a combination of close observation and texts both old and new, you'll explore the depiction of inner city life in fiction, and write your own fiction inspired by the urban landscape in this short course.Full fee £69.00 - Creative nature writingCourse start date: Sun 6 Aug 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jennifer WongDo you enjoy being in nature and want to capture that on the page? Learn how to write about the natural world in this fun course, which encourages you to step outside into the urban 'wild' to seek inspiration for your poetry or prose.Full fee £69.00 - Creative writing: getting startedCourse start date: Sun 21 Jan 2024 (and 10 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieGive 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.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00
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