Explore Culture, History & Humanities Courses
Explore our extraordinary range of Humanities courses and lectures. We offer both introductory and specialist in-depth courses to suit all levels of interest and experience, from one-off courses in History, Politics, and Economics to in-depth courses in Art History, Film Studies, Literature, and Science and Nature.
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.
- Masterclass: fiction (a one-term intensive workshop)
Course start date: Tue 20 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Ayanna Lloyd BanwoThis intensive fiction workshop is open by selective application to a maximum of ten fiction writers working at the advanced and professional levels. You will receive rigorous constructive feedback on your novel or short story as you develop it with a view to publication, and participate in detailed tutor-led discussions on advanced elements of fictional craft.
Full fee £399.00 Senior fee £399.00 Concession £399.00 - Writing for magazines, newspapers and online media Course start date: Wed 21 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Laura SilvermanGet inspired to write on this practical course for freelance journalists and bloggers. Learn to carry out research, interview people, pitch and publish stories, and build your presence on social media.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Ways into creative writing Course start date: Wed 21 Jan 2026 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Paul LaffanWant 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 £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Writing an academic essay Course start date: Fri 23 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: William BradyA crash course in essay writing – beginnings, middles and ends. Suitable for students on A level and access courses or undergraduates.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £60.00 - Craft focus: mastering descriptive language Course start date: Sat 24 Jan 2026
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.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Picture book writing Course start date: Sun 25 Jan 2026 (and 5 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; a starter course to develop both your ideas and your technique.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Craft focus: introduction to novel plotting Course start date: Sun 25 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: KR MoorheadExplore different approaches to novel plotting and learn how to plot your own novel successfully in this short course suitable for those who have begun writing a novel.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £120.00 - Picture book writing: advanced Course start date: Mon 26 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeWould you like to workshop, edit and polish your picture book texts for young children? This course is designed for advanced picture book writers wishing to hone their skills and improve their own stories.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Ways into creative writing: intensive Course start date: Tue 27 Jan 2026 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: William BradyNot 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 - Writing flash fiction: getting started Course start date: Sat 31 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Terry FreedmanFlash 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.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing for children: getting started Course start date: Sat 31 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Josh LaceyDevelop your ideas for children's stories in this practical and interactive short course. Topics will include plot, characterisation and viewpoint, and how to approach the children's publishing industry today.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Journaling: a taster Course start date: Mon 2 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie GartonThis inspiring taster course led by an experienced journaler, encourages students to explore a range of techniques and prompts in order to find an approach to life writing that suits them.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing science fiction Course start date: Tue 3 Feb 2026 (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 £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Writing funny fiction Course start date: Thu 5 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rene PerezWhat does it really mean to write funny fiction and what are the techniques writers use? Learn how to harness the power of humour in your fiction in this fun, supportive workshop.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £45.00 - 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
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