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.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term.
What will we cover?
- Practical writing excercises will teach you to write in a variety of styles and forms. - Group discussions will illuminate particular issues related to craft, including rhythm, tone and structure. - Analysis of published poets will teach you how and why their work succeeds. - Constructive feedback will encourage you to continue to write and improve your work.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Create strong images when writing a poem - Apply lineation and rhyme in your poetry - Identify metaphor and simile, and use these devices in your own work - Use ekphrasis as a way into writing a poem - Write using at least two specific forms, such as the sonnet and haiku - Edit your poems - Read and write with an increased understanding of the key elements of a poem.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course. A good level of spoken and written English is needed. Beginners are very welcome in this class. Complete beginners who are unsure about studying alongside poets with a little experience in the craft might want to try one of our gentle pace courses first.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week.
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.
For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit has a range of poetry and creative writing courses on offer. After completing a term of 'Ways into poetry', you may wish to complete another term of the course with a different tutor to further develop your craft. Alternatively, you may wish to move on to our intermediate and advanced classes, including 'Developing your poetry' and our 'Advanced poetry workshop'.
All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Bluesky.
Andrew Weale is a poet and author of five picture books, including Nora: The Girl Who Ate and Ate and Ate, and the Red House Award winning Spooky Spooky House. He also lectures on picture book writing at Winchester University as part of the Children’s Writing MA, and mentors writers for the highly successful Golden Egg Academy.
Claire CollisonSee moreSee less
Writer and visual artist Claire Collison was awarded the Women Poets’ Prize, 2018. Her first novel was a finalist in the Dundee Book Prize, 2005. Her poetry appears in magazines and anthologies, and has been placed in Winchester, Resurgence, and Hippocrates prizes. She has worked as subeditor for MAKE, the magazine of Women’s Art, and Arts Editor for Disability Arts Magazine. Claire was the first MaxLiteracy writer at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, and designs engagement resources, including for the Government Art Collection, National Maritime Museum, and Photographers’ Gallery. She has led creative projects within hospitals and schools, and with refugees and asylum seekers, vulnerable adults, elders, and young children. Her recent cross-disciplinary project, Truth Is Beauty was performed in venues across the UK. She is a founder member of Poets for the Planet.
Toby CampionSee moreSee less
Toby Campion is an award winning poet and playwright. Winner of the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2024 and shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best Single Poem 2024, Toby is a former UK National Poetry Slam winner and World Poetry Slam finalist. His debut short collection, Through your blood, was Highly Commended in the Forward Prizes 2018 and his poems have been published widely, most recently in The Rialto, bath magg, And Other Poems, Aesthetica and The London Magazine. Toby is the founder of the National Poetry Collectives Showcase and the Director of UniSlam. He teaches the London-based queer creative writing group, verse, and has taught for organisations including Roundhouse, Financial Times, National Trust and The Poetry Society.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ways-into-poetry135944Ways into poetryhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-poetry-hw191-1024.jpg249249GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Poetry/Poetry/Courses/Top rated courses/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Writing/'Ways into' courses/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Poetry/Courses/Last available places22851590166220181354513581136021742122851358113602165311771205Relatively 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. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.</div>334.81188355Ways into poetry249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-poetry-hw191-1024_22.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-01-15T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2026WritingHW040249249Ways into poetry249125249Claire Collisonways-into-poetry/hw040-2526Relatively 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.0000-Available|2026-01-15 00:00:00Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term.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.- Practical writing excercises will teach you to write in a variety of styles and forms.<br/>- Group discussions will illuminate particular issues related to craft, including rhythm, tone and structure.<br/>- Analysis of published poets will teach you how and why their work succeeds.<br/>- Constructive feedback will encourage you to continue to write and improve your work.- Create strong images when writing a poem<br/>- Apply lineation and rhyme in your poetry<br/>- Identify metaphor and simile, and use these devices in your own work<br/>- Use ekphrasis as a way into writing a poem<br/>- Write using at least two specific forms, such as the sonnet and haiku<br/>- Edit your poems<br/>- Read and write with an increased understanding of the key elements of a poem.This is an introductory course. A good level of spoken and written English is needed. Beginners are very welcome in this class. Complete beginners who are unsure about studying alongside poets with a little experience in the craft might want to try one of our gentle pace courses first.Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week. <br />
<br />
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit. <br />
<br />
For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.<br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.<p>City Lit has a range of poetry and creative writing courses on offer. After completing a term of 'Ways into poetry', you may wish to complete another term of the course with a different tutor to further develop your craft. Alternatively, you may wish to move on to our intermediate and advanced classes, including 'Developing your poetry' and our 'Advanced poetry workshop'.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social">Bluesky</a>.</p>PoetryPoetryvirtual1188415Ways into poetry249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-poetry-hw191-1024_21.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2026WritingHW091249249Ways into poetry249125249Andrew Wealeways-into-poetry/hw091-2526Relatively 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.0000-Available|2026-01-14 00:00:00Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term.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.- Practical writing excercises will teach you to write in a variety of styles and forms.<br/>- Group discussions will illuminate particular issues related to craft, including rhythm, tone and structure.<br/>- Analysis of published poets will teach you how and why their work succeeds.<br/>- Constructive feedback will encourage you to continue to write and improve your work.- Create strong images when writing a poem<br/>- Apply lineation and rhyme in your poetry<br/>- Identify metaphor and simile, and use these devices in your own work<br/>- Use ekphrasis as a way into writing a poem<br/>- Write using at least two specific forms, such as the sonnet and haiku<br/>- Edit your poems<br/>- Read and write with an increased understanding of the key elements of a poem.This is an introductory course. A good level of spoken and written English is needed. Beginners are very welcome in this class. Complete beginners who are unsure about studying alongside poets with a little experience in the craft might want to try one of our gentle pace courses first.Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week. <br />
<br />
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit. <br />
<br />
For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.<br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.<p>City Lit has a range of poetry and creative writing courses on offer. After completing a term of 'Ways into poetry', you may wish to complete another term of the course with a different tutor to further develop your craft. Alternatively, you may wish to move on to our intermediate and advanced classes, including 'Developing your poetry' and our 'Advanced poetry workshop'.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social">Bluesky</a>.</p>PoetryPoetryvirtual1188487Ways into poetry249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-poetry-hw191-1024_20.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-01-15T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2026WritingHW190249249Ways into poetry249125249Claire Collisonways-into-poetry/hw190-2526Relatively 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.0000-Available|2026-01-15 00:00:00Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term.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.- Practical writing excercises will teach you to write in a variety of styles and forms.<br/>- Group discussions will illuminate particular issues related to craft, including rhythm, tone and structure.<br/>- Analysis of published poets will teach you how and why their work succeeds.<br/>- Constructive feedback will encourage you to continue to write and improve your work.- Create strong images when writing a poem<br/>- Apply lineation and rhyme in your poetry<br/>- Identify metaphor and simile, and use these devices in your own work<br/>- Use ekphrasis as a way into writing a poem<br/>- Write using at least two specific forms, such as the sonnet and haiku<br/>- Edit your poems<br/>- Read and write with an increased understanding of the key elements of a poem.This is an introductory course. A good level of spoken and written English is needed. Beginners are very welcome in this class. Complete beginners who are unsure about studying alongside poets with a little experience in the craft might want to try one of our gentle pace courses first.Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week. <br />
<br />
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit. <br />
<br />
For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.<br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.<p>City Lit has a range of poetry and creative writing courses on offer. After completing a term of 'Ways into poetry', you may wish to complete another term of the course with a different tutor to further develop your craft. Alternatively, you may wish to move on to our intermediate and advanced classes, including 'Developing your poetry' and our 'Advanced poetry workshop'.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social">Bluesky</a>.</p>PoetryPoetryvirtual2539693Ways into poetry249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-poetry-hw191-1024_88_1.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2026WritingHW191249249Ways into poetry249125249Toby Campionways-into-poetry/hw191-2526Relatively 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.0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term.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.- Practical writing excercises will teach you to write in a variety of styles and forms.<br/>- Group discussions will illuminate particular issues related to craft, including rhythm, tone and structure.<br/>- Analysis of published poets will teach you how and why their work succeeds.<br/>- Constructive feedback will encourage you to continue to write and improve your work.- Create strong images when writing a poem<br/>- Apply lineation and rhyme in your poetry<br/>- Identify metaphor and simile, and use these devices in your own work<br/>- Use ekphrasis as a way into writing a poem<br/>- Write using at least two specific forms, such as the sonnet and haiku<br/>- Edit your poems<br/>- Read and write with an increased understanding of the key elements of a poem.This is an introductory course. A good level of spoken and written English is needed. Beginners are very welcome in this class. Complete beginners who are unsure about studying alongside poets with a little experience in the craft might want to try one of our gentle pace courses first.Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.<p>City Lit has a range of poetry and creative writing courses on offer. After completing a term of 'Ways into poetry', you may wish to complete another term of the course with a different tutor to further develop your craft. Alternatively, you may wish to move on to our intermediate and advanced classes, including 'Developing your poetry' and our 'Advanced poetry workshop'.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social">Bluesky</a>.</p>PoetryPoetryvirtual2539738Ways into poetry249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-poetry-hw191-1024_88_2.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2026WritingHW103249249Ways into poetry249125249Andrew Wealeways-into-poetry/hw103-2526Relatively 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.0000-Available|2026-04-22 00:00:00Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term.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.- Practical writing excercises will teach you to write in a variety of styles and forms.<br/>- Group discussions will illuminate particular issues related to craft, including rhythm, tone and structure.<br/>- Analysis of published poets will teach you how and why their work succeeds.<br/>- Constructive feedback will encourage you to continue to write and improve your work.- Create strong images when writing a poem<br/>- Apply lineation and rhyme in your poetry<br/>- Identify metaphor and simile, and use these devices in your own work<br/>- Use ekphrasis as a way into writing a poem<br/>- Write using at least two specific forms, such as the sonnet and haiku<br/>- Edit your poems<br/>- Read and write with an increased understanding of the key elements of a poem.This is an introductory course. A good level of spoken and written English is needed. Beginners are very welcome in this class. Complete beginners who are unsure about studying alongside poets with a little experience in the craft might want to try one of our gentle pace courses first.Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.<p>City Lit has a range of poetry and creative writing courses on offer. After completing a term of 'Ways into poetry', you may wish to complete another term of the course with a different tutor to further develop your craft. Alternatively, you may wish to move on to our intermediate and advanced classes, including 'Developing your poetry' and our 'Advanced poetry workshop'.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social">Bluesky</a>.</p>PoetryPoetryvirtual249249125HW040,HW091,HW190,HW191,HW103NONEThu,Wed,Mon14/01/26 - 25/03/2618:00 - 20:0018:0020:0011 sessions (over 11 weeks)1111 weeks or longerWeekdayOnlineKeeley Street,OnlineClaire Collison,Andrew Weale,Toby CampionBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-01-15T00:00:00+00:00,2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Daytime,EveningJan 2026,Apr 2026Writing249249Ways into poetryways-into-poetry/hw040-2526,ways-into-poetry/hw091-2526,ways-into-poetry/hw190-2526,ways-into-poetry/hw191-2526,ways-into-poetry/hw103-2526Relatively 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.0000-Available|2026-01-14 00:00:00Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term.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.- Practical writing excercises will teach you to write in a variety of styles and forms.<br/>- Group discussions will illuminate particular issues related to craft, including rhythm, tone and structure.<br/>- Analysis of published poets will teach you how and why their work succeeds.<br/>- Constructive feedback will encourage you to continue to write and improve your work.- Create strong images when writing a poem<br/>- Apply lineation and rhyme in your poetry<br/>- Identify metaphor and simile, and use these devices in your own work<br/>- Use ekphrasis as a way into writing a poem<br/>- Write using at least two specific forms, such as the sonnet and haiku<br/>- Edit your poems<br/>- Read and write with an increased understanding of the key elements of a poem.This is an introductory course. A good level of spoken and written English is needed. Beginners are very welcome in this class. Complete beginners who are unsure about studying alongside poets with a little experience in the craft might want to try one of our gentle pace courses first.Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week. <br />
<br />
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit. <br />
<br />
For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.<br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.,Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.<p>City Lit has a range of poetry and creative writing courses on offer. After completing a term of 'Ways into poetry', you may wish to complete another term of the course with a different tutor to further develop your craft. Alternatively, you may wish to move on to our intermediate and advanced classes, including 'Developing your poetry' and our 'Advanced poetry workshop'.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social">Bluesky</a>.</p>PoetryPoetryconfigurable
