Writing Courses & Workshops Online & in London
Be inspired to write, and learn how to get published at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied. Read our success stories to see what's possible for you as a writer.
Learn from published authors
Whether you're just starting out or ready to publish your first book, the benefits of our writing courses include expert tuition from a published author and 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.
Unheard Voices Scholarship
City Lit’s Malorie Blackman Scholarships for 'Unheard Voices' provide three annual awards to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing department at City Lit. Learn more >
See what it's like be part a City Lit online creative writing course.
- Developing your novel
Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 6 other dates)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerHave 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.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Advanced fiction writing workshop Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Claire CollisonFor 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.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Advanced playwriting Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Brian MullinDive deeper into the key elements of writing for the theatre, gain fresh critical insight into your own writing, and produce a new draft of your work. This course is designed for experienced playwrights who have work in-progress.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Advanced playwriting workshop Course start date: Fri 16 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Brian MullinDive deeper into the key elements of writing for the theatre, gain fresh critical insight into your own writing, and produce a new draft of your work. This workshop is for experienced playwrights with ongoing projects.Full fee £359.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £180.00 - Masterclass: fiction (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Tue 20 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jonathan BarnesThis 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 - Masterclass: poetry (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Tue 20 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ellen CranitchThis intensive 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 £399.00 Senior fee £399.00 Concession £399.00 - Writing an academic essay Course start date: Fri 2 May 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
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 £109.00 Senior fee £109.00 Concession £55.00 - Advanced writing for children: editing your novel - part 1 Course start date: Thu 15 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Penny JoelsonLearn how to edit a children’s/YA novel as a whole and chapter by chapter, looking at the ‘bigger picture’ and using the skills you learn to edit your own novel during the course.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Craft focus: introduction to novel plotting Course start date: Sun 18 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Online
Explore 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. - 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
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