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 >
- Contemporary British and international fictionCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Aamer HusseinWe will be looking at novels from recent years that explore various dimensions of culture and society, reading and discussing a brief and careful selection of novels in English from several countries, diverse in style and genre. Titles include Piranesi, Susanna Clarke's mysterious and 'weird' tale of secrets and lost texts, William Boyd's Trio, which follows the life of an actress, a film producer, and a writer obsessed with the suicide of Virginia Woolf, Small Things Like These by Clare Keegan, in which a coal merchant becomes involved with the fate of a pregnant teenager trapped in a Magdalene Laundry, and Michelle de Kretser's Theory and Practice follows the academic trajectory of a Sri Lankan feminist researching the novels of Woolf.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00 - English communication skills for life and work (ESOL entry 1)Course start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
For students who can speak or write only a few words in English or maybe none at all. On this beginners' course, you will learn new words and grammar, how to ask and answer questions, how to read and write about yourself, your family, and friends, and how to complete forms and short emails.
You need to do a pre-course assessment. Contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 8078 0489 for a face-to-face assessment or click the Start Assessment button on this page. Log on with your email address (not name).
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £289.00 Senior fee £231.00 Concession £145.00 - Debating: beginnersCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Gavin IllsleyDebating requires the ability to speak English persuasively in public and, crucially, to respond rapidly to other people’s objections to what you say. We will cover the theory and practice of debating, and you will progress quickly in areas of content, strategy and style. A great mental workout. This course will be taught in the college.Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £97.00 - Lipreading and managing hearing loss: beginners module 2Course start date: Mon 12 Jan 2026 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This class is suitable for if you have completed module 1 or have completed the one term introduction to lipreading class or have attended a lipreading class at any level in the past, but want to go back to basics. You will develop your lipreading and fingerspelling skills and build your confidence.
This course will be taught in spoken English and not in sign language.
See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £169.00 Senior fee £110.00 Concession £85.00 - Classical guitar 1ACourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Tony RowdenEnjoy learning to play guitar in the classical/Spanish style, and read notation, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. This study requires you to play a nylon strung guitar. - Mosaics introductory: direct methodCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vanessa BensonDevelop creative expression and confidence in this classic art form. Explore manufactured/recycled materials and surface qualities by applying them directly onto a base to create your own Mosaic Please bring ideas/sketchbooks. Basic materials are provided. All levels welcome. - Beyond the headlines: Left populism and socialism todayCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Salome IetterThis course will provide an overview of the politics of ‘Left populism’ in their historical perspective and contemporary manifestations as well as in their relation to socialist politics.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Russian beginners tasterCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Altannavch MurrayCome and discover Russian in this lively taster.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Silver Swans ballet barreCourse start date: Wed 28 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Kate ScottAdapted for older learners our Silver Swans® ballet barre classes have been specifically designed for the over-55s. Ballet barre practice improves posture, strength and flexibility, focusing on the placement of the body and co-ordination. This class is suitable for those looking for a new way to exercise in a fun, relaxed learning group.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £71.00 Concession £62.00 - City Lit sculptureCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Andrew RevellDo you ever dream of building your own individual sculpture practice? This inspiring, year-long course will challenge your thinking and help you identify themes and ideas that interest you; it will encourage you to experiment with all sorts of materials and processes, and build your confidence and capability to develop your own independent sculptural practice. - Contemporary printmaking studio: focus on creative layeringCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anne-Marie FosterThis course is a chance to develop personal artwork, using traditional printmaking methods with a contemporary approach. Experiment and embrace the possibilities within combined layers and surface textures. Processes covered include monotype, screen-printing and etching/intaglio. All levels of experience welcome.Full fee £689.00 Senior fee £551.00 Concession £448.00 - Lieder: music and poetryCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Katy HamiltonFrom the late-eighteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries, the German Lied developed and blossomed as a musical genre for amateurs, professionals, homes and concert halls. We trace its history through some of its most important composers.
This course has a scheduled break week on 29 Oct 2025. - Floor barre: general levelCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Dilek TaptikFloor-Barre is a wonderful conditioning programme for everyone, regardless of age and ability. Work through all the important muscle groups while safely supporting the body on the floor. All levels welcome. - Exploring British cinemaCourse start date: Wed 17 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jon WisbeyDefining itself around themes such as realism, class and national identity, and differentiating itself from Hollywood and other national cinemas, British cinema has found critical and popular acclaim both domestically and internationally. This course explores key themes and developments in British cinema, past and present, through a range of films, filmmakers and critical concepts and responses.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00
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