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.
- Contemporary collage: summer school intensive
Course start date: Mon 28 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Simon EnglishA short experimental course to explore and combine a variety of collage techniques using found images, drawing, painting and paper to create unexpectedly beautiful or powerful images. Suitable for beginners.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00 - Autobiographical writing: intensive Course start date: Mon 28 Jul 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Paul LaffanThis shorter version of our introductory autobiographical writing course covers the basic elements of the genre, drawing on memories, diaries, photos, dreams and fantasies with a focus on the forms of autobiography, memoir and the personal essay.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Japanese calligraphy Course start date: Tue 29 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaDiscover the Japanese writing system and practise writing a few characters using a brush pen.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Japanese calligraphy: Shodo / peace and harmonyCourse start date: Thu 31 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaCome and experience the calming effect of writing Japanese with a brush on a large scale. Shodo is an aesthetic and artistic calligraphy skill used to write the Japanese language. You need to have basic knowledge of the Japanese writing system.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Podcasting: introduction Course start date: Fri 13 Jun 2025 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vina TheodorakopoulouDo you want to create your own podcast? This is your chance to develop your ideas into a podcast which you will produce in this course.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £97.00 - How to write a short story Course start date: Mon 4 Aug 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vicky GrutThrough a series of inspiring and practical exercises, you'll be encouraged to tap into your imagination and draft a short story from beginning to end in four days. - Illustrated stitch: a masterclass with Rosie James Course start date: Mon 4 Aug 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rosie JamesDraw from your own photographs of people and buildings then learn how to stitch those drawings on to cloth using a sewing machine. Add fabric to create a completed contemporary textile artwork. - Social media apps, tips and tricks Course start date: Tue 5 Aug 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Amber Raney-KincadeEnhance your social media strategy by learning third party apps, tips and tricks for everyday use.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - How to write a memoir Course start date: Wed 6 Aug 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie GartonDo you have a personal story to tell that will move, delight, stir and inform readers? This short course guides students in planning and crafting a memoir. - Japanese: jump into year 2 Course start date: Tue 2 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenThis short course is a chance to review the topics covered in year one (beginners course module 1/2/3) and give you a head start as you enter your second year of studying Japanese. - Level 3 Certificate in counselling skillsCourse start date: Thu 11 Sep 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Edna OgundareThe Application Process for this course is now closed.
Do you want to develop counselling skills for paid or voluntary work? This course includes occasional weekend sessions which you will be required to join and one compulsory residential trip away.
In order to apply for this course, please ensure that:
• you have (or will have) completed an in person introductory counselling course of 30 hours, with an attendance record of at least 80% (within the last three years)
OR
• you have completed an in person introductory counselling course of 30 hours with an attendance record of at least 70%
AND
• you have completed an in person ‘Counselling introduction: advanced’ course (or equivalent) with an attendance record of at least 80% (within the last three years)
• you are able to speak and write fluently in English (level 2/GCSE).
The Free Courses for Jobs initiative is for Londoners aged 24 or over at the start of the course who are: on a low-income; or on certain benefits; or do not have a full level 3 qualification. For more information Click here
Full fee £2,549.00 Senior fee £2,549.00 Concession £2,549.00 - ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage Course start date: Tue 9 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Helen RennieConsidering massage therapy as a career? Learn the theory and practice of massage at a professional level. City Lit is a leading training provider in London for Massage and Complementary Therapies, providing outstanding achievement at high industry standards. Our courses are taught by experienced and practising industry professionals who have current knowledge of the massage sector. If you’ve applied for this course and not heard back from us, please email us on health@citylit.ac.uk, or call us (Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00) on 020 8142 4577.
The application process is open until 15 Sepember 2023.
The Free Courses for Jobs initiative is for Londoners aged 24 or over at the start of the course who are: on a low-income; or on certain benefits; or do not have a full level 3 qualification. For more information Click here
The course fee is £1679.00. If you are unable to pay the course fee upfront, you can choose to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to help cover the cost. The Advanced Learner loan available for this course is £1679.00. The Loan is repayable after the course ends. For more information, please call Health & Wellbeing on 020 8142 4577. You can find more information about the Advanced Learner Loan here www.citylit.ac.uk/advanced-learner-loansFull fee £1,679.00 Senior fee £1,679.00 Concession £1,679.00 - Drawing into painting Course start date: Thu 11 Sep 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Tony HullGain an understanding of the creative journey from a drawing to finished painting. Explore the creative potential when drawing and painting activities are combined.Full fee £389.00 Senior fee £311.00 Concession £253.00 - String ensemble Course start date: Tue 29 Apr 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Robert PuzeyCome and play string repertoire in a friendly group, and develop your confidence in ensemble playing. Suitable for those who have been playing violin, viola, cello or double bass for at least two years, playing at Grade 3 standard or above. Please click the 'start interview' button to apply. This is to make sure we have a balanced array of instruments for our ensemble. Break week 27 May 2025.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £125.00 - Ways into screenwriting Course start date: Wed 7 May 2025 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nico MensingaLearn to write for the screen on this practical, introductory course. Writing exercises, presentations and screenings will teach you key skills, and you’ll begin to produce work and an outline for a full-length project.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £120.00
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