Poetry Writing Courses
Be inspired to write poetry at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied. Study various poetic forms, from traditional structures like sonnets and haikus to free verse and contemporary styles.
Learn the key techniques that poets use to create rhythm, imagery, and meaning. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how poetry reflects personal, cultural, and universal themes, while also developing your unique voice as a poet.
We have poetry lessons and courses for everyone, from complete beginners right up to experienced poets looking for detailed feedback on their work.
Learn from published authors
Our tutors are published authors, practising writers and experts in their field. So you'll benefit from the expert tuition from a published author as well as getting 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. Learn about their recent accomplishments.
Unheard Voices Scholarship
City Lit’s Malorie Blackman Scholarships for 'Unheard Voices', providing three annual awards worth up to £1000 each, to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing department at City Lit. About the Unheard Voices Scholarship >
For the latest news, courses, events and competitions, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and X.
- Writing haiku poetry
Course start date: Sat 7 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Tasha KavanaghLearn how to write haikus that resonate, move and entertain on this fun day workshop.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing the prose poem Course start date: Sat 14 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lawrence BradbyA form that’s flowered in recent years, this short course will guide you to write your own prose poetry.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Performance poetry: getting started Course start date: Sat 14 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Megan BeechWrite poetry and perform it, finding your own style and delivery under the guidance of a spoken word artist. Explore the differences between performance and other forms of poetry.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Ways into poetry: intensive Course start date: Thu 19 Feb 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Alice FrecknallAre you just starting to write poetry? This shorter version of our introductory Ways into poetry course offers an opportunity to experiment with language and a variety of poetic devices. Discover the key elements of a poem in a friendly and interactive class.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Ways into poetry Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Toby CampionRelatively 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.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Developing your poetry Course start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Christina DunhillFor those familiar with the basics of poetic form, this intermediate course explores craft and content through reading exercises, writing exercises and constructive feedback. Ideal if you have already attended 'Ways into poetry'.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Masterclass: poetry (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026
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 - Poetry workshop: intensive Course start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Toby CampionWant to have your poems critiqued in a supportive environment? This intensive poetry workshop focuses on offering feedback to poets who have already written a selection of poems and are looking to push their writing further.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Advanced poetry workshop Course start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ellen CranitchDevelop your poetry, taking it in new directions and maturing your poetic voice. Various approaches and techniques will be explored, and new poetry can be workshopped. For experienced poets only.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Writing poetry through objects at Sir John Soane's MuseumCourse start date: Thu 14 May 2026
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Suzannah V. EvansDelve into the realm of objects in this one-day poetry course, where we will probe how we might write about the material world, inspired by the collection in Sir John Soane’s Museum.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £45.00 - Writing black out poetry Course start date: Sat 30 May 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah WestcottSometimes a poem is shaped by stripping words away. This fun day workshop explores the emerging form of black out poetry. Learn how to find hidden poems in texts such as newspaper articles, advertisements and letters.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Create your first poetry collection Course start date: Sat 30 May 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Megan BeechYou've written and workshopped your poetry, and now you're ready to create your first collection. But where do you begin with that process? This workshop offers instruction and advice on putting together your first poetry collection.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Ways into poetry: a gentle pace Course start date: Thu 4 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeAre you brand new to writing poetry? Do you want to build your confidence in a supportive environment alongside other beginners in the craft? This gentle short course guides students taking their first steps on the path to becoming a poet.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - The poem as quest: writing narrative poetry Course start date: Sat 6 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Ellen CranitchFrom ballads to myths, learn the techniques and styles needed to write narrative poetry.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing poetry: getting started Course start date: Sat 13 Jun 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Alice FrecknallThis short, fun workshop 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
Can't see a course you want?
Add this category to your waiting list to set up alerts and we will update you when new courses are released online.
Add me to waiting list