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.
- Ways into poetry: intensive
Course start date: Tue 21 Jul 2026 (and 5 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Claire CollisonAre 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 - Micropoetry: small poems, big ideas Course start date: Fri 31 Jul 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Timothy FoxExplore the emerging art form of micropoetry in this fun but informative day workshop. Compose your own poetry and learn how to make every word on the page count.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing haiku poetry Course start date: Sat 1 Aug 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 - What the poem wants: drafting and editing workshop Course start date: Mon 3 Aug 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christina DunhillWrite fast and edit fast in this poem-blitzing workshop. Learn to step back, look at your poem and think about the different directions it might take. Practise ruthlessness as well as care in the poem’s service.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Poetry: a taster Course start date: Sat 12 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Megan BeechThis short, fun workshop is the perfect starting point for students who are writing for the first time or new to poetry. Join us for thought-provoking writing exercises and poetry theory for beginners.
Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Performance poetry Course start date: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Toby CampionWrite 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Developing your poetry Course start date: Tue 22 Sep 2026 (and 8 other dates)
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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Masterclass: poetry (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Tue 22 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)
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 £429.00 Senior fee £429.00 Concession £429.00 - Advanced poetry workshop Course start date: Tue 22 Sep 2026 (and 5 other dates)
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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Ways into poetry Course start date: Mon 28 Sep 2026 (and 6 other dates)
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 £269.00 Senior fee £269.00 Concession £175.00 - Poetry workshop: intensive Course start date: Tue 29 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lawrence BradbyWant 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 £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Masterclass: poetry (a year-long workshop) Course start date: Wed 30 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Fran LockThis year-long 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 £999.00 Senior fee £999.00 Concession £999.00 - Queer poetics: new approaches to your poems Course start date: Sat 3 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Toby CampionFrom a rich, global history of queer poetry, learn new techniques to challenge your writing practice and create fresh, bold poems.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Autobiography into poetry Course start date: Sun 4 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sarah WardleLearn how to translate real-life experiences into powerful poems in this stimulating course for those interested in the meeting place between autobiography and poetry.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Haiku for wellbeingCourse start date: Wed 7 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Tasha KavanaghWriting Haiku poems can provide a peaceful distraction from life's challenges by focusing on creative writing. Composing Haiku can produce a feeling of achievement, and help you to get in touch with the natural world and show us our place within it. This workshop is part of the 2025 Mental Wealth Festival hosted by City Lit and partners.
Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £5.00 Concession £5.00
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