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. Learn more >
For the latest news, courses, events and competitions, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and X.
- Writing women's experiences in poetry
Course start date: Sat 15 Nov 2025Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie IrigarayThis course will look at how contemporary women poets write about their experiences of womanhood. We'll discuss their strategies and you'll be encouraged to write poems, in a supportive environment, about what being a woman means to you.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Create your first poetry collection Course start date: Tue 18 Nov 2025 (and 1 other date)
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 - Submitting your poetry to magazines Course start date: Wed 26 Nov 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Katherine HunterThis short course is designed to guide students on submitting their poetry to magazines, journals and websites for publication.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Writing haiku: a taster Course start date: Sat 29 Nov 2025
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.
Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £5.00 Concession £5.00 - Poetry: a taster Course start date: Tue 2 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Billie ManningThis 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 £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Developing your poetry Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 3 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 £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Masterclass: poetry (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 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 £399.00 Senior fee £399.00 Concession £399.00 - Advanced poetry workshop Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 3 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 £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Poetry workshop: intensive Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
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 - Ways into poetry Course start date: Wed 14 Jan 2026 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeRelatively 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 - Writing poetry: getting started Course start date: Sat 7 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Billie ManningThis short, fun taster course 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 - Writing haiku poetry Course start date: Sat 7 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Pearl MayLearn 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 - 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 - 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 - 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
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