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.
- Spanish 3/4: revisit and consolidateCourse start date: Tue 15 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Blended (learn both online and in-person)
Tutors: Óscar Salgado SuárezPractise your intermediate spoken Spanish and develop your language skills in these topical discussion classes. Suitable if you have recently studied Spanish for at least four years or equivalent.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - Introduction to prepared piano for pianists
Course start date: Tue 15 Jul 2025Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Edward Henderson, Lewis KestertonThis brand new Summer School course offers a comprehensive introduction into the world of prepared piano, with a focus on the groundbreaking Sonatas and Interludes by John Cage.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £89.00 - Spanish beginners: revisionCourse start date: Tue 22 Jul 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Blended (learn both online and in-person)
Tutors: Analía ToloneRevise and consolidate your speaking and listening skills, as well as your grammar. Suitable if you have completed 'Spanish 1: module 3' or have an equivalent knowledge of the language (one year's study).
Please see the How will I be taught? section below for details on your chosen course's format and mode of delivery.
Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - Piano/keyboards: revision for levels 1 and 2Course start date: Tue 22 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ana Claudia MagalhaesStudy pieces from the current Grade 2 piano syllabus. Learn the required scales and try some aural tests. An ideal way to boost your learning over the summer.
Tutor: Ana Claudia Magalhaes.Full fee £109.00 Senior fee £109.00 Concession £76.00 - Piano/keyboards: revision for levels 3 and 4 Course start date: Tue 22 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ana Claudia MagalhaesStudy pieces from the current ABRSM Grade 3 piano syllabus. Learn the required scales and try some aural tests. An ideal way to boost your learning over the summer. Tutor: Ana Claudia Magalhaes.Full fee £109.00 Senior fee £109.00 Concession £76.00 - 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. - Becoming confident with digital skills and AI chat: on your computer and online (beginner) Course start date: Thu 11 Sep 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Are you new to computers and the Internet? Do you need to increase your confidence with digital skills? This course will ensure you have a solid foundation in using computers and being online. You will learn the essential features of creating, saving, storing different types of files and documents, including photos and letters in Word. You will develop your internet skills to find information quickly and efficiently, and learn how to transfer this information to different documents and people. You will also learn the basics of how of how to use Zoom to host meetings and communicate effectively online. Finally, you do all of this while learning how to remain safe online and to keep your files secure.
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 £169.00 Senior fee £135.00 Concession £85.00 - ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 1 (Reading) Course start date: Tue 16 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is the Reading unit of the ESOL course to give you confidence in reading straightforward and some complex texts. You will practice reading different types of text including emails, letters, adverts, posters, books, newspapers, and websites. You will read interesting everyday topics and practice finding information and understanding general meaning of stories, news, descriptions, messages, signs, and notices.
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 £429.00 Senior fee £343.00 Concession £215.00 - ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 2 (Reading) Course start date: Tue 16 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is the Reading unit of the ESOL course to give you confidence in reading and understanding a range of texts of varying complexity accurately and independently and obtaining information of varying length and detail from different sources. You will practice reading and analysing different types of text including emails, newspapers, recipes, journals, reports, poems, formal letters, articles, websites, books and reviews. You will practice extracting and communicating factual and opinionated statements about a range of topics.
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 £429.00 Senior fee £343.00 Concession £215.00 - English communication skills for life and work (ESOL entry 2) Course start date: Tue 15 Apr 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Can you have short conversations in English, and read and write simple emails, but want to do more? This course will help you talk, read and write about more interesting subjects and make fewer mistakes so people can understand you, you can understand them and you can read and write important messages, emails, forms and news stories. You will improve your vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. By the end of this three-term programme you will able to interact confidently with English speakers in your daily life. You can join the course at any time.
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 £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £90.00 - Access to HE diploma: humanities and social science (evenings)Course start date: Tue 17 Sep 2024 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Applications for the September 2025 start are now open.
This course has 4 free spaces for learners aged 19-23, who meet the residency criteria and who have not previously achieved a full level 3 qualification. We can also offer 3 free spaces for over people over 24 on the Free Courses for Jobs scheme if you meet the criteria. These places are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis to applicants who fully meet the course entry requirements.
If you are not eligible for a free place you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from Student Finance England (SFE).
Please click Start Assessment on the course page.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities and Social Science) is a qualification designed for anyone who has left school without the usual qualifications (GCSEs or A-levels) and wishes to study at university.
It is a highly intensive, fast-track route to higher education, where you will complete the equivalent of 3 A-Levels in one year, and requires attendance ONLINE via ZOOM two nights per week (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) from 6-9.15pm, as well as online tutorials every two to three weeks (from 5pm) and substantial private study. These dates and times are non-negotiable and you are required to attend every session. There may also be optional study sessions at our Central London Campus on one Saturday each term.
Due to the course's intensity, priority will be given to applications from those who are serious and sure about progressing to degree level study and are ready to take on the intense challenge that the year will bring.
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 £3022.00 payable at the time of your enrolment. If you are unable to pay the course fees, you can choose to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from Student Finance England (SFE) to help cover the course fee. The Advanced Learning Loan is written off on completion of a Higher Education degree course. You can find more information about the Advanced Learner Loan www.citylit.ac.uk/advanced-learner-loans
For more information, please call Access to HE Diploma (Humanities) on 020 8078 0486.Full fee £3,022.00 Senior fee £3,022.00 Concession £3,022.00 - Grammar for ancient languages: an introduction Course start date: Tue 23 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Justin MurraySuitable for complete beginners of ancient languages. Become familiar with the key grammar terminology and concepts that will enhance your learning. Highly recommended if you are starting to learn an ancient or classical language. - Acting: Foundation (Certificate Level 2) Course start date: Thu 16 Oct 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Cara Jennings, Vernon Thompson, Martin WimpressDo you want to be an actor but find it hard to fit the training around your other commitments? This intensive and practical accredited course, running two weekday evenings each week, provides classes in the core disciplines of acting, voice and movement, and culminates in a showing of contemporary scenework to an invited audience. Successful candidates achieve the Level 2 Certificate in Performing Arts awarded by OCN London.Full fee £1,499.00 Senior fee £1,499.00 Concession £1,499.00 - ESOL - communication skills for life and work -level 1 (Speaking and Listening) Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is the Speaking and Listening unit of the ESOL course to give you confidence in communicating with others on different topics in a range of contexts. You will practice speaking fluently in different types of conversations, responding to questions on a range of topics and you will build your vocabulary by learning more synonyms and antonyms. You will also have the opportunity to hear a variety of accents and varieties of English. Speaking about interesting everyday topics you will practise different tenses and improve your pronunciation including stress and intonation to convey meaning.
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 £549.00 Senior fee £439.00 Concession £275.00 - ESOL - communication skills for life and work -level 2 (Speaking and Listening) Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Blended (learn both online and in-person)
This is the Speaking and Listening unit of the ESOL course to give you confidence in communicating straightforward and detailed information, ideas and opinions clearly, adapting speech and content to take account of the listener(s), medium, purpose and situation. You will improve your fluently and accuracy in extended and varying conversations, responding and contributing on a range of topics. You will also build your vocabulary by learning more sophisticated words for formal settings. You will have the opportunity to hear a variety of accents and varieties of English and be able to apply speaking skills in face to face and telephone situations. Speaking about interesting everyday topics you will practise a wide range of sentence structure and tenses and improve your pronunciation including stress, rhythm and intonation to convey meaning.
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 £529.00 Senior fee £423.00 Concession £265.00
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