creative writing diploma london

Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.

Find a course
Undergraduate study
Postgraduate study
Research degrees
Short courses
MOOCs - free short courses
Why study with us
Where to study
Online learning
Study with a local teaching centre
Study in Paris
Study humanities in London
Fees and funding
Costs of your course
Funding your study
How to pay your fees
How to apply
Undergraduate applications
Postgraduate applications
Help with your application
Entry routes
Am I qualified?
English requirements
Computer requirements
Recognition of prior learning
Supplying evidence
What happens next?
Transferring from another institution
Student terms and conditions
Inclusive practice and access
Taster courses for schools
Current students
Student portal
Student blog
Student services
Accommodation in London
Library services
BLOOM @ Senate House
Support and wellbeing
Clubs and societies
Getting involved
Final certificates
Requesting a transcript
Careers service
Recent graduates
Working with alumni
Working with academics
Information for employers
Examinations and assessment
Assessment timetables
Entry and deadlines
Exam centres
Exam entry and results dates
Assessment offences
Mitigating circumstances
Academic regulations
Policies and procedures
Access and Participation Statement
Refund and Compensation Policy
Student Protection Plan
Student guide
The Student Charter
Complaints and appeals
Preparing to graduate
After Graduation
Past ceremonies
Students of federation members
Research challenges
Institutes, centres & initiatives
Institute in Paris
Centre for Online and Distance Education
London Research & Policy Partnership
Institutes at School of Advanced Study
Public engagement
Fellowships
Projects and experts
Postgraduate research
Research governance
Our federation
Becoming a Recognised Teaching Centre
Our Chancellor
Senior Executive Team
Our history
Our global reputation
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Our civic role
Strategy 2020-25
Research & public engagement
Study with us
School of Advanced Study
What makes us unique
Board of Trustees
Collegiate Council
Statutes and Ordinances
Academic Regulations
Honorary Awards
Annual reports and financial statements
Charitable status
Doing business with us
Trust Funds
Core policies
Academic quality assurance
Student policies and procedures
Our services
Senate House Library
Intercollegiate Halls
The Careers Group
Our research libraries
Conference & event hire
Private housing services
Short stay accommodation
University Merchandise
University of London Press
Work for us
Contact and find us
News & Events
Past events
Student blogs
The Student Insider magazine
Alumni & Supporters
Alumni ambassadors
Your alumni community
New graduates
Get involved
Keep in touch
Request a transcript
The Convocation Project
Ways to give
Areas to support
Recognising our donors
Your impact
Contact the Development Office

What are you looking for?

Popular courses.

BSc Business Administration
BSc Computer Science
BSc Psychology
International Foundation Programme
MSc Computer Science
MSc Cyber Security
MSc Professional Accountancy

Introduction to Creative Writing

Module information>.

This course introduces students to some of the key concepts involved in creative writing, especially for those beginning to write.

Share this page on Facebook
Share this page on X
Share this page on LinkedIn

Students are introduced to a writing practice in three different styles of writing (writing fiction; writing poetry and writing for the stage), and will explore how to differentiate between the approaches needed for each style. The course will help students to develop an awareness of not only of the contexts into which they write, but some of the different techniques that can be used to grow their writing.

The course further aims to develop understanding of Creative Writing in its literary contexts, using texts students may study elsewhere on their programme as examples. As such, this course ties students’ writing practice very closely to their reading practice, which they may find helpful in subsequent study in the wider field of English.

Learning outcomes

If you complete the course successfully, you should:

understand some of the skills and techniques required when beginning to write creatively.
understand three different kinds of writing (fiction, prose, and writing for the stage), and some of their literary contexts.
be able to practise writing a short piece of fiction, poetry, and a piece for the stage.
be able to develop an extended writing project in one of these three kinds of writing.
be able to make connections between the literary texts studied on your programme and the writing you undertake.
be able to reflect critically on your own writing practice.
understand more fully the kind of writing you wish to undertake in the future.

Essential reading

Essential literary texts

Samuel Beckett, Collected Shorter Plays , (London: Faber and Faber, 2006)
Seamus Heaney, North, (London: Faber and Faber, 2001)
Virginia Woolf, Mrs Dalloway , (1925). Numerous editions, any will suffice.

Essential critical texts

J. Bell and P. Magrs. The Creative Writing Coursebook: Forty Authors Share Advice and Exercises for Fiction and Poetry , (London: Macmillan, 2001)
L. Anderson and D. Neale, Writing Fiction , (London: Routledge, 2008)
M. Strand and E. Boland, T he Making of a Poem: A Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms , (New York: Norton, 2001)
V. Taylor, Stage Writing: A Practical Guide , (Marlborough: Crowood Press, 2002)

BD Divinity

Geographical thought and practice, paris in the nineteenth-century imaginary, exiles and outsiders.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Help Centre

History, culture & writing
Introductory and general creative writing courses

Creative Writing Courses Online & in London

Learn from published authors in a relaxed and safe environment!

Fancy trying your hand at creative writing? Or are you looking to take your passion for writing to the next level? Find your inspiration to write at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied.

Learn the art of creative writing from published writers in a range of courses designed to support and encourage your creativity. You'll explore your own potential, discover a range of literary forms and techniques, and develop your writing skills. Our courses will help you grow your confidence and passion for writing, while motivating you to achieve your personal goals.

Workshops available both online and in-person

To help you fit your studies around your busy life, you have the freedom to either learn online in the comfort of your own home, or in a classroom setting from our Central London location. Whatever your preference, you'll be able to meet fellow learners, interact, share, and learn in a way that motivates and inspires you. For more information about our live online courses, please see our guide to online learning .

Choosing a level that's right for you – beginner to advanced level

Whether you're completely new to creative writing, have some previous experience, or you're writing at the professional level, we have courses that can support your needs. Our goal is to provide a supportive space in which you feel empowered to experiment, express your ideas, and challenge yourself to write creatively to a level that feels right for you.

Find your voice and nurture your creativity

On our courses, you'll receive guidance on how to give and receive constructive feedback on written work, and learn how to use that feedback to improve your writing. You'll share ideas and sharpen your critical thinking skills through close analysis of peer and published work, as well as growing your vocabulary, your communication skills, and your knowledge of the mechanics of writing.

For the latest news, courses, events and competitions, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter .

Online courses
Classroom courses (London)
Introductory and general creative writing courses 22 courses
Professional development courses for writers 2 courses
Creative writing taster courses 3 courses
Craft focus courses for creative writers 2 courses
Genre writing courses 4 courses
'Ways into' courses 3 courses
Available courses 22 items
No longer available 3 items
Beginners 20 items
Some experience 17 items
Advanced 12 items
Suitable for all 12 items
Keeley Street 11 items
Online 17 items
Apr 2024 10 items
May 2024 7 items
Jun 2024 4 items
Jul 2024 3 items
Aug 2024 1 item
Sep 2024 8 items
Oct 2024 6 items
Nov 2024 2 items
Dec 2024 2 items
Jan 2025 6 items
Feb 2025 4 items
Mar 2025 4 items
Mon 8 items
Tue 7 items
Tue+Thu 1 item
Wed 6 items
Wed+Fri 1 item
Thu 5 items
Fri 4 items
Sat 6 items
Sun 8 items
Weekday 13 items
Weekend 13 items
Daytime 17 items
Evening 11 items
£0.00 - £50.00 4 items
£50.00 - £100.00 9 items
£100.00 - £150.00 6 items
£150.00 - £200.00 1 item
£200.00 - £250.00 2 items
1 to 4 weeks 2 items
11 weeks or longer 4 items
5-10 weeks 6 items
One-off only 13 items

Discover Art History

What is beauty in art?
Museum Stories
Meet the Team: Sarah Jaffray, Art History Coordinator

Discover Writing

Tutor accomplishments: Writing
Student successes: Writing
How to get published
How to write a children’s book

Discover History

Democracy: past(s), present(s) and future(s)
What is history?
Black History Month in Britain
Political awareness vs. political understanding
Could Donald Trump make a presidential comeback?

Discover Literature

Reading poetry is for everyone
Meet the Team: Sophie Oxenham, Head of Culture & Humanities

Discover Film & Cultural Studies

City Lit Film: Cultureplex Ciné-Club
Beyond Hollywood: An introduction to World Cinema
Being Human: Culture and Identity now

Discover Science & Philosophy

Reasons to love Science & Nature
Why study philosophy?

Items 1 - 15 of 22

You're currently reading page 1
Page Proceed to payment

Location on this date: Online

Location on this date: Keeley Street

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.

Online courses in creative writing

Part-time study in creative writing

Develop your creativity with an Oxford University short course or award programme.

Need an extra push to finish your novel, poem or play? Completely new to the world of creative writing? Want to improve your analytical reading skills? No matter where you are in your writing journey, or where you are in the world, there is a part-time course to suit you.

Short online courses

Our short online courses in creative writing include live-time weekly classes, day and weekend schools and flexible online courses.

Credit earned from our short online courses is transferable towards our Certificate of Higher Education - a part-time undergraduate course in which you study a main subject discipline but also undertake study in other academic subjects.

Browse short online courses in creative writing

Diploma in Creative Writing

Our two-year, part-time Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing allows you to strengthen your ability in four major areas of literary activity — prose, poetry, drama and analytical reading — as well as the chance to specialise in the medium of your choice. You can now opt to take this course mostly online.

Find out more about the Diploma in Creative Writing

Upcoming courses

Chaucer's canterbury tales: text and context.

Tue 16 Apr 2024 – 25 Jun 2024
11 meetings
4:30 – 5:30pm

Critical Reading (Online)

Wed 17 Apr 2024 – 28 Jun 2024

Trollope, Eliot, Dickens and Hardy: Reading Victorian Fiction (Online)

Writing lives (online), logos: a theory of everything.

Tue 23 Apr 2024 – 28 May 2024
2:00 – 3:15pm

Literature, creative writing and film studies

Online courses in literature, rita mccormick, tessa fenley, student spotlights.

My Account |
StudentHome |
TutorHome |
IntranetHome |
Contact the OU Contact the OU Contact the OU |
Accessibility Accessibility

Postgraduate

International
News & media
Business & apprenticeships
Contact Contact Contact
A to Z of subjects
Course types
Honours degrees
Integrated masters degrees
Foundation degrees
Diplomas of Higher Education
Certificates of Higher Education
Open University certificates
Open qualifications
Higher Technical Qualifications
Microcredentials
Short courses
All courses
Student stories
Accountancy
Counselling
Engineering
Environment
IT and computing
Mental health
Social work
Working with children
Employability and the OU
International recognition
Apprenticeships
What is distance learning?
A guide to our qualifications
How long will my qualification take?
How will I study?
Tutors and tutorials
How will I be assessed?
Support and the OU community
Ask a student
Our global reputation
Can I do it?
Finding time to study
Is my English good enough?
Computing skills
Am I ready tool
Fees and funding
Tuition fee loan
Tuition fee grants and loans
Part-time fee grant
Support for living costs
Employer sponsorship
Credit or debit card
Enhanced learning credits
Mixed payments
Study costs funding
Carers' Scholarship
Carers' Bursary
Care Experienced Bursary
Care Experienced Scholarship
Scholarship for Black Students
Disabled Veterans' Scholarships
Sanctuary Scholarship
How to apply
Transferring your study

Creative Writing Diplomas

With our diploma in arts and humanities you can choose to include creative writing as one of two subjects to specialise in. Complete your diploma in as little as two years and count the credit gained towards a future honours degree.

Student taking time out for some creative writing

Diplomas of Higher Education (4)

Diploma of Higher Education in Arts and Humanities
Diploma of Higher Education in English Language
Diploma of Higher Education in English
Diploma of Higher Education Open

Other Creative Writing courses

Creative Writing Degrees
Creative Writing Certificates

The Open University

Study with us
Supported distance learning
Funding your studies
International students
Global reputation
Develop your workforce
Contact the OU

Undergraduate

Arts and Humanities
Art History
Business and Management
Combined Studies
Computing and IT
Creative Writing
Criminology
Early Years
Electronic Engineering
Film and Media
Health and Social Care
Health and Wellbeing
Health Sciences
International Studies
Mathematics
Mental Health
Nursing and Healthcare
Religious Studies
Social Sciences
Social Work
Software Engineering
Sport and Fitness
Postgraduate study
Research degrees
Masters in Art History (MA)
Masters in Computing (MSc)
Masters in Creative Writing (MA)
Masters degree in Education
Masters in Engineering (MSc)
Masters in English Literature (MA)
Masters in History (MA)
Master of Laws (LLM)
Masters in Mathematics (MSc)
Masters in Psychology (MSc)
A to Z of Masters degrees
Accessibility statement
Conditions of use
Privacy policy
Cookie policy
Manage cookie preferences
Modern slavery act (pdf 149kb)

Follow us on Social media

Student Policies and Regulations
Student Charter
System Status
Contact the OU Contact the OU
Modern Slavery Act (pdf 149kb)

Course search

Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)

Please go to students and applicants to login

Course search overview

Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing: Advanced Fiction and Writing for Performance

Courses by subject overview
Archaeology, Landscape History and Classics
Biological Sciences
Business and Entrepreneurship
Creative Writing and English Literature
Education Studies and Teaching
Engineering and Technology
History overview
Holocaust Studies
International Relations and Global Studies
Leadership and Coaching overview
Coaching FAQs
Medicine and Health Sciences
Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
History of Art and Visual Culture
Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas overview
Postgraduate Certificates & Diplomas overview
Applying for a Postgraduate Award
Part-time Master's Degrees overview
What is a Master's Degree (MSt)?
How to apply for a Master's Degree (MSt)
Apprenticeships
Online Courses
Career Accelerators overview
Career Accelerators
Weekend Courses overview
Student stories
Booking terms and conditions
International Summer Programme overview
Accommodation overview
Newnham College
Queens' College
Selwyn College
St Catharine's College
Tuition and accommodation fees
Evaluation and academic credit
Language requirements
Visa guidance
Make a Donation
Register your interest
Creative Writing Retreats
Gift vouchers for courses overview
Terms and conditions
Financial Support overview
Concessions
External Funding
Ways to Pay
Information for Students overview
Student login and resources
Events overview
Open Days/Weeks overview
Master's Open Week 2023
Postgraduate Open Day 2024
STEM Open Week 2024
MSt in English Language Assessment Open Session
Undergraduate Open Day 2024
Lectures and Talks
Cultural events
International Events
About Us overview
Our Mission
Our anniversary
Academic staff
Administrative staff
Student stories overview
Advanced Diploma
Archaeology and Landscape History
Architecture
Classical Studies
Creative Writing
English Literature
Leadership and Coaching
Online courses
Politics and International Studies
Visual Culture
Tell us your student story!
News overview
Madingley Hall overview
Make a donation
Centre for Creative Writing overview
Creative Writing Mentoring
BBC Short Story Awards
Latest News
How to find us
The Director's Welcome

The deadline for booking a place on this course has passed. Please use the 'Ask a Question' button to register your interest in future or similar courses.

A second cohort of our Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing: Advanced Fiction and Writing for Performance is now available. Apply today!

This one-year part-time course is one of two Diplomas in this discipline offered by the Institute of Continuing Education and is designed for those who have completed a Certificate in Creative Writing or who have appropriate knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in this field.

Our undergraduate courses are now being delivered entirely online , enabling students to study flexibly with the University of Cambridge from anywhere in the world.

We offer a range of tuition fee bursaries to promote access to and participation in continuing education.

Listen to the Course Directors for the Certificate and Diploma in Creative Writing courses talking about the courses here .

Virtual Open Events

To learn more about the programme and the student experience, and to ask any questions you may have, join us for our virtual open events. To register, follow these links:

Watch the info session webinar recording here

What will I be studying?

Unit 1: introduction to fiction.

7 Saturdays (11am - 4pm with a break 1pm-2pm) starting on Saturday 8 October 2022

This unit focuses on advanced techniques for identifying a potential story, choosing its form, and establishing plot, structure, theme and characterisation. Through close reading of published work, and their own writing, students explore how to construct a coherent sense of time and place, how to keep dramatic control and how to create pace, conflict and mood.

Unit 2: The History of the Novel: with special focus on Fantasy, Tragedy, Comedy and Historical Fiction

7 Saturdays (11am - 4pm with a break 1pm-2pm) starting on Saturday 7 January 2023

This unit will explore the many elements that make up multiple genres and examine how they can be effectively utilised to create original and high-concept fiction. We study the form of the fairy tale, from its first origins to modern-day magical realism and fantasy novels. We will examine the tragic hero and the fatal flaw in relation to shaping character and plot. We will also look at the modern historical novel and explore the most effective ways to bring the past to life.

Unit 3: Writing for performance

6 Saturdays (11am - 4pm with a break 1pm-2pm) starting on Saturday 1 April 2023

This unit studies techniques used in writing for TV, film, stage and radio and examines how they are transferable to other forms of writing. The unit looks at the art of adapting a story from a different medium.

What can I go on to do?

The Institute offers a pair of Certificate (FHEQ Level 4) and Diploma (FHEQ Level 5) level courses in Creative Writing along with a range of postgraduate courses. For further details please visit the subject page.

Credit awarded by the Institute may also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However the volume of credit and the curriculum which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Find out more

If you have any questions about this course, would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, or would like to know more about the admissions process, please complete this enquiry form with your questions.

Applicants for this course will normally have studied and passed a FHEQ level 4 qualification (or international equivalent) in this or a closely related field.

There is provision to accept non-standard applicants who do not satisfy the standard academic criterion. Such applicants must produce evidence of relevant and equivalent experience and their suitability for the course.

Applicants are also required to submit a short piece of their own writing with their application and this will be reviewed before an offer of a place can be made. Given the nature of creative writing, it is important that applicants’ use of English is sufficiently fluent to be able to understand nuances of meaning and have a familiarity with the structure and grammar of English.

All applications are reviewed by the Course or Academic Director and acceptance onto the course is at the discretion of the Institute.

English language requirement : If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements for Undergraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas pages for further information.

Technical requirements:

For the 2022-2023 Academic Year this course is being taught entirely online. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge, although there is an expectation that you will attend synchronous teaching sessions. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You will therefore need to have access to:

- the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device.

- speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material

- a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available

Once you are logged into the VLE you can familiarise yourself with the learning environment. There is also guidance about how to access course materials and activities.

The content, activities and interaction for each of the three units will be taught remotely using video-based teaching platforms and an online course Virtual Learning Environment. You will have access to resources, discussion forums, and course tasks within ICE's Virtual Learning Environment. Teaching methods will include lectures, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, interactive and experiential learning activities, reading and assignments to be completed by participants outside classroom sessions and online discussion forums.

All students are expected to take an active part in the course and submit work showing evidence of learning. Your learning will be enhanced by:

engaging with scheduled teaching sessions;
participating in class activities and discussion;
undertaking reading and assignments set by the tutor;
accessing resources and submitting assignments through the VLE.

Course Timeline

Course (Unit 1) Start Date: Saturday 8th October 2022
Unit 1 submission deadline: Wednesday 4th January 2023
Unit 2 start date: Saturday 7th January 2023
Unit 2 submission deadline: Wednesday 22nd March 2023
Unit 3 start date: Saturday 1st April 2023
Unit 3 submission deadline: Friday 9th June 2023

During the course you will assessed by a series of assignments. Further details will be provided in the course guide.

In addition to attending the taught elements of the course and submitting assignments you will need to set aside time for independent study. Credit is generally calculated in terms of hours of study and assumes that each credit is awarded for around 10 hours of successful learning; so, by this calculation, a 60-credit course will involve around 600 hours of successful study. Examples of how study may be broken down are: pre-class preparation, classroom time (lectures, seminars, discussion, presentations, debates, case-studies etc.); engagement with the VLE; peer-to-peer interaction, preparations for assignments, assignment writing and feedback and so on.

What is the status of this qualification?

The course is taught and awarded at second-year undergraduate level (FHEQ 5) and offers 60 credits within the Higher Education Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). This is equivalent to half of the first year of full-time undergraduate study.

The fee for the course is £2500 for the year and covers the course tuition.

You can pay in two ways:

in full on enrolment (by cheque payable to the University of Cambridge or by credit or debit card)
in three equal instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, and the second and final instalment being taken 3 months and 6 months after the course start date. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details

Please note your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education accompanied by any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE fees and refund policy

For information on bursaries for this course, please see http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/bursaries

For information on a loan from Student Finance England for course fees and maintenance costs, please see http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/info/student-loans

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified by 19 September 2022 if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our Cancellation policy ).

Please apply via the link at the top of this page. Your application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on 5 September 2022. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

Are sessions recorded? Where teaching is delivered face-to-face, sessions are not normally recorded. Where teaching is delivered remotely (via Zoom, for example), and wherever possible, sessions are recorded. There may be some instances where we are not able to share a recording or part of a recording; for example, for technological, confidentiality or copyright reasons.

It is worth noting that regular attendance is a requirement of the course, whether that be in person or by participating remotely (via Zoom) in the live and interactive teaching sessions.

What if I can't attend a session? We understand that you may need to miss a session from time to time. We would simply ask that you let your tutor and/or Course Director know, and ideally in advance of the session. We will do what we can to ensure that you are able to catch up on any work missed, and we encourage you to listen to recordings of sessions where available.

Is any financial help available? Details of any bursaries available through ICE are listed on our website .

Information about other sources of funding (including loans, Disabled Students’ Allowance etc.) may also be useful.

Can I apply for/undertake multiple courses at any one time? You are welcome to apply for multiple courses. However, you would not normally be able to undertake more than two Certificate- or Diploma-level courses in any one year.

When considering whether to undertake more than one course, you will firstly need to ensure that there are no date clashes between teaching sessions. We would also advise you to carefully consider the work load of undertaking more than one course - consider any reading you will want to do as well as the time required to attend classes and complete assignments. You may also want to consider what commitments you have beyond your studies.

If you would like to undertake a second course, we would ask you to contact us so that we can liaise with both Course Directors. They will need to approve your application on the understanding that you will be undertaking two courses simultaneously.

If I complete a Certificate/Diploma with ICE, does it guarantee me a place on another course at ICE, including an MSt? We are delighted that many of our students want to return to study with us again and again. Unfortunately, however, completion of one course does not guarantee that you will be offered a place on another.

To ensure quality of teaching, places on courses are necessarily limited, and where an offer is made, places can only be confirmed subject to availability.

A Course Director may also feel that a higher level course is not the best fit for you. In this case, the Course Director may recommend another more suitable Certificate-level course or a non-award bearing short course or online course. This is, by no means, a rejection, but a way for us to help you to prepare more fully for study at a higher level.

Do I need to have completed the Certificate-level course before applying for a place on the Diploma? The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your studies, and some students on the Diploma will have previously completed the Certificate; however, completion of the Certificate is not a requirement for entry onto the Diploma. It very much depends on your experience in creative writing, the information you provide in your Personal Statement, and on your writing sample.

If you apply for a place on the Diploma, our Course Directors will let you know if they would recommend you complete the Certificate first. Please don’t be deterred – ultimately, we want you to find the course that is the best fit so that you are comfortable and feel a sense of achievement throughout.

Can I transfer credits/CAT points from a course completed elsewhere? For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website .

Do I need to have studied Creative Writing before? At Certificate-level, you do not need to have any prior experience of the subject area. An interest would normally be helpful.

At Diploma-level, some previous experience is expected. To submit the strongest application possible, we recommend you make use of the application form to highlight all relevant interests, qualifications, skills and experience.

Is the course accredited by the University of Cambridge? Many part-time courses offered by ICE are University of Cambridge qualifications. For more details, visit our website .

Will I become the member of a College by undertaking a Certificate/Diploma course? Enrolment on a Certificate- or Diploma-level course does not lead to College affiliation.

Can I pay in instalments? Yes. When you come to confirm your course place with payment, you will be given the option to pay in instalments. Course fees for Certificate and Diploma courses are normally split into three equally weighted instalments spread throughout the year, with the first instalment due by way of deposit at the point of confirming your course place.

How many hours of study are required to complete a Certificate/Diploma course? The course webpage in each case should provide you with an idea of the study hours you can expect - see ‘Teaching and Assessment’ tab.

Certificate and Diplomas equate to 60 credits at FHEQ5. Credit is generally calculated in terms of hours of study and assumes that each credit is awarded for around 10 hours of successful learning; so, by this calculation, a 60-credit course will involve around 600 hours of successful study. Examples of how study may be broken down are: pre-class preparation, classroom time (lectures, seminars, discussion, presentations, debates, case-studies etc.); engagement with the VLE; peer-to-peer interaction, preparations for assignments, assignment writing and feedback etc..

Unless otherwise stated, teaching and assessment for ICE courses are in English. If your first language is not English, please refer to our Information for Applicants pages for further guidance.

Course dates

Course duration, course director, academic director.

Academic Directors, Course Directors and Tutors are subject to change, when necessary.

Qualifications / Credits

Course code.

Institute of Continuing Education Madingley Hall Madingley Cambridge CB23 8AQ

Find us Contact us

Useful information

Jobs and other opportunities
Gift vouchers
Student policies
Privacy policy
Data protection policy
General terms and conditions

Connect with us

University A-Z
Contact the University
Accessibility
Freedom of information

Study at Cambridge

Undergraduate
Postgraduate
International students
Continuing education
Executive and professional education
Courses in education

About the University

How the University and Colleges work
Visiting the University
Giving to Cambridge

Research at Cambridge

Spotlight on...
About research at Cambridge

You are using an outdated browser. This site may not look the way it was intended for you. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

London School of Journalism

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7432 8140
[email protected]
Student log in

Search courses

Providing flexible, individual, top quality learning, delivered in enjoyable and interesting courses..

The LSJ has been teaching journalism and creative writing for almost 100 years - and unlike most ‘schools’ who offer distance learning courses, we are a real school, staffed by real journalists and writers who enjoy working with real students.

We continue to lead the way in developing new and effective teaching methods. The result is demonstrated by the success of our students.

Choose the right Distance Learning course for you:

Freelance and feature writing (with optional video tutorials).

The great advantage of freelance writing is that it can be done either in conjunction with another…

News Journalism

This course will train you in a whole range of skills, all of which are required for a successful…

Internet Journalism (with optional video tutorials)

This 12-lesson course is designed to give a basic understanding of how to create web content as …

Novel Writing

A good novelist offers the reader a story in which events and actions have logical but unpredictable…

Short Story Writing

Whether a short story is meaningful and gritty or light entertainment, a good one is a work of art…

Thriller Writing

If you are dedicated, determined and love this exciting genre, the course will show you how to understand…

Freelance and Travel Writing (with optional video tutorials)

Freelance and music and the arts (with optional video tutorials), freelance and sports writing (with optional video tutorials).

Although writers attract the plaudits (and brickbats) of the literary world, those who work on the…

Feedback from our students

It was terrific to receive feedback from a real author, a title I aspire to have one day, and being able to add the great hints and advice into my next story...again thank you for very much for telling me what your keen eyes saw and for parting with your hard earned experience when it comes to all things concerning writing.

It has been absolutely a wonderful experience doing the course at the School. I am highly indebted and in awe of my tutor. His advice and guidance comes in handy with every line that I write. I would also like to pass on the credit to my tutor for the reader response and various congratulatory calls that I receive after each article. My editor too is very happy with my work.

Many thanks for your sound advice and encouragement, even after some hefty periods of silence from me. I am impressed with the quality of LSJ's distance course. I'm a better writer because of it which makes it more than worth the money and effort. It was a bargain.

I had done a little writing before I enrolled on the course, but I learned so much. I had one story accepted by My Weekly during the course and have since had another piece published by People's Friend. Sue Moorcroft is so encouraging and supportive. The course assignments are challenging but realistic and I found studying with the London School of Journalism a rewarding experience.

Just to give you an update...I am now editing two publications at work, each of which have a 10,000 readership. I also edit the work website. I also write a monthly column for a trade magazine on behalf of my Chief Executive and have since been contacted by two other trade magazines to write columns for them.

...my tutor Ken Ashton will be happy to know that now my articles appear frequently in the local press and I will continue to send articles from Australia to Sri Lanka. I am very glad that I followed the LSJ course and for all the encouragement I got from my tutor. Please convey my regards to him.

Writing for children was different to anything I had done before, but with Ellen Renner's support and encouragement, I soon became comfortable with the techniques required. The varied course material covered writing for all ages and by the end of the course I had completely changed the direction I had originally planned. I found studying with the London School of Journalism very worthwhile and easy to fit into my busy lifestyle.

The producer of the show was polite, and tried to avoid an awkward silence with friendly chit chat. She asked me if I was a student. ''I have a B.A. in American Culture and Literature. Oh, and I just finished a program at the London School of Journalism'', I replied. Her eyes lit up like fireflies. I was offered a job on the spot.

I am so pleased that I followed this course with LSJ. LSJ was initially recommended to me by a Czechoslovakian gentleman who worked for the BBC and now lives his retirement in London. He without doubt lead me to the right and best place. I have no hesitation in recommending LSJ to anyone since I know how valuable your lessons are.

Thanks to both of you for being firstly so quick at getting Lessons and Assignments back to me and for your encouragement and support for helping me to complete my Diploma and learn new skills which I am now successfully using as a Deputy Editor for a regional film magazine and website. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, particularly the travel and writing for TV & Radio assignments.

I also wanted to let you know that as a result of sending off my interview feature, from a previous assignment, to some local publications, I was approached last week about becoming a regular contributor for one of the magazines! This couldn't have happened without my doing the LSJ course, so I want to thank you again for all your help.

I just wanted to send you a final note to say a great big 'THANKS'. Your comments, suggestions and encouragement were a big factor in my decision to study for an MA as a technical author. Which along with freelancing will make a very enjoyable working life.

Postgraduate Course in Journalism

Postgraduate Diploma courses offer one of the best routes into modern journalism.

Journalism is changing rapidly, and we make certain that our students fully understand what is required for today - and for tomorrow - so that each individual can maximise the chances of achieving their personal goals.

Some recent employers of our students:

Girls sitting around a table and writing

Every year employees at hundreds of companies and governmental and non-governmental agencies from all over the world receive training in writing and journalism skills from the London School of Journalism. The largest single reason is ‘word of mouth’ recommendations - from within the industry and from our students, past and present - and because the quality of our courses and the skill of our tutors have been established for almost 100 years.

Students from the LSJ consistently demonstrate a good grasp of the practical skills and requirements, and obviously have been taught what is needed to be successful journalists.

Whether you are an overseas student or based in the UK, our summer school provides a unique opportunity for you to acquire the fundamental skills required and to receive professional journalism training in small, friendly groups, while at the same time enjoying the sights and culture of London.

LSJ Summer School

Recent articles, the future of journalism in the social media age.

Ten years ago I made a foolish prediction to one of my classes: "In another decade, print journalism…

Ten top tips on what makes a good journalist

Way back in the dark ages of 1984 I started my first job as a journalist at a city newspaper. I'…

Ten common mistakes to avoid as a journalist

How do you avoid making those all-too-obvious howlers – the ones which have editors tearing their…

Ten legal tips for journalists

You know it's against the law to steal things or kill people – but what legal problems could you…

Colleges and Institutes
Accessibility --> Accessibility tools
--> Subjects -->