Poetry Masterclass: Carol Ann Duffy - the freedom of invention

Course Programme

Friday

Please plan to arrive between 14:00 and 15:30. You can meet other course members in the bar for tea which will be available at 16:00. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the study bedrooms.

16:00 Tea

16:30 Opening Seminar on Sincerity: Clerk of Hearts - solitude as a springboard for celebration

Please bring two of your own poems for photocopying for the Evening Read-Around.

19:00 Dinner

20:00 Evening Read-Around: a chance for the members of the Masterclass to share their work

22:00 Terrace bar open for informal discussion

Saturday

07:30 Breakfast

09:00 Individual tutorials and work on the first writing assignment

Students are welcome to bring a folder of existing work to discuss with the tutor.

10:30 Coffee

11:00 Individual tutorials and work on the first writing assignment

12:30 Free

13:00 Lunch

14:00 Free 

16:00 Tea

16:30 The Self in Transition: seminar on selected poems from The Other Country and Mean Time in the Collected Poems

Please bring your work on the First Writing Assignment ready for photocopying for the Group Workshop

18:00 Free

18:30 Dinner

20:00 Group workshop on the first writing assignment: a chance to discuss each other's work in a warm and positive spirit

22:00 Terrace bar open for informal discussion

Sunday

07:30 Breakfast

09:00 Individual tutorials and work on the second writing assignment

10:30 Coffee

11:00 Individual tutorials and work on the second writing assignment

12:30 Free

12:45 Lunch

14:00 Free

16:00 Tea

16:30 Gospel Preludes: seminar on the developing social commitment that led to The World's Wife and Feminine Gospels

18:00 Free

18:30 Dinner

20:00 Fulfilling the Role: seminar on Duffy's deepening sense of her role as daughter, as mother and as Poet Laureate.

22:00 Terrace bar open for informal discussion

Monday

07:30 Breakfast

09:00 Group workshop on the second writing assignment

10:30 Coffee

11:00 Group workshop on the second writing assignment and a chance to discuss any problem poems the course has thrown up

12:30 Lunch

The course will disperse after lunch

Dietary requirements

If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies please inform our Admissions Team on ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 746262 if you have not already advised us of your requirements.

Additional requirements

ICE is committed to providing equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality. We aim to support and encourage under-represented groups, promote an inclusive culture, and value diversity.

Further information about student support.

Course materials

A booklist, course syllabus and detailed timetable are circulated as far as possible in advance of a course. You will receive these documents by email if you have provided us with your email address; please check your spam folder if you have not received these documents. You can also download material from the Documents section at the bottom of this page.

Entry requirements

No academic qualification is required of applicants, and most courses are suitable for students who are new to the subject.

All teaching is in English (unless a foreign-language course). If your first language is not English, you need to satisfy yourself that you have the required near-native command of the language to get the maximum benefit from studying with ICE.

This course takes place at Madingley Hall, home to the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education.

As a student at Madingley Hall, you will enjoy award-winning cuisine in our elegant Dining Hall and first-rate facilities in an atmospheric and inspiring setting. You can choose to stay at the Hall in comfortable en-suite accommodation for the duration of your course, or attend as a non-resident.

Residential fees cover tuition, accommodation and full board, including morning coffee and afternoon tea during teaching hours, and travel on excursions. The non-residential fee includes all meals on the course except breakfast.

About Madingley Hall

Built in the 16th century, Madingley Hall is a Grade 1 listed building, and is set in eight acres of landscaped gardens designed in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown. It is just four miles from the centre of Cambridge, and only 60 minutes from London, with excellent links to London airports.

Getting here

For more information see directions to Madingley Hall

We now have a mini-bus service which runs between the station and Madingley Hall. For the timetable and further information, please see our Lifelong Learning page or contact the reception desk at ICE.

Accommodation

Accommodation for residential students is provided in single, twin or double study bedrooms in the Hall, with attractive views over the woods, gardens and courtyard.

Each room has internet access, digital television and a direct-dial telephone, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities and a safe for your valuables. Rooms are centrally heated and all have en-suite facilities.

A special lift gives access to two rooms adapted for wheelchair users, and all areas on the ground floor can be reached once inside the building. If you would like us to make any special provision for your stay, please contact us beforehand and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

We are usually able to offer accommodation before and after your course should you wish to extend your stay. Please indicate if you would like to stay an extra night when booking your place.