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 creative non-fiction
9 evening classes (7.15-9.15 pm) starting on Wednesday 13 October 2021 plus 2 Sunday day-schools (31 October and 21 November 2021). Sundays 11am to 4pm (break 1-2pm)
Some of the most engaging examples of non-fiction borrow tools and techniques, such as description, drama and dialogue, from fiction. In this unit we will explore the meaning of “creative non-fiction” and discuss the different forms of writing that might fall within this category. Students will consider a range of different non-fiction, such as writing about food, narrative history, popular science, comic writing and the essay – or a mixture of different approaches.
Unit 2: Writing about place
9 evening classes (7.15-9.15 pm) starting on Wednesday 5 January plus 2 Sunday day-schools (30 January and 13 February 2022). Sundays 11am to 4pm (break 1-2pm)
Place is important in most forms of non-fiction. In this unit you will discover how to create a memorable sense of place – whether you are writing about nature, a moment in history or a piece of travel writing. You will reflect on the traditions and conventions of travel and nature writing and examine more recent trends in writing about place and the challenges of writing about the familiar and the unfamiliar in nature.
Unit 3: Life writing
8 evening classes (7.15-9.15 pm) starting on Wednesday 23 March 2022 plus 2 Sunday day-schools (10 April and 8 May 2022). Sundays 11am to 4pm (break 1-2pm)
In this unit you will explore the many aspects of “life writing”, such as memoir, biography, letter and diary writing. You will consider the roots of the genre and the range of styles employed. We will also discuss forms of life writing that blur the lines with other genres and, as in other terms, you will have the chance to experiment with your own approach to life writing.
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.