Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing: Creative Non-Fiction (Cohort 2)

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. 

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. 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.

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 2021-2022 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 fee for the course is £2250 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 third instalments 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  including the One Thousand Futures Bursary scheme which supports those adults who have been most affected by COVID-19 by providing a subsidy towards ICE undergraduate certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas. Find out more

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 20 September 2021 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 6 September 2021. 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.

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified by 20 September 2021 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).”