Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing II

What will I be studying?

The course is taught through three termly units, each with its own topic. The evening sessions take place on Tuesdays.

Unit 1: Introduction to creative non-fiction

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

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

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?

If you wish, you can develop your studies in this subject by taking a second Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing I or the Diplom in Creative Writing.

You may like to know that a part-time Master of Studies (MSt) degree in Creative Writing is also available.

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

The course specification, giving information about course-content and assignments, is available below under Downloads.

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Course Director, Midge Gillies: midge.gillies@tutor.ice.cam.ac.uk

If you have any questions about the application process, contact our Admissions team: ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 746262.

For all other enquiries, contact the Academic Programme Manager, Katherine Roddwell: ug-awards@ice.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 746223 / 746212.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level, applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. If English is not your first language, you will need to send us evidence of your competence in the English language when you apply for a place.

ICE English language requirements

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.

Applicants will be expected to show evidence of this level of fluency in English in their applications and may be asked to provide a short piece of written work before the offer of a place can be made.

This programme does not meet immigration requirements for entry to the UK as a short-term student or under Tier 4. Non-EEA nationals are unlikely to be able to undertake this programme unless they hold a visa in another category which permits study. Further information can be found on our Information for International Students webpage

The fee for the course is £2,000 and you can pay in one of two ways:

• in full on enrolment (by cheque payable to the University of Cambridge or by credit or debit card)
• in four instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, the second by 1 November 2017, the third by 1 February 2018 and the fourth by 1 April 2018.

ICE fees and refunds policy

Online application is recommended and you will find the link to the online application form at the top of this page.

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 (£2,000) or if paying by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on the 4 September 2017.

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified by 11 September 2017 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 Refund and Cancellation policy).