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Creative Writing

Certificate

Start writing with confidence - develop fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction skills across five hands-on assignments, guided by expert feedback.

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Why this course?

Unleash your creativity and start writing with confidence. This beginner-friendly certificate introduces the core craft of creative writing across genres - fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction - so you can find your voice and build a sustainable practice.

Across five practical assignments you’ll learn to generate ideas, develop characters and settings, shape plot and structure, and refine voice, point of view, imagery and rhythm. You'll experiment with forms and techniques, practise revision strategies, and receive clear editorial feedback to strengthen every draft. By the end, you’ll have a regular writing routine, a small, polished portfolio and the tools to keep improving - whether you're aiming for publication, personal projects or further study.

Learning is supported by expert-created resources - video tutorials, written guides and project briefs - with tutors providing timely guidance and in-depth feedback on each submission.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

N/A

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 3-6 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 5 practical assignments.

UPCOMING

Certificate courses

Date START DATE:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Learning

£545 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
JUNE 13TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
LIVE ONLINE - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

4 full days, Saturdays

View schedule

LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£945 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
JUNE 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
LIVE ONLINE - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

8 evenings, Wednesdays

View schedule

LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£945 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
JUNE 13TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
CLASSROOM BASED - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

4 full days, Saturdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

£995 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
JUNE 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
CLASSROOM BASED - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

8 evenings, Wednesdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

£995 Payment plans available
Enrol now
info

Entry requirements: To enrol on this course, you must be over 18 years of age.

BAC

BAC

Accreditation

The National Academy of Creative Arts is an accredited provider of the British Accreditation Council (BAC), a leading authority in quality assurance for independent education in the UK. Recognised globally by students, agents and government bodies, the BAC mark represents the highest standards in teaching, student welfare and institutional management.

STUDY MODES

Explore Our Flexible Learning Paths

Choose from Home Study, Classroom Based or Live Online to fit your schedule and learning style.

Home Study courses allow you to learn entirely at your own pace.

You will study through the Online Learning Centre, which provides access to instructional videos, written lessons, and course assignments, working through course materials and assignments independently while receiving feedback and guidance from your designated tutor.

There are no scheduled classes or assessment submission dates, giving you maximum flexibility to study around work, family, or other commitments.

Best for: Students who want complete flexibility and prefer to study independently.

Home Study - Flexible

Classroom courses combine flexible online learning with in-person practical classes.

You will complete your course materials and assignments through the Online Learning Centre, guided by a designated tutor while also attending practical classes taught by an industry professional.

These sessions focus on hands-on skills, demonstrations, and practical techniques, rather than assessment delivery.

Students attend 12 monthly classes held on Saturdays, or 24 weekly sessions, held in the evening.

Classes are available in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, and Bristol.

Best for: Students who enjoy learning practical skills in a classroom environment alongside other creatives.

Classroom Based - Flexible

Live Online courses offer the same structure as our classroom courses, but with live teaching delivered online.

You will complete your course materials and assignments through the Online Learning Centre, guided by a designated tutor while also attending practical classes taught online by an industry professional.

These sessions focus on demonstrations, practical skills, and discussion, helping you apply what you are learning in your course.

Students typically attend 12 monthly classes or 24 weekly sessions in a small group environment.

Best for: Students who want live teaching and interaction with other students while studying from home.

Live Online - Flexible

MAP

Class Locations

The National Academy of Creative Arts runs in-person classes in the following locations. Live-online and home-study courses are also available and can be completed from the comfort of your own home.

View Upcoming classes

OUTCOMES

What will you learn?

Develop core storytelling craft

Learn narrative structure, character, setting, voice and point of view - foundations you'll use across fiction, poetry, drama and creative non-fiction.

Bring prose to life with technique

Practise "show, don't tell," dynamic dialogue, pacing, flashbacks and foreshadowing, then refine drafts with practical self-editing strategies.

Explore forms, genres and audiences

Write poems, short stories and scripts; try speculative and historical fiction; and learn the nuances of children’s and YA writing, from themes to structure.

Publish professionally and grow your practice

Understand submissions, agents and self-publishing; build an author platform; workshop and critique; and develop a portfolio and plan for your next steps.

PROGRAM

Course Overview

Unlock the art of storytelling and elevate your writing skills with our comprehensive module on creative writing. Dive into the captivating world of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama as you learn to craft compelling narrative structures. Discover how to create unforgettable characters, utilize settings to enrich your stories, and master different points of view for a truly engaging storytelling experience.

Key learnings:

  • Exploring Different Genres: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, and Drama
  • Crafting a Compelling Narrative Structure: Beginning, Middle, and End
  • Character Development: Creating Memorable Characters
  • Setting and Atmosphere: Enhancing Storytelling Through Location
  • Mastering Points of View: First Person, Third Person, and Omniscient

Unlock the power of storytelling by enhancing your writing. Dive into techniques that will make your prose captivating and vivid, turning ordinary words into extraordinary experiences. From mastering the art of 'show, not tell' to crafting dialogues that feel authentic, this module is tailored to elevate your writing and storytelling prowess. You'll also gain valuable insights into controlling pacing, adding depth with flashbacks and foreshadowing, and polishing your work through effective self-editing strategies.

Key learnings:

  • Show, Don’t Tell: Elevate Your Descriptive Writing
  • Crafting Realistic Conversations: Dialogue Essentials
  • Mastering Story Pacing: Speed and Tension Control
  • Flashbacks and Foreshadowing: Adding Depth
  • Self-Editing Techniques: Refine Your Prose

Unlock your creative potential as you immerse yourself in the captivating world of poetry and personal writing. Learn the art of crafting exquisite poems using various structures like the timeless sonnet or the liberating free verse. Discover how to transform words into vivid imagery and powerful symbolism that breathe life into your creations. Elevate your storytelling skills with engaging personal essays and memoirs, and master the art of researching and organizing information for compelling non-fiction works. With expert guidance, explore the myriad pathways to publishing, preparing your masterpieces to captivate readers far and wide.

Key learnings:

  • The Art of Poetry: Sonnets, Haikus, Free Verse, and More
  • Crafting Imagery and Symbolism in Poetry
  • Creating Personal Essays and Memoirs
  • Research Techniques for Non-Fiction Mastery
  • Publishing Your Poetry and Non-Fiction Works

Immerse yourself in the art of storytelling with our comprehensive module designed to transform your ideas into captivating short stories. You'll master essential story elements, refine your plot development skills, and learn how to weave suspense and drama into your narratives. Plus, discover how themes and motifs can enrich your stories and get practical insights on publishing your work.

Key learnings:

  • Elements of a Short Story
  • Enriching Your Story with Themes and Motifs
  • Plot Development for Short Stories
  • Creating Suspense and Drama
  • Submission and Publication Strategies

Immerse yourself in the art of storytelling with our comprehensive guide to playwriting and scriptwriting. From crafting compelling plots and structuring dynamic plays, to mastering script formatting that meets industry standards, unlock the skills you need to create impactful narratives. Dive into character development that breathes life into your stories for both stage and screen, and learn the secrets of engaging your audiences through powerful dialogue and subtext. Discover the essential tools to captivate and leave a lasting impression with your dramatic writing.

Key learnings:

  • Introduction to Playwriting and Scriptwriting
  • Structuring Plays: Acts, Scenes, Sequences
  • Script Formatting Essentials
  • Character Development for Stage and Screen
  • Crafting Dialogue and Subtext
Academic Catalog

TUTORS

Meet Our Creative Writing Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors
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