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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

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Study

£545 Payment plans available
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Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 19TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

8 evenings, Thursdays

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LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£945 Payment plans available
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Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 14TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

4 full days, Saturdays

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LOCATIONS

£995 Payment plans available
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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

Select from home-study, live-online, or classroom-based courses to fit your schedule and learning style.

Home Study courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts allow you to learn at your own pace.
As a Home Study student you will receive access to our Online Learning Centre with in-depth course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments. You will also have a dedicated tutor to support you on your learning journey.

Home Study

Classroom-based courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts are the best option for those who prefer studying with others in a physical classroom environment.
As a Classroom-based student you will join other aspiring Interior Designers in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff or Bristol for exciting part-time evening or Saturday classes taught by an industry professional. You will also have access to our Online Learning Centre.

Classroom Based

Live Online courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts provide all the flexibility of online learning with the collaborative benefits of the classroom.
As a Live Online student you will join a small group of students for online classes taught by an industry professional. You will also have access to our Online Learning Centre with course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments.

Live Online

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.

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Hallam Conference Centre
44 Hallam Street
London
W1W 6JJ

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Peel Building
The University of Salford
The Crescent
Salford
Manchester
M5 4WT

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Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue
16 St Mary's St.
Edinburgh
EH1 1SU

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The Studio
7 Cannon Street
Birmingham
B2 5EP

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Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT9 5DY

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Central Cardiff
Location to be confirmed

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University of the West of England (UWE) - E Block
Frenchay Campus,
Bristol,
BS16 1QY

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.

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