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Creative Writing

Diploma

Take your writing further - master advanced craft, specialised techniques and professional practices across ten hands-on assignments with expert editorial feedback.

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Why this course?

Elevate your writing to publication-ready standard. This diploma builds on core skills and takes you deeper into advanced fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction while introducing specialised techniques that broaden your range and sharpen your voice.

Across ten practical assignments you'll refine narrative structure, point of view, pacing and dialogue; explore poetic forms and line craft; and develop compelling personal essays and long-form nonfiction. You'll practise revision strategies, line editing and developmental editing, and learn to give and receive editorial feedback with confidence. The programme also demystifies the publishing landscape: researching markets, preparing submissions, crafting query letters and synopses, and developing a professional author platform (website, newsletter, and social presence) with ethical, inclusive best practice.

Learning is supported by expert-created resources - video tutorials, written guides and project briefs - and tutors who provide timely guidance and in-depth feedback on every submission. By the end, you’ll have a polished portfolio, practical next steps for publication, and the confidence to pursue opportunities or further study.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

Vocational Diploma

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 6-12 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 10 practical assignments.



Graduation & what to expect

UPCOMING

Diploma courses

View the next available start dates for this course and choose the option that works best for you, including Home Study, Classroom Based and Live Online study. Select a course below to see the schedule, location and fees.

Date Start Date:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY
The Home Study course allows you to learn entirely at your own pace and can be started anytime.

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

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Learning

£875 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date Next Intake:
JUNE 2026
LIVE ONLINE
Live-online classes are available as either full-day Saturday sessions or weekday evenings.

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

LOCATION

Virtual Classes by Zoom

AVAILABLE SCHEDULES

8 full days, Saturdays

Starts: June 13th (09:30 - 16:30)

View schedule
Or

16 evenings, Wednesdays

Starts: June 17th (18:30 - 21:00)

View schedule
£1,675 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date Next Intake:
JUNE 2026
CLASSROOM BASED
In-person classes are available as either full-day Saturday sessions or weekday evenings.

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

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS

AVAILABLE SCHEDULES

8 full days, Saturdays

Starts: June 13th (09:30 - 16:30)

View schedule
Or

16 evenings, Wednesdays

Starts: June 17th (18:30 - 21:00)

View schedule
£2,195 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

Not sure which learning format is right for you? Compare our flexible study modes to understand how Home Study, Classroom Based and Live Online courses work, and how each option supports your learning.

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

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

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

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.



Our teaching approach

PROGRAM

Course Overview

Unlock the secrets of captivating storytelling in our creative writing module, designed to guide you through the intricacies of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Transform your ideas into vibrant narratives, create unforgettable characters, craft engaging settings, and gain mastery over different storytelling perspectives to bring your tales to life.

Key learnings:

  • Exploring Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, and Drama
  • Crafting Compelling Narrative Structures
  • Creating Memorable and Dynamic Characters
  • Enhancing Storytelling with Setting and Atmosphere
  • Mastering Points of View for Impactful Storytelling

Elevate your writing to new heights by mastering techniques that make your stories captivating and memorable. Unlock the secrets to engaging descriptive writing that vividly paints pictures in readers' minds, create dialogue that sounds as natural as daily conversations, and learn to master storytelling pacing for an irresistible narrative flow. Discover how to effectively integrate flashbacks and foreshadowing for deeper layers in your tales, and refine your editing skills with practical strategies that ensure your work shines. Dive in now and transform your writing prowess!

Key learnings:

  • Show, Don’t Tell: Mastering Descriptive Writing
  • Crafting Authentic Dialogue
  • Dynamic Story Pacing
  • Flashbacks and Foreshadowing Techniques
  • Effective Self-Editing Practices

Unlock the power of your creative writing with our comprehensive course! Dive into the world of poetry and master various forms like sonnets and free verse. Learn how to weave imagery and symbolism into your work to make your poems truly resonate. Discover techniques for crafting engaging personal essays and memoirs and gain essential skills for conducting impactful research for non-fiction projects. Plus, explore effective strategies to publish your poetry and creative non-fiction, ensuring your work reaches the audience it deserves.

Key learnings:

  • Mastering Poetry Forms: Sonnet, Haiku, Free Verse, and More
  • Enhancing Poetry with Imagery and Symbolism
  • Crafting Personal Essays and Memoirs
  • Conducting Research for Non-Fiction
  • Publishing Your Creative Work: Techniques and Advice

Unlock your creative potential and captivate readers by mastering the art of short story writing. Dive into essential story elements, discover how to weave compelling plots, and learn the secrets of creating suspense and drama that keep audiences glued to your pages. You'll also explore enriching themes and motifs, alongside the step-by-step process of getting your short stories published and gaining recognition in vibrant literary markets.

Key learnings:

  • Elements of a Short Story
  • Themes and Motifs: Enriching Your Story
  • Developing Captivating Plots
  • Creating Suspense and Drama
  • Publication Pathways for Short Stories

Unlock the secrets of crafting captivating stories for the stage and screen with our comprehensive playwriting and scriptwriting course. Elevate your writing skills by mastering play structure, character development, and effective dialogue. This course will empower you to create engaging scripts that captivate audiences and bring your creative visions to life.

Key learnings:

  • Introduction to Playwriting and Scriptwriting
  • Mastering Play Structure: Acts, Scenes, and Sequences
  • Essentials of Script Formatting
  • Crafting Compelling Characters for Stage and Screen
  • Engaging Dialogue and Subtext in Dramatic Writing

Unlock the secrets to captivating storytelling! Master the art of weaving intricate narratives with multiple storylines, bringing vivid characters to life, and transforming settings into integral parts of your tales. Whether you're passionate about sci-fi, fantasy, horror, or historical fiction, this journey will empower you to blend imagination with authenticity, crafting worlds that your readers won't be able to resist.

Key learnings:

  • Mastering Complex Plots
  • In-Depth Character Development
  • Setting as a Living Element
  • Exploring Speculative Fiction
  • Creating Authentic Historical Narratives

Elevate your writing to a masterful level by harnessing the power of advanced literary devices and stylistic techniques. Dive into the art of crafting compelling narratives with metaphors, similes, and alliteration, and unlock new dimensions with stream of consciousness and unreliable narrators. Discover the untapped potential of epistolary writing through engrossing letters and diary entries, offering readers a unique and intimate experience.

Key learnings:

  • Effective Use of Metaphors and Similes
  • Alliteration and Assonance in Prose and Poetry
  • Stream of Consciousness Techniques
  • Crafting Unreliable Narrators
  • Epistolary Writing: Letters and Diary Entries

Delve into the exciting world of children's literature and discover the secrets to captivating young readers. From understanding the unique interests of younger audiences to mastering themes and character development tailored for children and young adults, this module offers essential insights. Plus, learn structural techniques and gain insider knowledge about thriving in the vibrant children's book market.

Key learnings:

  • Age-Appropriate Writing
  • Themes in Children's and YA Literature
  • Character Development for Younger Audiences
  • Structure of a Children's Book
  • Publishing in the Children's Book Market

Elevate your scriptwriting expertise with tailored lessons designed to refine character arcs, enhance dialogue, and master stage directions. Discover the art of crafting compelling screenplays and learn effective strategies for pitching your scripts to producers and networks, transforming your creative ideas into on-screen success.

Key learnings:

  • Script Formatting Essentials
  • Crafting Compelling Character Arcs
  • Enhancing Dialogue and Stage Directions
  • Screenplay Development: From Concept to Completion
  • Effective Script Pitching Techniques

Discover the secrets to success in the publishing world with a comprehensive guide that helps you choose between self-publishing and traditional publishing techniques. Learn how literary agents can propel your journey, master proven marketing strategies, and grasp the art of striking cover design and captivating synopses to captivate your audience. Embark on your publishing adventure prepared and confident you'll attract the readership your book deserves!

Key learnings:

  • Publishing Industry Insights
  • Choosing Between Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing
  • The Essential Role of Literary Agents
  • Effective Marketing and Promotion Strategies
  • Creating Impactful Cover Designs and Synopses

TUTORS

Meet Our Creative Writing Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors
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