Creative Writing Portfolio
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£180 (Summer Term 2025) or £185
- Start Date(s): 10 July 2025, 18 April 2026
- Duration: Thursday and Friday 10 am - 4 pm, two days or Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm, two weeks
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
Have you thought about further studies in creative writing, but you're not sure whether it’s for you, or where to start?
Does the thought of undergraduate or postgraduate studies excite you, but you need guidance with regards to what admissions tutors are looking for in your work?
This lively, energetic weekend programme will help you create a portfolio of new creative writing in a variety of genres, led by the superb writer-tutors from NTU’s MA Creative Writing course.
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You’ll be part of a creative writing community; one that promotes discussion, collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
Benefit from learning with an active, expert writer-tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in a wide range of genres. -
Get published with our student anthology; every term we ask for submissions and print a short anthology of your original creative writing, which you can keep after the course. -
Study Creative Writing in a UNESCO City of Literature. Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé is a place of discovery, exchange, ideas and learning for everyone who loves words and stories. Our vision as a UNESCO City of Literature is for a city where everyone is reading and writing their way to a better life.
What you’ll study
This course is for the undecided.
It’s for anyone who has undertaken creative writing in the past, whether through courses or individual exploration, who wishes to hone their skills and articulate their personal approach.
On this course, you will:
- complete a variety of writing projects in short fiction, poetry, screenwriting and creative non-fiction
- explore new ideas and new ways of working
- learn from highly regarded writers
- structure your work to create impact for the reader
- have fun!
- 10.00 - 11.00 am: Introductions
- 11.00 am - 1.00 pm: Fiction, with Eve Makis
- 1.00 - 2.00 pm: Lunch
- 2.00 - 4.00 pm: Creative nonfiction/memoir, with Anthony Cropper
- 10.00 am - 12.00 pm: Screenwriting, with William Ivory
- 12.00 - 1.00 pm: Lunch
- 1.00 - 3.00 pm: Poetry, with Rory Waterman
- 3.00 - 4.00 pm: Discussion with tutors about writing, applying, etc
How you’re taught
You will receive guidance and feedback in a supportive seminar environment, engaging in classroom discussions, critiques, and practical writing exercises.
This course will be delivered in person on Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé city campus.
By the end of the course, you will have a variety of writing projects in development, and a network of fellow writers and potential collaborators with whom you can progress your work further.
Contact hours
You will receive 12 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the creative writing industry; students who have taken this course have gone on to build a portfolio of published work through submitting to literary magazines or self-publishing, progressed onto degree courses and embarked on careers in writing, publishing and teaching.
This course is your toolkit to ensure that you are well-prepared to pursue a successful career in the competitive field of creative writing.
Certificate of attendance and digital badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by .
Your is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.
They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.
Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.
Are you interested in progressing your writing?
Find out more about our undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
Campus and facilities
You will be studying creative writing in a UNESCO City of Literature, and be based in the School of Social Sciences on the City Campus.
You will find modern teaching spaces and quiet study environments to develop your ideas and writing.
You’ll have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You’ll also be invited to join WRAP, our Writing, Reading and Pleasure programme of book groups, meet ups and talks from readers and authors.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
Level: Improver
Entry requirements: You should have experience of creative writing and the openness to work with tutors and support fellow attendees.
Writers at all stages of their journey are welcome.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £180 (Summer Term 2025) or £185.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- Your laptop or pens and paper depending on how you prefer to work
- Examples of previous writing.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
This course is available for booking via the NTU online store:
Browse all our creative writing short courses.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813