creative writing courses in cambridge

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Cambridge launches first Creative Writing degree

The University of Cambridge’s first Master of Studies (MSt) in Creative Writing will explore the art of writing in all its many forms and guises, not just novel writing, according to Course Director Dr Sarah Burton.

There is always an element of writing that is almost inexplicable – that’s the magical element that can’t be taught – that’s what the student brings. Sarah Burton

The two-year, part-time course, run by the Institute of Continuing Education and developed in conjunction with the Faculty of English, begins in October 2013 with applications for entry closing at the end of this month (March).

But rather than focusing purely on fiction and creative non-fiction, the MSt in Creative Writing will also take in political speechwriting, radio essays, stand-up comedy and polyphonic scripts for stage, screen and radio.

Students will also learn the art of the short story, flash fiction, writing for children, as well as poetry, literary non-fiction, criticism, reviews, and travel writing in the first year of study.

Guest speakers are likely to include Wendy Cope, Michael Holroyd and comedian Stewart Lee.

Dr Burton said: “The MSt has been carefully designed to fit around people’s busy lives with intensive residential study pods strategically placed across the two years to enable the fullest participation. The first year will cover a wide range of genres and styles to encourage our writers to develop versatility through experimentation with new forms – while there is the chance to focus on a specialist strength, under expert supervision, in their second year.

“Writing for children is often neglected and this course is unique in offering a relationship with a local school where ideas can be developed and workshopped with a live audience.”

Successful applicants to the course will become members of one of three Cambridge colleges (Wolfson, St Edmund’s and Lucy Cavendish) and will join the wider graduate community with full access to the facilities of the University.

Dr David Frost, Tutor for Part-Time Students at Wolfson College, said: “I am very excited at the prospect of Creative Writing students becoming members of our college. We are already a vibrant postgraduate community which includes professionals such as journalists, lawyers, teachers, doctors and architects as well as researchers in the arts and the sciences. We would really love to add writers to this mix.”

Another unusual feature of the course is that in the first year critical writing is formally assessed, but creative writing is not.

Added Dr Burton: “Extensive feedback will be given on creative writing, but we are removing the pressures of formal marking, freeing students to allow themselves to develop and extend their skills by having permission to experiment, rather than fall back on what they already do well. This encourages ambitious and original, rather than conservative and ‘safe’, writing.”

The course tutors and guest speakers are all established literary professionals. Year one consists of four modules, which take place in October, December, February and June: Finding Voices, Writing for Readers, Writing for Performance and Non-fiction. A four-day residency of intensive workshops, seminars and lectures forms the core of each module.

The second year of study, in which students work more independently on their chosen genre, features two more short residential sessions at Madingley Hall and students will write a thesis in the form of a portfolio of creative and critical writing.

“The question of whether you can teach anyone to write is a valid one, and of course you can’t make anyone a writer,” Dr Burton added. “However, you can nurture raw talent, help nascent writers find their own voices and offer the sort of advice and counsel that writers have historically offered each other informally (Charles Lamb’s advice to Coleridge to ‘cultivate simplicity’ is a great example) in a structured and methodical way. There are more efficient routes to improving your writing than trying to work out, all on your own, how to create certain effects. But it’s by no means a science. There is always an element of writing that is almost inexplicable – that’s the magical element that can’t be taught – that’s what the student brings.”

Further details on course fees, entry and visa requirements are available at the ICE website .

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence . If you use this content on your site please link back to this page.

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7 courses offered in the Faculty of English

Creative writing - mst.

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Creative Writing is designed for postgraduate students who wish to develop high-level skills in creative writing both in fiction and non-fiction literature. Students will be guided in the production of creative work in a range of genres and styles and also in critical reflection on their own work and that of other writers. The MSt aims to facilitate students’ creative practice, whether for their own personal creative development as writers or for professional development. Students could include teachers of English at the primary or secondary level and those working in areas such as journalism, broadcasting, publishing and editing. The programme’s administration and teaching are undertaken by the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) and its academic standards are monitored and assured by a subcommittee of the Degree Committee of the Faculty of English.

More Information

Digital Humanities - PhD - Closed

The PhD in Digital Humanities, run by Cambridge Digital Humanities and based in the Faculty of English, is a research-intensive programme that will enable students to engage at doctoral level with projects demanding the use of digital methods, tools, or adopting critical/theoretical orientations. The programme expands the humanities offering at research postgraduate level at Cambridge by offering a route for cross-disciplinary engagement, responding to the growth of the field of Digital Humanities as a research area. 

The programme is designed to enable students from many areas of the arts and humanities to develop practical skills and knowledge and to generate the necessary critical literacy to understand and engage with digital research, and digital cultures, and to respond to questions arise around the ethics of automation, algorithmic analysis, privacy/surveillance, virtual cultures, data sharing, intelligent agency and creativity, archival justice and digital histories, and to explore work in relation to collections and heritage issues. Through supervisions and technical support from a research software engineer, contextualised by a research culture providing research-led seminars and lectures, guest seminars, and practice-driven workshops, Cambridge Digital Humanities provides the conditions for original PhD research in DH or in other arts and humanities/social science disciplines that make a significant intervention into shaping the field. 

Digital Humanities - MPhil - Closed

The MPhil in Digital Humanities is directed by Cambridge Digital Humanities, a research centre with links across a wide range of faculties and units at Cambridge.  The course is administered by the Faculty of English. 

This exciting MPhil explores the ways in which the humanities engage with digital futures, digital research, and digital cultures, as questions arise around the ethics of automation, algorithmic analysis, privacy/surveillance, virtual cultures, data sharing, intelligent agency and creativity, archival justice and digital histories, collections and heritage issues. 

The course gives students critical/theoretical orientations and delivers a structured form of engagement with digital methods, tools, and approaches while enabling flexibility in terms of specialism.  Students may come from multiple disciplines and the course caters to different skill levels in DH methods. Students take two broad core courses – Approaches and Methods, and Data and Algorithmic Analysis – and follow two courses from a basket of more specialist options. The course is assessed through shorter essays and a year-long dissertation or portfolio project. 

The MPhil in Digital Humanities runs from October to June.  

English - PhD - Closed

The PhD is a research degree, examined, usually after three or more years of research, by a thesis of 60,000–80,000 words. The criteria for obtaining the degree are that the thesis represent a "substantial contribution to knowledge" and a realistic amount of work for three years' study.

English Studies - MPhil - Closed

The Cambridge English Faculty’s collaborative MPhil in English Studies is a nine-month taught course which offers a uniquely wide-ranging and innovative approach to the study of literature, criticism and culture in the Anglophone world. Our versatile modular structure provides a choice of “Specialist Seminars” which cover, between them, all the major periods of English literature, as well as addressing both a range of different regional, national and international fields of Anglophone writing, and diverse theoretical, conceptual and philosophical concerns. There are specific “Textual Studies” courses, too, for those wishing to develop research expertise in either Medieval or Renaissance literature. In addition, “Research Frameworks” seminars cut across these specialist emphases, encouraging students with otherwise differing interests to work collaboratively on cross-period methodological and inter-disciplinary topics. In the MPhil as a whole depth, diversity, the historical, and the conceptual are thus each available in equal measure. The course provides a truly distinctive context in which to develop as a thinker, writer, and researcher.

The course is supported by first-class teaching delivered by a Faculty with a distinguished international reputation; and because that teaching is research-led we are also able to offer you a cutting-edge view of the discipline. Both small-group teaching and one-to-one supervision are established strengths here, having been foundational to the Faculty’s identity since its inception a century ago. Our lively, supportive seminars will allow you to learn from people with interests very different from your own. At the same time, your individual supervisor will help you plan a coherent programme of personal study and will oversee both your research for and writing of your dissertation (your own unique research project). In addition, a programme of focused training on research methods will assist you in developing practical study skills.

These qualities make our MPhil in English Studies an ideal preparation for further research in English and associated disciplines. Equally, the course can serve as the basis for success in a wide range of non-academic careers.

Writing for Performance - MSt

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Writing for Performance is designed for postgraduate students who wish to develop high-level theoretical skills, and a vibrant and innovative creative practice within writing for a range of performance mediums. Writing for Performance is defined as making scripts for theatre, film/TV, radio drama, or text for performance art, podcasts, digital platforms or stand-up comedy. 

Students will develop skills initially in all mediums and then be guided to choose a specific genre of script-making for their final project. They will develop the capacity to critically reflect on their own work, the work of their peer-group, and that of other professional writers.

The MSt. aims to facilitate a high standard of creative practice, in order that students may develop their professional practice in several areas. For example, they may wish to develop as dramatists in order to have a professional career in the entertainment industry as writers or directors, or to enhance their skills as dramaturgs/script editors to allow them to follow a career in literary management, publishing, or agenting. The programme would also be of interest to applicants wishing to enrich their creative writing/drama teaching practice at GCSE or on A-level English Language and Literature courses. 

Writing for Performance (EdX) - MSt

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Writing for Performance is designed for postgraduate students who wish to develop high-level theoretical skills, and a vibrant and innovative creative practice within writing for a range of performance mediums. Writing for Performance is defined as making scripts for theatre, film/TV, radio drama, or text for performance art, podcasts, digital platforms, or stand-up comedy.  Students will develop skills initially in all mediums and then be guided to choose a specific genre of script-making for their final project. They will develop the capacity to critically reflect on their own work, the work of their peer-group, and that of other professional writers. 

2 courses also advertised in the Faculty of English

Anglo-saxon, norse and celtic - phd - closed.

From the Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic

The ASNC PhD is a research degree, examined, usually after three years of research, by a thesis of up to 80,000 words. The Department can offer doctoral supervision on topics in a variety of early medieval languages and literatures, in the history of a comparable range of geographical areas, as well as in palaeography.

Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic - MPhil - Closed

This unique programme allows students to achieve an understanding of early Insular culture as a whole, while also specialising in aspects of particular interest. Although 50 per cent of the overall assessment is an independently researched dissertation, formal teaching is offered in the form of weekly text seminars.

Students also follow two undergraduate courses of their choice, in order to acquire or enhance disciplines appropriate to their individual research subject (eg history, palaeography, languages, philology, textual criticism). In addition, there will be regular meetings with the MPhil supervisor allocated to each student.

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Professor nicolette zeeman head of department.

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• Renaissance
• 18th Century and Romantic
• 20th Century
• Criticism and Culture
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University of cambridge: creative writing.

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Creative Writing is designed for those who wish to develop high-level skills in creative writing both in fiction and non-fiction literatures. The MSt is taught over two years in short, intensive study blocks. It has been designed to be accessible to those in full- or part-time employment and to international students.

Progression for students who have completed this course is provided in a number of ways: some students may use this course as a progression route into a PhD in Creative Writing or in English Literature at other Universities, or they could go on to study the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing at ICE.

Part-Time, 2 years starts Sep 2024

Part-time, 2 years started sep 2023.

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Creative Writing in Cambridge

Join the creative writing cambridge summer school at oxford summer courses.

At Oxford Summer Courses, we invite curious minds to embark on a journey of creative writing exploration through our Creative Writing Cambridge summer school. Tailored for ages 16-24, our unique learning experiences nurture independent thought within an inclusive community, hosted at prestigious Cambridge University colleges, including Fitzwilliam College, Sidney Sussex College, and Corpus Christi College. Each course runs for two weeks, offering comprehensive learning opportunities. Prices start from £6,395. Apply now to study Creative Writing and embark on a transformative summer school journey with Oxford Summer Courses.

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Creative Writing Summer School in Cambridge (Ages 16-18)

The Immerse Education Creative Writing Summer Programme in Cambridge offers a transformative literary experience for budding writers aged 16-18. Set in the historic city of Cambridge, UK, this programme provides an immersive exploration of creative writing techniques, storytelling, and literary analysis within an intellectually stimulating and culturally diverse environment. 

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Explore Creative Writing in Cambridge

Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Summer Programme in Cambridge for students aged 16-18, offers a unique and immersive experience for aspiring writers. This exceptional program provides participants with the opportunity to refine their literary skills in one of the most prestigious academic settings in the world. Through a blend of workshops, seminars, and one-on-one mentoring, participants are encouraged to explore their creative boundaries, craft compelling narratives, and develop their unique writing voices.

Moreover, the Cambridge environment, steeped in literary history and academic excellence, serves as an inspirational backdrop for participants to immerse themselves in the world of storytelling. Immerse Education’s Creative Writing programme in Cambridge is an enriching and transformative experience that equips participants with the tools and confidence to pursue their passion for writing at a higher level.

Creative Writing Programme in Cambridge (Ages 16-18) with Immerse

Our programme is designed for 16-18 year old secondary / high school participants who are eager to understand the dynamics of business management and its practical implications. This immersive journey provides valuable insights into the world of commerce and strategy.

• Creative Writing

Why Study Creative Writing in Cambridge with Immerse?

Average Class Size of 7

Maximum class size of 10 participants

1:1 Tutorials

Supportive, challenging and engaging

Undergraduate Level

University-style subjects to inspire your future

World-Class Tutors

Academics from Oxford and Cambridge

Programme Outcomes

Want to learn more?

Through our programmes, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery and creativity. Our personalised approach empowers you to design and execute a university style personal project that reflects your passions and interests. This project is your canvas to showcase newfound knowledge, skills, and innovative thinking. Expect to bring your ideas to life and make a meaningful impact.

Our programmes equip you with a diverse skill set that’s applicable across various disciplines and environments. From communication and critical thinking to problem-solving and collaboration, you’ll cultivate skills that are highly sought after in today’s fast-paced world. These skills extend beyond academia and empower you to thrive in any professional or personal setting.

Immerse Education is dedicated to providing an immersive and holistic educational experience. Beyond the structured curriculum, you’ll engage in workshops, seminars, and interactive activities that broaden your horizons. Expect to explore diverse perspectives, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and gain insights that enrich your understanding of the world.

Upon successfully completing your Immerse Education programme, you’ll earn a Certificate of Achievement that validates your dedication and growth. This certificate serves as a testament to your hard work, commitment, and the valuable skills you’ve acquired. It’s a tangible representation of your journey and a noteworthy addition to your academic and professional portfolio.

Enrolling in an Immerse Education programme means becoming a part of a vibrant and supportive community. As well as having personalised support during the programme from your tutor and like-minded indivdiuals, our network of participants, mentors, and experts extends beyond the programme’s duration. You’ll have access to a lifelong learning community that encourages collaboration, idea-sharing, and networking. This community serves as a continuous resource for guidance, inspiration, and growth throughout your educational and career journey.

What Do Our Alumni Say?

The Immerse Creative Writing programme has been great. Lesson times are a perfect 2 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the afternoon, with lots of time to go and experience the town and have activities in the evenings.

I’ve really enjoyed being around people who have the same interests as me. Being able to share opinions and listen to feedback has been really valuable.

My tutor has been great. He’s very passionate about writing and he’s very engaging with the class. He listens to all our thoughts and our opinions on everything that we study – he’s been brilliant.

The programme has been a very good opportunity to get a grasp on what university is like – It gives us an opportunity to make new friends, which is good for your social skills, and you get an idea of what university classes might be like.

The curriculum is nothing like I’ve ever seen before, which is great. It’s nothing like what I do at school, which means I have the ability to experiment, and learn new things and along the way just improve my general skills.

Academic Insights, Creative Writing

Meet some of our Cambridge Tutors

An example of the Oxbridge tutors who have previously worked on our programmes.

George is a Lecturer in Medieval English at St Anne's College and St Hilda's College, Oxford. He holds a BA in English Literature from Durham University, an MSt in English (650-1550) from Mansfield College, Oxford, and a DPhil (PhD) from St Anne’s College, Oxford.

Examples of Alumni Projects

A look at the past projects that have been completed by the end of our academic programmes.

Accreditations, Awards & Partnerships

An Experience to Remember

Live and study in a Cambridge University College

All participants will be allocated to a college a few weeks before arriving, based on their dates and subject choice. If you would like to stay in the same location as a friend/sibling – please let us know and we will do our best to arrange this, where possible.

Males and females have separate accommodation in every college, and there is wi-fi available throughout. For more information, please visit this page .

Fine-dine in Formal Hall

Traditional Formal Dinner is a Three Course Meal that align with each College’s Traditions. Our participants get to experience two typical Cambridge College traditions during their stay. One during the first week of their arrivals and one after their Graduation ceremony

Outside of lessons, we are proud to offer a busy and diverse social programme to help you get the most out of your time in Cambridge. This includes activities such as punting on the River Cam, Scavenger Hunt and a murder mystery night in the college.

Day Excursions

There are also two excursions during the programme, one day trip to visit Oxford and its constituent colleges, as well as an optional day out in London, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks as well as some free time for shopping.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers

Each week, Academic Insights participants will hear from an influential guest speaker from a variety of inspiring backgrounds.

Microsoft’s first ever Head of Digital Marketing Strategy, this business transformation manager is now an advisor and motivational speaker for world-leading organisations including Vodafone.

This Global Brand Director has helped to build some of the most successful brands in the tech and consumer goods industries, including Innocent, Vinted, Uber and Coca Cola.

Our Mentors

All mentors on our programmes are past/current participants at Oxford or Cambridge University. All of our support staff are background-checked and receive training in providing an unforgettable experience for every Immerse participant. Meet some of our previous team:

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Immerse Education is accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), the leading mark of educational quality for the academic sector.

The safety and well-being of our participants is our number one priority, and all staff undergo enhanced background checks and receive thorough safeguarding training before interacting with any participants.

For more information, please visit our Pastoral Information page.

Why Immerse?

Immerse Education offers a lot more than your average summer school provider. Our programmes ignite a lifelong educational journey, nurturing growth with ongoing educational support, while equipping you with essential skill sets for every step of your education pathways.

We cater to all types of learners, offering academic and career programmes with flexible learning options, and offer our award-winning programmes in locations across the globe.

We have the highest educational standards and seek to realise the highest possible outcomes for our participants.

Enrolling in an Immerse Education programme will award you:

• Superior and future-forward curriculum
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Enrol in our Programme Today

Immerse provides unparalleled educational experiences with long-term post-programme support.

Academic Insights

Non - residential, view features.

• Total Programme Duration: 2 Weeks
• Total Teaching and Coaching time: 40 Hours
• Tuition by an Academic Expert, PhD (typically Oxford, Cambridge or Ivy League)
• Support from Designated Mentors
• 1:1 Support
• Guest Speaker Sessions
• Max Class Size: 10
• Completion of a Personal Project to be added to your CV / University Application
• Personalised evaluation from your tutor
• Alignment with essential skills for each subject area
• Certificate of Attendance
• Daily Meals - Dinner (weekdays)
• Tailored Cultural and Social Activities (weekend excursions not included )
• Dedicated Support from the Immerse Team

Online Research Programme Benefits

• Total Teaching Time: 10 Hours
• Average Class Size: 1:1 Only
• Completion of a Undergraduate-level research paper
• Invitation to Present at the Immerse Symposium and win an Award
• Dedicated Support from the Immerse Online Team
• Daily Meals - Breakfast + Dinner
• 13 Nights at University Accommodation
• Tailored Cultural and Social Activities
• Dedicated support from the Immerse Team

Recommended

Classic + Online Research Programme

Additional Programme Benefits

• Access to Membership Benefits and Events from Partners
• Life-time Access to Learning Opportunities via the Immerse Alumni Network
• Live Events
• Exclusive Offers from our Partners

Immerse Participants Go On To Top Universities Worldwide

Cambridge’s literary heritage and inspiring landscapes create a nurturing environment for creative writing. Immerse yourself in a community of writers, attend literary events, and find inspiration in the city’s history.

Immerse Education offers online and residential courses in Creative Writing.

To gain insight into the subjects covered in the Cambridge Creative Writing course, you can access the downloadable syllabus.

Other Locations we offer Creative Writing

• Academic Pathways

Creative Writing in Oxford

Creative writing in sydney, creative writing online, immerse™ creative writing sample modules.

To see how the programme is structured, download the Academic Insights timetable here.

In this introductory module, you will challenge conventional assumptions of writing in the 21st Century. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss preferred writing methods and routines, what you hope to achieve on the programme and learn how to combat the dreaded blank page.

From Sherlock Holmes to Jay Gatsby, it is often believed that great characters drive great fiction. In this module, you will assess the clichés and tropes of a range of comedic and conflicted characters, as well as analysing how they can shift the tone and plot of a piece of work.

The very best of authors with a finished manuscript can still experience setbacks from not knowing how the publishing industry works. In this module, you will learn about the various publishing options, from competitions, magazines and traditional publishing, to e-books, self-publication and film writing.

As part of your programme, you will be given the opportunity to produce several pieces of creative work in your chosen subject which will form the basis of a portfolio. Portfolios are a great way to showcase your skill and accomplishments and are essential in university applications to creative subjects, demonstrating your ability in a way grades cannot. As part of this process, you will receive two 1:1 sessions with your expert tutor, who will give you advice and feedback on the development of your portfolio.

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Cambridge Creative

Writing Company

Writing a novel can be like navigating an unknown landscape without a map. You're all alone and, after a while, supplies and morale are low. You know the destination you want to reach; you're consulting your compass and making progress, but it's proving harder than you thought. Landmarks are missing and instructions are vague - what you need now is a wise, kindly guide to show you the way.

Together we've helped hundreds of aspiring writers along the road to publication. Perhaps you're just at the beginning, with a good idea but no idea of how to spin it into a book. Perhaps you're in the middle but have stalled. Perhaps you're close to the end, looking for that next level of polish. Wherever you are in your journey to publication, we have the perfect tools to help you taking your writing to the next level!

We provide insightful, motivational, and interactive small-group dayschools to support you in honing your writing skills and to jump-start your next fiction or non-fiction project. Our classes are led by internationally published authors and University of Cambridge tutors in creative writing  Menna van Praag  and  Emily Winslow . All are held in-person at Jesus College in  Cambridge’s historic city centre .  

See what we have coming up on our Classes & Events page,  or learn in the comfort of your own home with Emily's brilliant book: Time to Write . 

“Emily and Menna are a brilliant teaching team.” Simon Clarke

© 2022 by Emily Winslow and Menna van Praag. Proudly created with Wix.com

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Cambridge Writers' Workshop

The Cambridge Writers’ Workshop (CWW) began as a creative writing community in Cambridge, MA. Founded by writers Rita Banerjee and Diana Norma Szokolyai at Harvard University in 2008, the workshop is a forum for fostering communities of dedicated writers and encouraging creative expression in the literary arts.  The CWW is all-inclusive and open to all emerging and established writers in Cambridge, MA and beyond.  Since 2008, the CWW has been run by directors Rita Banerjee and Diana Norma Szokolyai.  Current Executive Board members include Gregory Crosby, Jonah Kruvant, Elissa Lewis, Viktor Pachas, Jessica Reidy, Kathleen Spivack, and our interns Maya Asulin, Adi Hernández, and Corrine Previte. In 2011, the workshop expanded to include on-line creative writing courses and writing retreats.  We have participated in the Mass Poetry Festival, Brooklyn Book Festival, Brooklyn Lit Crawl, Manhattan Lit Crawl, and the annual AWP Conference, and we have partnered with the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Château de Sacy, Château de Verderonne, Shakespeare and Company (Paris), Grolier Poetry Bookshop, Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Weehawken Writers & Artists Studio, Armchair/Shotgun , C&R Press, and Women’s National Book Association.  All writers from novices to professionals, who are looking for a serious writing community, are welcome to join the Cambridge Writers’ Workshop.

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Teaching Creative Writing

Entry requirements.

Applicants should hold a good undergraduate degree (2:1 or overseas equivalent).

Months of entry

Course content.

The course is aimed at:

published writers who wish to teach or offer writing workshops;

existing creative writing tutors who want to improve or develop a more cohesive and defined pedagogy;

graduates of postgraduate level Creative Writing programmes who wish to become teachers of creative writing;.

Healthcare or industry professionals who wish to offer creative writing classes;

professional development for qualified teachers interested in exploring the theory of teaching creative writing or who include creative exercises as part of their teaching of core subjects (eg. History or English).

The programme aims to enable participants to:

• develop their skills as a teacher of creative writing and strategies for their intended teaching contexts;

• develop and or extend their knowledge of the theories and practices of the teaching of creative writing;

• develop their repertoire of teaching, course design and assessment methods appropriate to creative writing in their context;

• develop a reflexive and critical awareness of their own teaching practice and to transmit what they have learned from their own experience of being a writer into a classroom setting.

Information for international students

Language requirement

IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component)

CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a language centre assessment

CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element)

TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 110 with no element below 25

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

Course contact details

• Utility Menu

• Creative Writing

The vital presence of creative writing in the English Department is reflected by our many distinguished authors who teach our workshops. We offer courses each term in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and television writing. Our workshops are small, usually no more than twelve students, and offer writers an opportunity to focus intensively on one genre. 

Apply to Creative Writing Workshops

Workshops are open by application to Harvard College undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and students from other institutions eligible for cross registration. Submission guidelines for workshops can be found under individual course listings; please do not query instructors.  Review all departmental rules and application instructions before applying.  

Fall 2024 Application Deadline: 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Spring 2025 Application Deadline: TBD

Please visit our course listings for all the Fall 2024 workshops.

Our online submission manager (link below) will open for Fall 2024 applications on Friday, March 22 , 2024.

Students who have questions about the creative writing workshop application process should contact Case Q. Kerns at [email protected] .

Featured Faculty

Teju Cole  is a novelist, critic, and essayist, and is the first Gore Vidal Professor of the Practice. "Among other works, the boundary-crossing author is known for his debut novel “Open City” (2011), whose early admirers included Harvard professor and New Yorker critic James Wood." 

Faculty Bookshelf

The lives of others by neel mukherjee (2014).

Find Me by Laura van den Berg (2015)

A State of Freedom by Neel Mukherjee (2012)

The Third Hotel by Laura van den Berg (2018)

Creative Writing Workshops

• Spring 2024

English CACD. The Art of Criticism

Instructor: Maggie Doherty Wednesday, 12:00-2:45pm | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site

This course will consider critical writing about art–literary, visual, cinematic, musical, etc.—as an art in its own right. We will read and discuss criticism from a wide variety of publications, paying attention to the ways outlets and audience shape critical work. The majority of our readings will be from the last few years and will include pieces by Joan Acocella, Andrea Long Chu, Jason Farago, and Carina del Valle Schorske. Students will write several short writing assignments (500-1000 words), including a straight review, during the first half of the semester and share them with peers. During the second half of the semester, each student will write and workshop a longer piece of criticism about a work of art or an artist of their choosing. Students will be expected to read and provide detailed feedback on the work of their peers. Students will revise their longer pieces based on workshop feedback and submit them for the final assignment of the class. Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, April 7) Supplemental Application Information:  Please write a letter of introduction (1-2 pages) giving a sense of who you are, your writing experience, and your current goals for your writing. Please also describe your relationship to the art forms and/or genres you're interested in engaging in the course. You may also list any writers or publications whose criticism you enjoy reading. Please also include a 3-5-page writing sample of any kind of prose writing. This could be an academic paper or it could be creative fiction or nonfiction.

English CACW. Advanced Fiction Workshop

Instructor: Paul Yoon TBD | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Advanced fiction workshop for students who have already taken a workshop at Harvard or elsewhere. The goal of the class is to continue your journey as a writer. You will be responsible for participating in discussions on the assigned texts, the workshop, engaging with the work of your colleagues, and revising your work. Supplemental Application Information:   * Please note: previous creative writing workshop experience required. * Please submit ONLY a cover letter telling me your previous creative writing workshop experience, either at Harvard or elsewhere; then tell me something you are passionate about and something you want to be better at; and, lastly, tell me why of all classes you want to take this one this semester. Again, please no writing samples.

English CBBR. Intermediate Poetry: Workshop

Instructor:  Josh Bell   Monday, 12:00-2:45pm | Location: Barker 018 Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site

Initially, students can expect to read, discuss, and imitate the strategies of a wide range of poets writing in English; to investigate and reproduce prescribed forms and poetic structures; and to engage in writing exercises meant to expand the conception of what a poem is and can be. As the course progresses, reading assignments will be tailored on an individual basis, and an increasing amount of time will be spent in discussion of student work. Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, April 7)

Supplemental Application Information:  Please submit a portfolio including a letter of interest, ten poems, and a list of classes (taken at Harvard or elsewhere) that seem to have bearing on your enterprise.

English CCEP. Ekphrastic Poetry: Workshop

Instructor: Tracy K. Smith Wednesday, 3:00-5:45 pm | Location: Lamont 401 Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site What can a poem achieve when it contemplates or even emulates a work of art in another medium? In this workshop, we'll read and write poems that engage with other art forms--and we'll test out what a foray into another artistic practice allows us to carry back over into the formal methods and behaviors of poetry. With poems by Keats, Rilke, Auden, Hughes, and Brooks, as well as Kevin Young, Evie Shockley, Ama Codjoe and other contemporary voices. Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm EDT on Saturday, August 26) Supplemental Application Information:  Please submit a writing sample of 5-10 poems and an application letter explaining your interest in this course.

English CCFC. Poetry Workshop: Form & Content

Instructor: Tracy K. Smith Tuesday, 12:00-2:45pm | Location: Sever 112 Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site

In this workshop, we’ll look closely at the craft-based choices poets make, and track the effects they have upon what we as readers are made to think and feel. How can implementing similar strategies better prepare us to engage the questions making up our own poetic material? We’ll also talk about content. What can poetry reveal about the ways our interior selves are shaped by public realities like race, class, sexuality, injustice and more? Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm EDT on Saturday, August 26)   

Supplemental Application Information:  Please submit a writing sample of 5-10 poems and an application letter explaining your interest in this course.

English CCIJ. Intermediate Fiction Workshop

Instructor: Jesse McCarthy Thursday, 3:00-5:45 pm | Location: Barker 269 Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site This is an intermediate course in the art of writing literary fiction. Previous experience with workshopping writing is encouraged but not required. The emphasis of the course will be learning how to read literature as a writer, with special attention given to the short story, novella, or short novel. We will read these works from the perspective of the writer as craftsperson and of the critic seeking in good faith to understand and describe a new aesthetic experience. We will be concerned foremost with how literary language works, with describing the effects of different kinds of sentences, different uses of genre, tone, and other rhetorical strategies. Together, we will explore our responses to examples of literature from around the world and from all periods, as well as to the writing you will produce and share with the class. As a member of a writing community, you should be prepared to respectfully read and respond to the work of others—both the work of your peers and that of the published writers that we will explore together. Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm EDT on Saturday, August 26) Supplemental Application Information:  This course is by application only but there are no prerequisites for this course and previous experience in a writing workshop is not required . In your application please submit a short letter explaining why you are interested in this class. You might tell me a bit about your relationship to literature, your encounter with a specific author, book, or even a scene or character from a story or novel. Please also include a writing sample of 2-5 pages (5 pages max!) of narrative prose fiction.

English CCFS. Fiction Workshop

Instructor: Teju Cole Spring 2024: Tuesday, 6:00-8:45pm | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site Spring 2025: TBD This reading and writing intensive workshop is for students who want to learn to write literary fiction. The goal of the course would be for each student to produce two polished short stories. Authors on the syllabus will probably include James Joyce, Eudora Welty, Toni Morrison, Alice Munro, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Diane Williams.

Supplemental Application Information:   Please submit a cover letter saying what you hope to get out of the workshop. In the cover letter, mention three works of fiction that matter to you and why. In addition, submit a 400–500 word sample of your fiction; the sample can be self-contained or a section of a longer work.

English CLPG. Art of Sportswriting

Instructor: Louisa Thomas Spring 2024: Tuesday, 9:00-11:45am | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site Spring 2025: TBD

In newsrooms, the sports section is sometimes referred to as the “toy department” -- frivolous and unserious, unlike the stuff of politics, business, and war. In this course, we will take the toys seriously. After all, for millions of people, sports and other so-called trivial pursuits (video games, chess, children’s games, and so on) are a source of endless fascination. For us, they will be a source of stories about human achievements and frustrations. These stories can involve economic, social, and political issues. They can draw upon history, statistics, psychology, and philosophy. They can be reported or ruminative, formally experimental or straightforward, richly descriptive or tense and spare. They can be fun. Over the course of the semester, students will read and discuss exemplary profiles, essays, articles, and blog posts, while also writing and discussing their own. While much (but not all) of the reading will come from the world of sports, no interest in or knowledge about sports is required; our focus will be on writing for a broad audience.  Supplemental Application Information:  To apply, please write a letter describing why you want to take the course and what you hope to get out of it. Include a few examples of websites or magazines you like to read, and tell me briefly about one pursuit -- football, chess, basketball, ballet, Othello, crosswords, soccer, whatever -- that interests you and why.

English CALR. Advanced Screenwriting: Workshop

Instructor: Musa Syeed Spring 2024: Wednesday, 12:00-2:45pm | Location: TBA Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site Spring 2025: TBD

The feature-length script is an opportunity to tell a story on a larger scale, and, therefore, requires additional preparation. In this class, we will move from writing a pitch, to a synopsis, to a treatment/outline, to the first 10 pages, to the first act of a feature screenplay. We will analyze produced scripts and discuss various elements of craft, including research, writing layered dialogue, world-building, creating an engaging cast of characters. As an advanced class, we will also look at ways both mainstream and independent films attempt to subvert genre and structure. Students will end the semester with a first act (20-30 pages) of their feature, an outline, and strategy to complete the full script.

Supplemental Application Information:  Please submit a 3-5 page writing sample. Screenplays are preferred, but fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and plays are acceptable as well. Also, please write a short note to introduce yourself. Include a couple films/filmmakers that have inspired you, your goals for the class, as well as any themes/subject matter/ideas you might be interested in exploring in your writing for film.

English CNFR. Creative Nonfiction: Workshop

Instructor: Darcy Frey Fall 2024: Wednesday, 3:00-5:45 pm | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students. Course Site Spring 2025: TBD

Whether it takes the form of literary journalism, essay, memoir, or environmental writing, creative nonfiction is a powerful genre that allows writers to break free from the constraints commonly associated with nonfiction prose and reach for the breadth of thought and feeling usually accomplished only in fiction: the narration of a vivid story, the probing of a complex character, the argument of an idea, or the evocation of a place. Students will work on several short assignments to hone their mastery of the craft, then write a longer piece that will be workshopped in class and revised at the end of the term. We will take instruction and inspiration from published authors such as Joan Didion, James Baldwin, Ariel Levy, Alexander Chee, and Virginia Woolf. This is a workshop-style class intended for undergraduate and graduate students at all levels of experience. No previous experience in English Department courses is required. Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm ET on Sunday, April 7)

Supplemental Application Information:   Please write a substantive letter of introduction describing who you are as writer at the moment and where you hope to take your writing; what experience you may have had with creative/literary nonfiction; what excites you about nonfiction in particular; and what you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Additionally, please submit 3-5 pages of creative/literary nonfiction (essay, memoir, narrative journalism, etc, but NOT academic writing) or, if you have not yet written much nonfiction, an equal number of pages of narrative fiction.

English CKR. Introduction to Playwriting: Workshop

Instructor: Sam Marks TBD | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students This workshop is an introduction to writing for the stage through intensive reading and in-depth written exercises. Each student will explore the fundamentals and possibilities of playwriting by generating short scripts and completing a one act play with an eye towards both experimental and traditional narrative styles. Readings will examine various ways of creating dramatic art and include work from contemporary playwrights such as Ayad Aktar, Clare Barron, Aleshea Harris, Young Jean Lee, and Taylor Mac, as well established work from Edward Albbe, Caryl Churchill, Suzan Lori-Parks, and Harold Pinter. Supplemental Application Information:  No experience in writing the dramatic form is necessary. Please submit a 5-10 page writing sample (preferably a play or screenplay, but all genres are acceptable and encouraged). Also, please write a few sentences about a significant theatrical experience (a play read or seen) and how it affected you.

English CACF. Get Real: The Art of Community-Based Film

Instructor: Musa Syeed Wednesday, 12:00-2:45pm | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 student Course Site

“I’ve often noticed that we are not able to look at what we have in front of us,” the Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami said, “unless it’s inside a frame.” For our communities confronting invisibility and erasure, there’s an urgent need for new frames. In this workshop, we’ll explore a community-engaged approach to documentary and fiction filmmaking, as we seek to see our world more deeply. We’ll begin with screenings, craft exercises, and discussions around authorship and social impact. Then we each will write, develop, and shoot a short film over the rest of the semester, building off of intentional community engagement. Students will end the class with written and recorded materials for a rough cut. Basic equipment and technical training will be provided.

Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, April 7)

Supplemental Application Information:  Please submit a brief letter explaining why you're interested to take this class. Please also discuss what participants/communities you might be interested in engaging with for your filmmaking projects. For your writing sample, please submit 3-5 pages of your creative work from any genre (screenwriting, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, etc.)

English CAFR. Advanced Fiction Workshop: Writing this Present Life

Instructor: Claire Messud Thursday, 3:00-5:45 pm | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site Intended for students with prior fiction-writing and workshop experience, this course will concentrate on structure, execution and revision. Exploring various strands of contemporary and recent literary fiction – writers such as Karl Ove Knausgaard, Rachel Cusk, Chimamanda Adichie, Douglas Stuart, Ocean Vuong, etc – we will consider how fiction works in our present moment, with emphasis on a craft perspective. Each student will present to the class a published fiction that has influenced them. The course is primarily focused on the discussion of original student work, with the aim of improving both writerly skills and critical analysis. Revision is an important component of this class: students will workshop two stories and a revision of one of these. Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm ET on Sunday, April 7)

Supplemental Application Information:  Please submit 3-5 pages of prose fiction, along with a substantive letter of introduction. I’d like to know why you’re interested in the course; what experience you’ve had writing, both in previous workshops and independently; what your literary goals and ambitions are. Please tell me about some of your favorite narratives – fiction, non-fiction, film, etc: why they move you, and what you learn from them.

English CAKV. Fiction Workshop: Writing from the First-Person Point of View

Instructor:  Andrew Krivak Tuesday, 9:00-11:45 1m | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site This course is a workshop intended for students who are interested in writing longer form narratives from the first-person point of view. The “I” at the center of any novel poses a perspective that is all at once imaginatively powerful and narratively problematic, uniquely insightful and necessarily unreliable. We will read from roughly twelve novels written in the first-person, from Marilynne Robinson and W.G. Sebald, to Valeria Luiselli and Teju Cole, and ask questions (among others) of why this form, why this style? And, as a result, what is lost and what is realized in the telling? Primarily, however, students will write. Our goal will be to have a student’s work read and discussed twice in class during the semester. I am hoping to see at least 35-40 pages of a project —at any level of completion—at the end of term.  Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, April 7) Supplemental Application Information:  Please write a substantive letter telling me why you’re interested in taking this class, what writers (classical and contemporary) you admire and why, and if there’s a book you have read more than once, a movie you have seen more than once, a piece of music you listen to over and over, not because you have to but because you want to. Students of creative nonfiction are also welcome to apply.

English CCSS. Fiction Workshop: The Art of the Short Story

Instructor: Laura van den Berg Tuesday, 12:00-2:45 pm | Location: TBD Enrollment: Limited to 12 students Course Site This course will serve as an introduction to the fundamentals of writing fiction, with an emphasis on the contemporary short story. How can we set about creating “big” worlds in compact spaces? What unique doors can the form of the short story open? The initial weeks will focus on exploratory exercises and the study of published short stories and craft essays. Later, student work will become the primary text as the focus shifts to workshop discussion. Authors on the syllabus will likely include Ted Chiang, Lauren Groff, Carmen Maria Machado, and Octavia Butler. This workshop welcomes writers of all levels of experience. Apply via Submittable  (deadline: 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, April 7) Supplemental Application Information:  Please submit a letter of introduction. I’d like to know a little about why you are drawn to studying fiction; what you hope to get out of the workshop and what you hope to contribute; and one thing you are passionate about outside writing / school. Please also include a very brief writing sample (2-3 pages). The sample can be in any genre (it does not have to be from a work of fiction). 

Write an Honors Creative Thesis

Students may apply to write a senior thesis or senior project in creative writing, although only English concentrators can be considered. Students submit applications in early March of their junior year, including first-term juniors who are out of phase. The creative writing faculty considers the proposal, along with the student's overall performance in creative writing and other English courses, and notifies students about its decision in early mid-late March. Those applications are due, this coming year, on TBA . 

Students applying for a creative writing thesis or project must have completed at least one course in creative writing at Harvard before they apply. No student is guaranteed acceptance. It is strongly suggested that students acquaint themselves with the requirements and guidelines well before the thesis application is due. The creative writing director must approve any exceptions to the requirements, which must be made in writing by Monday, February 7, 2022. Since the creative writing thesis and project are part of the English honors program, acceptance to write a creative thesis is conditional upon the student continuing to maintain a 3.40 concentration GPA. If a student’s concentration GPA drops below 3.40 after the spring of the junior year, the student may not be permitted to continue in the honors program.

Joint concentrators may apply to write creative theses, but we suggest students discuss the feasibility of the project well before applications are due. Not all departments are open to joint creative theses.

Students who have questions about the creative writing thesis should contact the program’s Director, Sam Marks .

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Board of Trustees Recognizes Faculty Members

Congratulations to the 23 members of the faculty who were awarded promotions and/or tenure by the Ithaca College Board of Trustees at its May meetings.

The biographies of the faculty members were provided by their respective schools.

AWARDED PROMOTION FROM ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR TO PROFESSOR Department of Theatre and Dance Paula Murray Cole (M.F.A. Southern Methodist University) teaches acting, voice, and movement. Her professional work is centered on the development and dissemination of Rasaboxes, a suite of exercises originally devised by Richard Schechner. She co-authored and edited the first book dedicated to the exercises, “Inside the Performance Workshop: A Sourcebook for Rasaboxes and Other Exercises” (Routledge 2023), and co-authored “The Actor As Athlete of the Emotions: The Rasaboxes Exercise” for the book “Movement For Actors (2nd Edition, 2017), edited by Nicole Potter, Barabara Adrian, and Mary Fleischer. She has taught performance workshops at New York University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the Dell’ Arte International School of Physical Theatre, Brown University, and Rose Bruford College and has presented Rasaboxes at conferences and workshops in Israel, Montreal, Turkey, Singapore, China, and Poland.

Department of Occupational Therapy Melinda Cozzolino (P.P.O.T.D. Creighton University) teaches courses in neuroscience, mental health, and research. She received the founding grant for the Center for Life Skills, an interdisciplinary program at Longview for adults with chronic neurological conditions. This program has operated for over 20 years and has provided experiential learning for thousands of students and therapeutic services for hundreds of community members. She is a prolific scholar in the areas of interprofessional education and supporting mental health and is an advocate for mental health at the local, regional, and national levels.

Department of Theatre Studies Chrystyna Dail (Ph.D. University of Maryland) serves as director of the Integrative Core Curriculum. Her area of specialization is theatre history, with research interests in U.S. social activist performance, labor theatre, 20th-century Ukrainian-American performance, and the representation of witches in performance. Her book, “Stage for Action: U.S. Social Activist Theatre in the 1940s,” is part of the Theater in the Americas series published through Southern Illinois University Press, and her chapter, “Driving Race Work: The UAW, Detroit, and Discrimination for Everybody!” is included in the edited collection “Working in the Wings: New Perspectives on Theatre History and Labor.” Additionally, her chapter on Margo Jones is included in the eight-volume book series The Great North American Stage Directors published through Methuen Drama. She is currently writing a book about theatrical stagings of the Salem witchcraft crisis by female-identifying artists, and is the book review editor of Theatre Survey, which is published through Cambridge University Press.

Department of Philosophy and Religion Serge Grigoriev (Ph.D. Temple University) imbues the array of courses that he teaches with his ready sense of humor and his gift for oratory. In his classes, laughter is a regular feature, allowing students to enjoy themselves intellectually as they grapple with complex material. His research focuses on pragmatism and the philosophy of history, and he has published prodigiously, producing original, philosophically significant, and refreshingly readable scholarly work. He has been a generous citizen of the college, bringing thoughtful insights to the H&S Faculty Senate, the C.P. Snow Lecture Series Committee, and the Faculty Grievance Committee, to name just three of his service endeavors.

Department of Management Narges Kasiri (Ph.D. Oklahoma State University) bridges theory and practice in her courses in operations management and business analytics. She has integrated cutting-edge technology, including generative AI, into the curriculum. Her collaborative projects with local businesses allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings, enhancing both their learning experience and IC’s engagement in the community. As a scholar, she has earned prestigious honors such as the Fulbright Innovation Award and a grant from HSBC’s Sustainability Office.

Department of Exercise and Athletic Training Patrick McKeon (Ph.D. University of Virginia) is best described as a teacher/servant/scholar. He teaches both graduate and undergraduate students to better understand research and its application to their clinical practice. He serves the department as the Athletic Training Clinical Education Coordinator, the college as chair of the Institutional Review Board and his profession as an editor of two prestigious professional journals. He is also a well-respected scholar, serving as an Executive Council member of the International Ankle Consortium and mentoring numerous students each year to present their own research at local, regional, and national conferences.

Department of Music Education James Mick (Ph.D. Florida State University) teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in string pedagogy, orchestral rehearsal techniques, instrumental conducting, and the psychology of music teaching and learning. In 2020 he was honored with Ithaca College’s Faculty Excellence Award. Recent all-state orchestra appearances include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, and Wyoming. Internationally, he has worked with student ensembles in the United Kingdom and Belgium. He served as music director and conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra from 2015 to 2023. During his tenure the RPYO held annual side-by-side performances with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at Eastman Theatre’s Kodak Hall and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. A popular clinician, he has presented at numerous state, regional, and national conferences including the American String Teachers Association National Conference and the Midwest Clinic: An International Band & Orchestra Conference.

Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition Alexander Reed (Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh) is the author of the books “Assimilate: A Critical History of Industrial Music (2013 Oxford University Press) and “Laurie Anderson’s Big Science” (2021 Oxford University Press). He also co-wrote the volume on the They Might Be Giants album “Flood” (2014 Bloomsbury) for the 33 1/3 book series. He has published in the Journal of Popular Music Studies, Popular Music and Society, Perspectives of New Music, the Journal of Popular Music Education, ImageTexT, Music Theory Spectrum, Music Theory Online, and the Journal of Musicological Research. He is founder and former chair of the Popular Music Study Group of the American Musicological Society and has served on the board of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music’s U.S. branch. He has received awards, fellowships, and residencies at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Mellon Foundation, Contemporary Arts International, and the Association for Recorded Sound Collections. Active as a musician, he has toured internationally and released seven albums with his bands Seeming and ThouShaltNot. He has also produced dozens of records for others, and his work has aired on MTV and in popular television on series such as “Gossip Girl.”

Department of Music Performance Michael Titlebaum (M.M. Eastman School of Music) is a saxophonist/composer/arranger who serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Ithaca College, where he directs the Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble; coaches combos; and teaches jazz saxophone and courses in jazz standards, arranging, repertoire, and pedagogy. In 2010 he founded the Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble Composition Contest. He also teaches and coordinates the jazz area in the IC Summer Music Academy. He is the author of the book “Jazz Improvisation Using Simple Melodic Embellishment,” published by Routledge/Taylor and Francis in 2021. He has performed and given workshops and lectures at numerous state and national conferences, including the Jazz Education Network, the International Society for Improvised Music, the New York State School Music Association, the New York State Band Directors Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association.

Department of Computer Science Doug Turnbull (Ph.D. University of California) teaches across the computer science curriculum, exhibiting a persistent dedication to making his classes accessible and to providing research opportunities to the largest possible number of students. Students appreciate that he involves them in his research as genuine partners and grants them foundations for future careers. His scholarship has earned wide recognition in the form of NSF and NEA grants that have brought more than $600,000 to IC. He has published widely in the area of music information retrieval, and he recently delivered a keynote lecture at a conference in Singapore. In his service, he has continued his efforts to promote undergraduate research, and he serves on the H&S Faculty Senate. He also engages in service to the music information retrieval research community, nationally and internationally.

Department of Media Arts, Sciences, and Studies Andrew Utterson (Ph.D. Birkbeck College) has expertly taught courses across the Screen Studies curriculum including Film Aesthetics and Analysis, Hollywood and American History, and Fiction Film Theory as well as ICC courses and mini-courses for the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival, of which he is now co-director. The focus of his scholarship in film history, theory, and criticism is the intersection between film and new media as well as the changing nature of cinema from production to exhibition.

Department of Exercise and Athletic Training Justine Vosloo (Ph.D. West Virginia University) is a model for faculty within helping professions. She has spearheaded significant improvements to the department’s graduate Sport Psychology and Mental Performance programs. She is an outstanding mentor to students as they present their own research within professional journals and at national conferences and when they consult with student-athletes to improve their mental performance. Finally, she has grown to be a well-respected scholar within her profession as evidenced by her recent keynote lecture, “Reflections on cultural humility, inclusion, and belonging: Current trends and future challenges for the practice of sport psychology when considering the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Department of Music Education Baruch Whitehead (Ph.D. Capella University) is the founding director of the Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers, which is dedicated to the preservation of the Negro Spiritual. He also founded the Orff-Schulwerk certification program, a music education that views music as a basic system like language, at Ithaca College and Marshall University, and is the past director of the annual Orff Certification Training Course at Boston University. His other areas of expertise include diversity in music education, gospel music and its preservation within mainstream musical settings, African American music, and the music of the Civil Rights movement. He has been a featured speaker/workshop presenter at many state, national, and international conferences, including the International Arts and Humanities conference in Honolulu and MENC, NYSSMA, NJMEA, and the American Orff-Schulwerk Association national conference. He has taught at the World Music Village in Helsinki, Finland, and continues to present workshops on diversity in music education for state, national, and international conferences.

Department of Strategic Communication Cory Young (Ph.D. Bowling Green State University) regularly teaches Crisis Communication, and this topic is the focus of most of her research. She is an organizational communication scholar whose work also explores risk communication and projects on diversity and inclusion. She has served in many capacities, including administrative roles for her department and for the school’s graduate program as well as for the college as a whole, as director of the Honors Program, a member of All-College Tenure and Promotion Committee, and chair of the Faculty Handbook Committee.

AWARDED TENURE AND PROMOTION FROM ASSISTANT TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Department of Music Performance Mike Truesdell (D.M.A. The Juilliard School) is a percussionist who has performed with numerous ensembles, including the New York City Ballet, International Contemporary Ensemble, and Lucerne Festival Ensemble conducted by Pierre Boulez, and with members of the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Chamber Music Society (New York), and Alarm Will Sound, among others. As an educator, he has previously been on the faculties of the University of Northern Colorado, Rutgers University, and Columbia University. Also engaged with mentoring the next generation, he has taught in the acclaimed Music Advancement Program at The Juilliard School, and founded Wildcat Percussion Camp, a summer percussion program to introduce aspiring percussionists to the spectrum of percussive sounds and techniques.

AWARDED TENURE AT RANK OF PROFESSOR Department of Media Arts, Sciences, and Studies James Rada (Ph.D. University of Georgia) expertly teaches budding journalists how to tell important stories in inventive ways in courses such as Documentary Journalism Workshop and Investigative Journalism. His creative activity includes producing and directing “With Infinite Hope: MLK and the Civil Rights Movement,” among other films he contributed to that tell the history of the movement and the Underground Railroad. He was awarded IC’s Faculty Excellence Award in 2020. He is an active reviewer and judge for several industry professional publications and organizations.

AWARDED TENURE AT RANK OF ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Department of Media Arts, Sciences, and Studies Andy Watts (M.F.A. Columbia University) is an outstanding teacher who can successfully teach across the various film and television programs in the Roy H. Park School of Communications. His creative work as a screenwriter, director, and producer, combined with a 20-year career as a set lighting technician, directly contribute to his efficacy as an educator, mentor, and colleague. He has demonstrated an exemplary level of service to the department, the school, and the college, while maintaining ties to the industry.

AWARDED PROMOTION FROM ASSISTANT TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Department of Biology Rebecca Brady (Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin) is renowned for her creative teaching of such classes as Human Genetics and Fundamentals of Biology, enlivening them with innovative techniques and placing a firm emphasis on students’ intellectual growth. Her scholarship is integrally connected to her teaching—she has contributed to the biology education literature through her published work in American Biology Teacher and is at work on a study of the flipped classroom. She has mentored student research projects that have resulted in public presentations, and her service contributions have students at their core. As examples, she has judged sessions for the Whalen Symposium and she was a member of the Innovation Scholars Program steering committee, helping to give birth to that vital new program in H&S.

Department of Music Performance Daniel Coakwell (D.M.A. Texas Tech University) teaches in the Voice area of the department, and students and peers alike commend his commitment to promoting a learning environment that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of his students. He also enjoys guest teaching artist residencies at institutions such as El Teatro Teresa Carreño in Venezuela, Yale University, and Dartmouth College. He specializes in the Evangelist and tenor roles of J.S. Bach, and he frequently performs the composer’s major oratorios—St. Matthew Passion, St. John Passion, Christmas Oratorio, and Mass in B-Minor—as well as many of Bach’s cantatas. Recent performances as a tenor soloist include G.T. Handel’s Messiah at the Myerson Symphony Center in Dallas, TX, and at the Steinmetz Hall in Orlando, FL, and as tenor soloist of J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor at the Judson Memorial Church in New York City and at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salem, OR.

Department of the Environment Paula Turkon (Ph.D. Binghamton University) teaches generously not just in her own department but for programs across the college, including Anthropology and Innovation Scholars. She is known as an exuberant and imaginative instructor, and her students express gratitude for the lifelong impact she leaves on them, often helping them to forge careers in science. Her research in the areas of dendrochronology and aquaponics has resulted in three NSF grants as well as published scholarship. She has left an indelible imprint on H&S by leading a discussion that resulted in a new Innovation Scholars Program with sustainability at its core. Colleagues characterize her as an embodiment of the scholar-teacher ideal in the liberal arts.

Department of Writing Jaime Warburton (M.F.A. Sarah Lawrence College) offers courses at every level of the Writing curriculum, with a focus on first-year writing, poetics, creative writing, and gender. Faculty and students point to her welcoming and passionate approach to instruction, noting that she teaches with humor and vivacity, and she empowers students to interrogate their biases and preconceptions. She is a prolific author of creative nonfiction, poetry, and scholarship on the craft of writing. Reviewers call her work “gorgeous,” “self-aware,” and “self-deprecating.” She has been a generous citizen of IC, directing the Writing Center and the Ithaca Young Writers Institute, and chairing the Faculty Handbook Amendment Committee, among numerous activities.

AWARDED PROMOTION FROM CLINICAL ASSISTANT TO CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Department of Physical Therapy Kayleigh Plumeau (D.P.T. Ithaca College) is a highly effective teacher and has exceptional clinical skills. She launched a novel mentoring program that directly addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical settings. She has had multiple presentations at national conferences including about the mentoring program, representation in clinical education, and growth mindset, with presentations and publications in interprofessional education and home exercise program for cancer survivors. She is the chair of the awards committee for the NY State Physical Therapy Association.

Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Jana Waller (M.S. Ithaca College) has been a clinical faculty member since 2011, serving as fieldwork coordinator, graduate co-chair, and interim chair. Since 2021 she has served as associate dean for the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. She was selected for a prestigious HERS leadership development fellowship based on her leadership experience. She has conducted clinical research in autism, developing an innovative program for autistic adolescents and adults. More recently, her scholarly work has focused on interprofessional education in the health sciences.

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Literature & creative writing, course outline.

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Want to study more than one course? Choose two subject courses to study if you apply for a 4-week Summer program.

Upon application, select your desired program length and you will be prompted to choose a second course subject when completing your application form.

What’s included?

At Reach Cambridge, we provide the full package. We aim to make things as easy for our families when planning their summer experience.

The program cost includes:

• University college accommodation in central Cambridge
• 24 onsite supervision
• 20 hours academic tuition per week
• Guest Lectures by leading academics on global themes & University Life
• Practical workshops (including leadership, interview skills and public speaking)
• Two meals a day*
• Fun, inclusive & exciting activities and events every afternoon and evening
• 2 coach excursions to exciting cultural highlights in the UK
• Optional supervised airport transfers to and from London Heathrow airport and Cambridge
• End of Program Graduation Celebration
• Course Certificate
• Course report including a suggested academic reading list for the future
• International Student Travel Insurance

For peace of mind:

• 24 hour onsite supervision
• Dedicated welfare staff
• Students accommodated in small corridor groups
• Reach Cambridge dedicated program office
• Daily program blog for all friends, family and students

* ‘Please note that only breakfast is provided on the weekends

Deadlines: Your deposit is due within 7 days of your application, your personal statement is due within 30 days of your application and all remaining items are due by 31st March.

Deadlines : Your deposit is due within 7 days of your application, your personal statement is due within 30 days of your application and all remaining items are due by 31st March.

Tasters Courses

Community outreach, creative writing, cybersecurity & ai, history & politics, introduction to architecture, introduction to coding, introduction to economics, introduction to psychology, introduction to robotics.

Fancy becoming the next Elon Musk? Start with our Introduction to Robotics taster where you will learn the basics of electronic circuits by building them with your own hands. You will design and construct your own device, and emerge with knowledge and skills needed to begin your journey towards building your own self-driving car!

Music Composition

Philosophy & ethics.

Do you ever wonder about the big questions like what it means to be alive, or how to be good in a world as complicated as ours? Philosophers have been asking these questions for centuries and some of their suggestions may surprise you. This taster asks students to dig in deep and bring their thinking caps with them for sessions all about reality and our place in it. Based on lively, respectful debate and deep contemplation, this taster is perfect for anyone looking to challenge their assumptions and expand their mind.

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Study skills, young leaders.

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I made amazing and intense bonds and connections with people that will last. The education has been fantastic and I’ve learned such a high caliber of knowledge in my field.

Juliet, Literature & Creative Writing

Reach Cambridge has been the best thing I’ve ever been a part of. I absolutely loved every second of it. I’ve enjoyed not only the lessons, but also all of the fun activities.

Zazu, English & Performing Arts

I couldn’t imagine a better way to learn.

Melek, English Literature & Performing Arts

My class has been so inspiring, I have learned so much and am so thankful for this experience.

Sarah, English Literature

Our Summer Programs feature a strong focus on your chosen subject, and leave plenty of time for excursions.

Please note, these are meant as a rough guide only and are subject to change.

Testimonials

The Spring Program is a personalised study program, with students able to join us for either one or two weeks. Combining academic subject study, leadership and study skills, our classes and workshops are complemented by excursions to historical and cultural sites, both within and outside of Cambridge, as well as group activities.

Students gain insight into how to prepare for higher education anywhere in the world, equipping them to become a successful leader and scholar in the 21st century. Workshops and lectures include team-building, presentation skills, debating, study skills, interview skills and community outreach.

Each week there will also be three half-day personalised study sessions. These offer students the chance to explore some of the topics taught at undergraduate level, and access excellent academics in their discipline of choice – the perfect opportunity to experience what it would be like to study their dream course or land their dream job.

Subjects available:

• Business Management & Economics
• Computer Science & Maths
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• Physics & Engineering
• Politics & International Relations

Teaching consists of lectures, workshops, discussions as well as individual and small group work. This mix gives students a feel for how teaching and learning take place at universities all around the world.

Choose two subject courses to study if you apply for a 2-week Spring program. Upon application, select your desired program length and you will be prompted to choose a second course subject when completing your application form.

The Spring Program is perfect for students looking to combine personal academic development with essential learning and leadership skills.

At Reach Cambridge, we provide the full package. We aim to make things as easy for our families when planning their spring experience.

• 3 half-day subject classes/supervisions
• Lectures on global themes & University Life
• Leadership workshops
• Coach excursions to famous, exciting locations in the UK
• Optional supervised airport transfers to and from London Gatwick or Heathrow and Cambridge
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Taster Courses are not available in our Spring Program.

Our Spring Programs feature a strong focus on your chosen subject, and leave plenty of time for excursions.

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Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing: Fiction and Writing for Performance

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The deadline for booking a place on this course has passed. Please use the 'Ask a Question' button to register your interest in future or similar courses.

We are now taking applications for the 23/24 Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing: Fiction and Writing for Performance starting 11th October 2023. Click here to apply.

A second cohort of our Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing: Fiction and Writing for Performance is now available.  Apply today!

The Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing: Fiction and Writing for Performance offers the chance to explore a range of genres and literary styles as a way of stimulating your own writing voice. The course offers the chance to experiment in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Our undergraduate courses are now being delivered entirely online , enabling students to study flexibly with the University of Cambridge from anywhere in the world.

We offer a range of tuition fee bursaries to promote access to and participation in continuing education. 

Listen to the Course Directors for the Certificate and Diploma in Creative Writing courses talking about the courses here .

Virtual Open Events

To learn more about the programme and the student experience, and to ask any questions you may have, join us for our virtual open events. To register, follow these links:

Watch the info session webinar recording here

What will I be studying?

Unit 1: introduction to creative writing.

9 evening classes (7.15-9.15 pm) starting on Tuesday 11 October plus 2 Saturday day-schools (29 October and 19 November 2022).  Saturdays 11am to 4pm (break 1-2pm)

This unit will introduce you to different forms of fiction – such as the novel, flash fiction and short stories. Through close reading of published work, and your own writing, you will examine the difference between fiction and other forms of writing such as poetry.

Unit 2: Approaches to long fiction

9 evening classes (7.15-9.15 pm) starting on Tuesday 3 January plus 2 Saturday day-schools (28 January and 11 February 2023).  Saturdays 11am to 4pm (break 1-2pm)

In this unit you will look at the different ways of writing long fiction. You will study the structure of a range of novels to see how different authors have followed or subverted the “rules”. We will discuss how authors achieve a particular style – whether that is the tense atmosphere of a “police procedural” or the more lyrical style of a “literary” novel.

Unit 3: Writing for Performance

8 evening classes (7.15-9.15 pm) starting on Tuesday 28 March plus 2 Saturday day-schools (15 April and 6 May 2023).  Saturdays 11am to 4pm (break 1-2pm)

In this unit you will study the ways in which a piece written for performance tells its story and engages with its audience – whether that audience is watching a TV “soap” or listening to a radio play. The unit will introduce you to the tools and conventions used to create a play or radio drama or to write for film or TV. You will gain a greater understanding of dialogue and pace, and skills learnt on this unit will help to enhance other forms of writing.

What can I go on to do?

The Institute offers a pair of Certificate (FHEQ Level 4) and Diploma (FHEQ Level 5) level courses in Creative Writing along with a range of postgraduate courses. For further details please visit the subject page.

The Certificate level courses are entry level courses suitable for all levels including those who may have already done some creative writing but have no formal qualifications. They provide an excellent grounding for those wishing to go onto take our Diploma level courses. The Diploma level courses follow on from, and build on, the Certificates and although completion of a Certificate level course is not a requirement of entry to the Diploma level it is strongly encouraged.

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

If you have any questions about this course, would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, or would like to know more about the admissions process, please complete this enquiry form with your questions. 

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. 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.

English language requirement : If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements for Undergraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas pages for further information.

Technical requirements:

For the 2022-2023 Academic Year this course is being taught entirely online. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge, although there is an expectation that you will attend synchronous teaching sessions. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You will therefore need to have access to:

- the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device. 

- speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material

- a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available

Once you are logged into the VLE you can familiarise yourself with the learning environment. There is also guidance about how to access course materials and activities. 

The content, activities and interaction for each of the three units will be taught remotely using video-based teaching platforms and an online course Virtual Learning Environment. You will have access to resources, discussion forums, and course tasks within ICE's Virtual Learning Environment. Teaching methods will include lectures, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, interactive and experiential learning activities, reading and assignments to be completed by participants outside classroom sessions and online discussion forums.

All students are expected to take an active part in the course and submit work showing evidence of learning. Your learning will be enhanced by:

• engaging with scheduled teaching sessions; 
• participating in class activities and discussion;
• undertaking reading and assignments set by the tutor;
• accessing resources and submitting assignments through the VLE.

Course Timeline

• Course (Unit 1) Start Date: Tuesday 11 October 2022
• Unit 1 submission deadline: Wednesday 4 January 2023
• Unit 2 start date: Tuesday 3 January 2023
• Unit 2 submission deadline:  Wednesday 22 March 2023
• Unit 3 start date: Tuesday 28 March 2023
• Unit 3 submission deadline:  Friday 09 June 2023

During the course you will assessed by a series of assignments. Further details will be provided in the course guide.

In addition to attending the taught elements of the course and submitting assignments you will need to set aside time for independent study. Credit is generally calculated in terms of hours of study and assumes that each credit is awarded for around 10 hours of successful learning; so, by this calculation, a 60-credit course will involve around 600 hours of successful study. Examples of how study may be broken down are: pre-class preparation, classroom time (lectures, seminars, discussion, presentations, debates, case-studies etc.); engagement with the VLE; peer-to-peer interaction, preparations for assignments, assignment writing and feedback and so on.

What is the status of this qualification?

The course is taught and awarded at first-year undergraduate level (FHEQ 4) and offers 60 credits within the Higher Education Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). This is equivalent to half of the first year of full-time undergraduate study.

The fee for the course is £2500 for the year and covers the course tuition.

You can pay in two ways:

• in full on enrolment (by cheque payable to the University of Cambridge or by credit or debit card)
• in three equal instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, and the second  and third instalment being taken 3 months and 6 months after the course start date. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details

Please note your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education accompanied by any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE fees and refund policy

For information on bursaries for this course, please see http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/bursaries  

For information on a loan from Student Finance England for course fees and maintenance costs, please see http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/info/student-loans

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified by 19 September 2022  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 Cancellation policy ).

Please apply via the link at the top of this page. Your application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on 5 September 2022.  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 or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified by 19 September 2022  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 Cancellation policy ).”

Are sessions recorded? Where teaching is delivered face-to-face, sessions are not normally recorded. Where teaching is delivered remotely (via Zoom, for example), and wherever possible, sessions are recorded. There may be some instances where we are not able to share a recording or part of a recording; for example, for technological, confidentiality or copyright reasons.

It is worth noting that regular attendance is a requirement of the course, whether that be in person or by participating remotely (via Zoom) in the live and interactive teaching sessions.

What if I can't attend a session?   We understand that you may need to miss a session from time to time. We would simply ask that you let your tutor and/or Course Director know, and ideally in advance of the session. We will do what we can to ensure that you are able to catch up on any work missed, and we encourage you to listen to recordings of sessions where available.

Is any financial help available? Details of any bursaries available through ICE are listed on our website .

Information about other sources of funding (including loans, Disabled Students’ Allowance etc.) may also be useful.

Can I apply for/undertake multiple courses at any one time? You are welcome to apply for multiple courses. However, you would not normally be able to undertake more than two Certificate- or Diploma-level courses in any one year.

When considering whether to undertake more than one course, you will firstly need to ensure that there are no date clashes between teaching sessions. We would also advise you to carefully consider the work load of undertaking more than one course - consider any reading you will want to do as well as the time required to attend classes and complete assignments. You may also want to consider what commitments you have beyond your studies.

If you would like to undertake a second course, we would ask you to contact us so that we can liaise with both Course Directors. They will need to approve your application on the understanding that you will be undertaking two courses simultaneously.

If I complete a Certificate/Diploma with ICE, does it guarantee me a place on another course at ICE, including an MSt? We are delighted that many of our students want to return to study with us again and again. Unfortunately, however, completion of one course does not guarantee that you will be offered a place on another.

To ensure quality of teaching, places on courses are necessarily limited, and where an offer is made, places can only be confirmed subject to availability.

A Course Director may also feel that a higher level course is not the best fit for you. In this case, the Course Director may recommend another more suitable Certificate-level course or a non-award bearing short course or online course. This is, by no means, a rejection, but a way for us to help you to prepare more fully for study at a higher level.

Do I need to have completed the Certificate-level course before applying for a place on the Diploma? The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your studies, and some students on the Diploma will have previously completed the Certificate; however, completion of the Certificate is not a requirement for entry onto the Diploma. It very much depends on your experience in creative writing, the information you provide in your Personal Statement, and on your writing sample.

If you apply for a place on the Diploma, our Course Directors will let you know if they would recommend you complete the Certificate first. Please don’t be deterred – ultimately, we want you to find the course that is the best fit so that you are comfortable and feel a sense of achievement throughout.

Can I transfer credits/CAT points from a course completed elsewhere? For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website .

Do I need to have studied Creative Writing before? At Certificate-level, you do not need to have any prior experience of the subject area. An interest would normally be helpful.

At Diploma-level, some previous experience is expected. To submit the strongest application possible, we recommend you make use of the application form to highlight all relevant interests, qualifications, skills and experience.

Is the course accredited by the University of Cambridge? Many part-time courses offered by ICE are University of Cambridge qualifications. For more details, visit our website .

Will I become the member of a College by undertaking a Certificate/Diploma course? Enrolment on a Certificate- or Diploma-level course does not lead to College affiliation.

Can I pay in instalments? Yes. When you come to confirm your course place with payment, you will be given the option to pay in instalments. Course fees for Certificate and Diploma courses are normally split into three equally weighted instalments spread throughout the year, with the first instalment due by way of deposit at the point of confirming your course place.

How many hours of study are required to complete a Certificate/Diploma course? The course webpage in each case should provide you with an idea of the study hours you can expect - see ‘Teaching and Assessment’ tab.

Certificate and Diplomas equate to 60 credits at FHEQ5. Credit is generally calculated in terms of hours of study and assumes that each credit is awarded for around 10 hours of successful learning; so, by this calculation, a 60-credit course will involve around 600 hours of successful study. Examples of how study may be broken down are: pre-class preparation, classroom time (lectures, seminars, discussion, presentations, debates, case-studies etc.); engagement with the VLE; peer-to-peer interaction, preparations for assignments, assignment writing and feedback etc..

Unless otherwise stated, teaching and assessment for ICE courses are in English. If your first language is not English, please refer to our Information for Applicants pages for further guidance.

Course dates

Course duration, course director, academic director.

Academic Directors, Course Directors and Tutors are subject to change, when necessary.

Qualifications / Credits

Course code.

Institute of Continuing Education Madingley Hall Madingley Cambridge CB23 8AQ

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