Creative Writing

Study at a specialist college with the assurance of a university qualification. Develop your passions and reach your potential in a small, welcoming environment within a community of like-minded people. Benefit from the unique setting and history of the College with its archive, extensive grounds and historic connections to literary and publishing experimentation provide a stimulating environment for study.

Why choose West Dean?

94% of students studying at the College* felt the programme had enhanced their skills and abilities (*2019 student survey)
A rich arts environment and a focus on craft skills with vocational application.

The Course

The Graduate Diploma is a new programme equivalent to the level of the third year of a BA (Hons). It is designed for aspiring writers who want to develop their skills and explore different creative forms. You will study fiction, creative non-fiction (with particular emphasis on essay, memoir, journaling) and poetics. There will also be opportunities to explore long form journalism and scriptwriting as well as an introduction to the mechanics and processes of modern publishing. You will be encouraged to experiment with form and style in order to develop your own voice. There will be a primary focus on the development of craft over and above literary theory.

The programme is part-time and delivered at either:

West Dean (West Sussex) Campus: Delivered during the week, through nine 3-day residential blocks per year
London Bloomsbury Campus: Delivered through 10 weekend courses at Bloomsbury and one week-long writers retreat at West Dean per year (in spring)

West Dean prides itself on providing an inclusive and student focused experience with regular one to one tutorials and feedback on your work during and after each study block.

At the heart of this programme is the opportunity for you to invest time and attention in your writing, hone your abilities and develop your craft through supported practice with teaching delivered by a committed team of successful, published writers.

Learning environment

Attend six 3-day intensive blocks of workshops, lectures and tutorials (over one year)
Excellent staff: student ratio
One-to-one tutorials with your personal tutor as part of every study block
Intensive practical workshops in creative fiction and non-fiction to support the development of your work
Receive professional input from publishers and agents
Creative interdisciplinary environment
Be part of an active writing community with regular high-profile writers-in-residence
A supportive and individualised approach to your learning and the development of your craft

What to expect

Varied teaching styles
Develop your writing, editing and critical skills
Develop a clearer idea of genre and form
Work toward publication
Practical introduction to the mechanics of publishing
Gain and articulate a critical insight into your own writing process, challenges, strengths and direction.
Learn from a range of published writers and industry experts in a way that enhances your development as an emerging writer.
Enhance your practice by learning from and alongside other artistic and creative practitioners.

Teaching

You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and supervised practicals. In addition, you have personal tutorials with your subject tutor.

On the Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing you typically have around 17-18 contact hours per study block, typically consisting of:

5-6 hours lectures
4 hours seminars
8 hours supervised practicals
30 mins one-to-one meetings/tutorials

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars and workshop or other timetabled sessions you'll be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library and preparing coursework assignments and presentations.