creative writing courses online oxford

• Bodleian Libraries
• Oxford LibGuides
• Creative Writing
• Free Online Resources

Creative Writing: Free Online Resources

Introduction.

In addition to resources the Bodleian Libraries purchases, there are a number of alternative free online resources to support the study of Creative Writing. If you have any suggestions to help us expand this page, please contact [email protected].

Free online resources

• Open Educational Resources (OERs)
• Websites of useful organisations
• Audio resources

OERs are any type of teaching and/or learning materials that are freely available in the public domain, published under open licenses. Those listed below are applicable to the study of philosophy.

• Future Learn A diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. Includes several courses relating to Creative Writing.
• MERLOT The MERLOT system provides access to curated online learning and support materials and content creation tools, led by an international community of educators, learners and researchers.
• open.conted The gateway to Open Educational Resources and other freely available resources created or selected by tutors of the University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education.
• Open Culture An aggregator of free, downloadable courses from the world's leading universities, including many courses relating to Creative Writing.
• Open Learn Free online courses and resources provided by the Open University. Covers many subjects, including Creative Writing.
• The Oxford Centre for Life-Writing The Centre is committed to outreach, collaboration, and fostering research into life-writing. It promotes a lively, cross-disciplinary dialogue on the full range of life-writing, including biography, memoir and social media forms, through a busy programme of events, including lunch talks, performances, panel discussions, seminars and full-day workshops.
• The Poetry Society Membership organisation providing events, publications, competitions and education to support poets and poetry audiences. The Society supports small local groups around the country called "Stanzas".
• BBC Writers Room Training, advice and opportunities for script writers. Includes the Script Library, where you can read BBC film, TV and radio scripts in full.
• Oxford Playhouse residencies Oxford's local theatre supports playwrights through two residencies: the Playhouse Playmaker programme for playwrights at any stage of their career, and The Plot for later career playwrights.
• Writing Lives: biography and beyond Interviews with leading biographers, writers, and scholars about life writing in all its forms.
• Oxford Writers House Talks A series of talks exploring writing mediums, methods, interests, and approaches, produced by the Faculty of English Language and Literature at Oxford University.
• Writers in Dialogue Peter D. McDonald, Professor of English and Related Literature in the Faculty of English and Fellow of St Hugh's College, talks to contemporary writers about their work.
• BBC Writers Room Podcast Writers of popular BBC shows answer listeners' questions

The Poetry Archive exists to help make poetry accessible, relevant and enjoyable to a wide audience. It came into being as a result of a meeting, in a recording studio, between Andrew Motion, soon after he became U.K. Poet Laureate in 1999, and the recording producer, Richard Carrington. They agreed about how enjoyable and illuminating it is to hear poets reading their work and about how regrettable it was that, even in the recent past, many important poets had not been properly recorded.

The Archive is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status. It is run by a small staff, supported by a distinguished board of trustees and a panel of specialist advisers. We depend for our existence on funding from public bodies, charitable trusts and generous individuals. The money we earn from sales of Poetry Archive CDs goes towards making more recordings.

• LibriVox Public domain audiobooks, including both fiction and non-fiction.

We accept no responsibility for the content of these external websites, which may have their own terms and conditions.

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• Last Updated: May 16, 2024 3:04 PM
• URL: https://libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/creative-writing

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Creative Writing

Join the creative writing summer school at oxford summer courses.

At Oxford Summer Courses, we foster a nurturing environment for aspiring young writers to delve into the art of Creative Writing. Our bespoke learning experiences, tailored for ages 16-17 and 18-24, are meticulously crafted to ignite independent thought within a supportive community ambiance, hosted at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge University colleges. Apply now to study Creative Writing and embark on a transformative summer school journey with Oxford Summer Courses.

Choose your Creative Writing summer school

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# Summer # Tutorials

Teaching Methodology (Ages 16-17)

Embrace the Oxford method with tutorial-style teaching, where our expert tutors facilitate self-directed learning and critical thinking through interactive seminars in small groups (limited to 8 students). Throughout the course, participants undertake two pieces of independent work, be it essays or problem sheets, meticulously evaluated in personalised 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials. These sessions not only provide valuable feedback but also encourage students to explore diverse perspectives within their writing. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and a personalised letter of recommendation from their tutor.

Teaching Methodology (Ages 18-24)

Similarly, participants in the 18-24 age group follow the Oxford method with tutorial-style teaching, engaging in interactive seminars in small groups (also limited to 8 students). They undertake two pieces of independent work, which are thoroughly evaluated in personalised 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials, providing opportunities for valuable feedback and exploration of diverse perspectives. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and a personalised letter of recommendation from their tutor.

What's Included (Ages 16-17 & 18-24)

• All teaching, including tutorials (1 or 2 students per tutor), small group seminars (8 students or less) and skills development workshops.
• Accommodation and breakfast every day.
• All evening meals including those at local restaurants.
• A Friday evening three-course formal hall.
• A graduation ceremony.
• All programmed visits and excursions.
• Airport transfers.
• Access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations.
• Travel and medical insurance included.
• Welcome pack: Including an Oxford Summer Courses backpack, notebook, and water bottle.

Reasons to Study Creative Writing

Enrolling in the Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses offers a rich and multifaceted learning experience that nurtures critical thinking, unleashes creativity, and fosters cultural understanding. Participants engage with diverse perspectives and explore various mediums, honing essential communication skills, nurturing empathy, and experiencing personal growth. This interdisciplinary journey not only imparts valuable knowledge but also equips students with the adaptability and resilience essential for lifelong learning and success in today's dynamic world.

Apply Now to Oxford Summer Courses

• Ready to embark on an unforgettable summer of learning and growth? Apply now and join us at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Limited spaces available - don't delay!
• Did you know that you can extend your stay with Oxford Summer Courses when you apply?
• Did you know that we offer flexible payment options ?

Bree, Canada

"the creative writing course helped me properly analyse famous writers’ works in order to fully understand them while letting me create my own short stories and poems.", get our newsletter.

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Oxford Writing Summer School

Take your writing to the next level. Join our Writing Summer School in Oxford, or online, to sharpen your writing skills and develop the confidence and knowledge to put you ahead of the curve – in preparation for university and beyond.

Emily, USA, Creative Writing

The tutor was brilliant and my classmates were amazing. I was able to form a wonderful connection with all of them in my Creative Writing classes. Trust me, you will not regret it!

Mario, Romania, Creative Writing

My Oxford Scholastica course was one of the best things I’ve ever done. My tutor was super inspiring and encouraged me to learn so much! I loved it – thank you Oxford Scholastica.

Nikhil, Mauritius, Creative Writing

What You’ll Get From Our Writing Courses

Study writing with us and you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to take the next step in your journey as a writer. During your time in Oxford, we will:

• Tell you the secrets of creative writing for different genres, such as plot and character development, and the importance of dialogue
• Introduce you to a taster of university life, with top quality teaching from our expert staff
• Introduce you to a real-life writer, who’ll answer your questions on what it’s really like to earn a living from writing
• Give you the chance to begin forming your own professional network and join our community of Oxford Scholastica Academy alumni
• Give you all the insights you need for your stage of education on our fully accredited writing course
• Help you to decide on the best university course for you, and equip you with excellent subject knowledge and experiences which will be invaluable for university applications
• Give you practical challenges to exercise your new skills, such as creating and editing a magazine or dreaming up a new book series
• Experience Oxford life, and walk in the footsteps of famous writers including J. R. R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde
• Enable you, once you’ve completed your writing course, to graduate in a formal Graduation Ceremony

Get an Authentic University Experience

You’ll learn in small, dynamic classes just as you would at top UK universities. You’ll be taught by our first-class teaching faculty thereby ensuring you have the very best writing summer school experience.

You’ll have the opportunity to study, socialise and take part in legendary activities such as punting. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and make friends with ambitious students like you from all over the world.

You’ll leave equipped with key skills for the future – like public speaking, how to prepare for your future career and how to bounce back from failure – thanks to our Masterclass programme.

Reserve Your Spot

Ready for a life-changing educational experience? Apply in minutes and reserve a spot for Oxford’s #1 rated summer school and online programmes .

Home › Creative Writing Summer School › Oxford › Creative Writing Summer School in Oxford (Ages 13-15)

Creative Writing Summer School in Oxford (Ages 13-15)

The Immerse Education Creative Writing Summer Programme in Oxford presents a captivating literary journey for young wordsmiths aged 13-15. Situated in the esteemed city of Oxford, UK, this programme delves into the art of creative writing, scriptwriting, and narrative development within an intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching environment.

Alumni globally

Participants would recommend Immerse

Explore Creative Writing Summer Course in Oxford

Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Summer Programme in Oxford for students ages 13-15, offers a truly immersive and enriching experience for aspiring writers. This programme not only provides participants with access to the prestigious and inspiring backdrop of Oxford University but also fosters a nurturing and stimulating environment for creative expression. Through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one mentoring, participants are encouraged to explore their unique voices, hone their writing skills, and delve into various genres and styles.

Immerse Education’s commitment to small class sizes ensures personalised attention and meaningful interactions with fellow writers. Whether you are a budding novelist, poet, or playwright, this summer course in Oxford offers the perfect platform to explore your creative potential and embark on a transformative writing journey.

Creative Writing Programme in Oxford (Ages 13-15) with Immerse

Our programme is tailored for 13-15 year old secondary / high school participants who are curious about creative writing and its practical applications. This engaging experience explores storytelling techniques and their impact in various contexts.

• 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 Oxford 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 Oxford 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

Enjoy a ‘traditional ‘Formal Hall’ – a meal that takes place in every college. This candlelit fine dining affair takes place in magical surroundings, so smart attire is highly advised.

Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors – whose main job is to maximise your enjoyment. 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 Oxford. This includes activities such as punting on the River Cherwell, zorb football and a murder mystery night in the college.

Day Excursions

There are also two excursions during the programme, one day trip to visit Cambridge 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. Those who choose not to travel to Cambridge are invited to afternoon tea in Oxford.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers

Career Insights participants will hear from an influential guest speaker from a variety of inspiring backgrounds.

An experienced hostage negotiator who has worked on some of the highest profile and dangerous hostage situations across the world, including negotiating in war zones.

An ex-military officer and CEO of Midnight Runners – the world’s largest independent running community, he is also the founder of the Mogadishu Marathon, the country’s first since the outbreak of war.

A British adventurer who has successfully circumnavigated the globe, overcome huge obstacles and endured extreme conditions in remote environments, often alone for months at a time. 

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:

Participant Welfare and Safety

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
• Exceptional tutors with deep academic and industry experience
• Dedication to personalised learning and real outcomes
• Career opportunities through our alumni network events
• Access to exclusive Immerse programme discounts

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 - Lunch + 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 + Lunch + 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

Oxford’s literary legacy and tranquil setting provide a conducive atmosphere for creative writing. Engage with literary circles, explore historic libraries, and draw inspiration from the city’s charm.

Immerse Education offers online and residential courses in Creative Writing.

Other Locations we Offer Creative Writing

• Academic Pathways

Creative Writing in Cambridge

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.

At Immerse Education, we’re committed to providing a transformative learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom settings. When you enroll in our programmes, you can expect a rich array of outcomes that will empower you for a lifetime of success.

Similar Programmes

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Undergraduate creative writing courses

Part-time study in creative writing at Oxford

Completely new to the world of creative writing? Need an extra push to finish your novel, poem or play? Looking for a low-residency master's programme? No matter where you are in your writing journey, we have a flexible, part-time course for you.

Diploma in Creative Writing

Our two-year, part-time Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing  helps you to strengthen your ability in four major areas of literary activity — prose, poetry, drama and analytical reading — as well as the chance to specialise in the genre of your choice.

There are distance-learning and face-to-face options available. The Diploma is a good foundation for those wanting to progress to a master's in creative writing.

Find out more about the  Diploma in Creative Writing . 

Short courses and the Certificate of Higher Education

Our  weekly classes and flexible online courses in creative writing are taught at undergraduate level and cover all genres – fiction, poetry, memoir, drama, writing for young adults and critical reading. There are courses for beginners as well as those with experience and class sizes are kept small to maximise interaction between you and your classmates and tutor.

Credit earned from these courses is transferable towards our Certificate of Higher Education - a part-time undergraduate course in which you study a main subject discipline but also undertake study in other academic subjects.

Student spotlights

Tahmina maula.

Tahmina worked as a senior manager in education before taking a career break to undertake the Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing.

Charles Bush

Charles Bush published his debut young-adult novel thanks to the skills and experience gained from completing the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.

Georgia Fancett

Studying on the Certificate of Higher Education led Georgia to writing a prize winning novel.

Short courses and part-time qualifications

Literature, creative writing and film studies

Undergraduate diploma in creative writing, mst in creative writing.