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Short Courses

Kickstart Your Writing

Course summary

Start date

19/01/2026

Cost

£195.00

Delivery mode

In person (On Campus)

Course image

About the course

Concentrating on prose fiction, this course explores common challenges writers face, such as fear, perfectionism, lack of inspiration, and the inner critic. You will learn practical strategies to overcome these obstacles and spark creativity.  

Ideal for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, the course offers a supportive environment to develop both your writing habits and your craft. Through discussion, reflection, and hands-on exercises, you will gain confidence and insight into your creative process.

Any essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run.  

You will require access to a device with an internet connection. 

What you'll learn

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:  

  • Employ a variety of techniques for writing and generating ideas;
  • Understand what helps and what hinders their individual creative process;
  • Develop a short piece of writing from a journal entry;
  • Maintain a writing practice. 

Who the course is for

No previous experience is required.  

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.  

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

Entry criteria

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.  

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date. 

Additional Information

Course Options

If the course has more than one start date, time, delivery mode or location, then these options will all be shown below.

All times are local to Edinburgh.

Start date
Start Date: 19/01/2026
Class time
Class time: 18:30-20:20 (Cat Dean Mackenzie)
Delivery mode
Delivery Mode: In person (On Campus)
£195.00
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