Exploring Creative Writing Techniques

Overview 

This course will introduce you to the techniques, skills and craft of creative writing. You will be encouraged to experiment with different literary forms of writing including, but not restricted to, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.   
It is suitable for beginners who might be trying to write creatively for the first time and for more experienced writers who are keen to develop new techniques and improve their writing skills further.   
Exploring creative writing techniques can be studied as a stand-alone course, but it is also one of three core modules for the Certificate of Higher Education in Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University.  
 

Programme 

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions.   

• Unit 1 – Introduction.
  
• Unit 2 – Textual Difference.  
• Unit 3 – Writing with all the Senses.  
• Unit 4 – Writing about People.  
• Unit 5 – Writing with a Sense of Place.  
• Unit 6 – Critical reflection and commenting on the work of others.
  
• Unit 7 – Structure.  
• Unit 8 – Conclusions.   

Learning Outcomes 

On completion of this module, students should be able to:   

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the various writing traditions, modes of dissemination and audiences for creative work.   
2. Analyse a range of relevant writings and identify different creative approaches and techniques.   
3. Apply, and experiment with, different literary forms and creative writing techniques.  
4. Critically reflective on their own creative process and outputs, and that of others . 

Assessments 

1. Written piece (creative non-fiction or short story; 1200 words) or a collection of poetry (60 lines) (60% of the overall mark).   
2. Critical reflective commentary (40% of the overall mark).  

Reading Suggestions 

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements 

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need? 

As this is an online course, you would need the following: 

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.