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.

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 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 yearLondon 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.

Attend six 3-day intensive blocks of workshops, lectures and tutorials (over one year)Excellent staff: student ratioOne-to-one tutorials with your personal tutor as part of every study blockIntensive practical workshops in creative fiction and non-fiction to support the development of your workReceive professional input from publishers and agentsCreative interdisciplinary environmentBe part of an active writing community with regular high-profile writers-in-residenceA supportive and individualised approach to your learning and the development of your craft

Varied teaching stylesDevelop your writing, editing and critical skillsDevelop a clearer idea of genre and formWork toward publicationPractical introduction to the mechanics of publishingGain 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.

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 lectures4 hours seminars8 hours supervised practicals30 mins one-to-one meetings/tutorials