This programme is for you if you are already a committed writer looking to complete the first draft of a novel. You are keen to further develop your writing and research skills and learn about the publishing process and the role of the professional author in today's publishing environment. Learn from professional authors (see tutor profiles below for published work) with extensive creative writing teaching experience and visiting industry professionals. Workshops include experimental collaboration with artists working in other disciplines at West Dean College. Intensive study blocks foster an immersive atelier-style experience within the College's School of Arts and allows for self-determination in independent practice.

Benefit from the unique setting and history of the College. The house, its archive and extensive grounds offer opportunities to explore site-specific works, while historic connections to literary and publishing experimentation provide a stimulating environment for study.

What to expect

• Explore literary fiction in its varied forms
• Develop your writing, editing and critical skills
• Complete a first draft of between 45,000 - 60,000 words in year one
• Redraft the first chapter of your novel for publication in a specially produced anthology
• Gain hands-on experience of the publishing process
• Learn how to build your author profile
• 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.

Learning environment

• Attend 12 three-day intensive blocks of workshops, lectures and tutorials (over two years)
• High tutor: student ratio
• Personal tutorials with subject tutor
• Intensive workshops
• Creative interdisciplinary environment
• Benefit from exposure to prominent visiting guests, writers and publishing professionals.