Creative Writing

To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be between 16-17 years old.
• Have a sufficient understanding of English to participate in academic discussions and coursework.
• Have a keen interest in exploring their chosen subject(s).

If you meet these requirements, we’d love to see your application!

Applying is easy! Follow these steps:

1. Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
2. Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
3. Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
4. Review & Submit: Double-check your details and submit your application.

After submission, our admissions team will review your application, and you’ll hear back within 2-3 days. Apply now!

Yes, you can book more than one course! During the application process, you will have the option to add additional courses either before or after your main course. The total price, including any additional courses, will be displayed before you proceed.

After paying your deposit to secure your place, our admissions team will help you set up a bespoke payment plan. You can choose from options like monthly or bimonthly payments, and we will provide a detailed invoice outlining your instalment schedule. Learn more about payment plans.

Note: There are no additional fees for setting up a payment plan, and your place is secure once the deposit is paid.

The course is typically structured over two weeks, with each week focusing on different aspects of creative writing.

Week 1: Writing Fundamentals and the Human Side of Writing (Example)

• Large-scale perspectives on writing.
• Exploring motivation, procrastination, passion, and the emotional side of writing.
• Examining how stories hang together as a whole.

Week 2: Storytelling Techniques and Writing Tasks (Example)

• Detailed work on the mechanics of storytelling.
• Personal writing tasks and one-on-one tutorials.
• Crafting writing based on individual style and interests.

Note: This is an example structure. The actual content may vary based on the tutor’s expertise and student preferences. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their learning goals with admissions to tailor the course.

By the end of the course, students may:

• Develop a deep understanding of the storytelling process.
• Learn how to approach writing from both a technical and emotional perspective.
• Gain skills in crafting narratives and developing characters.
• Explore personal writing goals and receive tailored feedback.

Note: Learning objectives may vary based on student interests, which will be discussed during the admissions process.

Students are encouraged to do pre-course preparation to maximise their learning. Suggested resources include:

• A short (1-2 page) writing sample to give the tutor an idea of your style and interests. For inspiration, consider exploring examples of great writing from Project Gutenberg or reading essays on writing from The New Yorker.
• Prepare questions about the writing process based on your personal interests and challenges. You can explore advice on writing from well-known authors at Writers Write.
• Optional: Consider a piece of writing you admire and think about what makes it a great example. You might use a literary critique from The Guardian's Book Reviews to help analyse the text.

Note: These are example resources. Specific materials may vary depending on tutor and student preferences. Students will be informed of the required materials in advance to allow enough time to prepare.

This course provides an excellent foundation for further studies in creative writing, literature, or related fields. You will develop storytelling techniques, writing discipline, and creative thinking—all of which are valuable for careers in writing, publishing, or media.

Note: Career exploration opportunities may vary based on the session and guest speaker availability.

You are not required to have prior knowledge of creative writing, but you are expected to:

• Actively participate in seminars and tutorials.
• Complete independent writing tasks and research.
• Engage with discussions on the emotional and technical aspects of writing.

The course is designed to inspire creativity and help you develop your writing skills in a supportive environment.

Note: The level of participation and engagement can be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences.

At Oxford Summer Courses, the safeguarding and wellbeing of our students aged 16-17 is our highest priority. All staff are fully trained in safeguarding policies and procedures, including enhanced DBS checks. We provide a safe and supportive environment with 24/7 on-site security, supervision when necessary, and curfews to ensure a secure atmosphere. Our policies are designed to offer age-appropriate care, balancing independence with safety.