Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing

Watch the information session for the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from our Postgraduate Open Week 2025.  

Who is the course designed for?

The course is aimed at: 

• published writers who wish to teach or offer writing workshops
• existing creative writing tutors who want to improve or develop a more cohesive and defined pedagogy
• graduates of postgraduate creative writing courses who wish to become teachers of creative writing
• healthcare or industry professionals who wish to offer creative writing classes
• qualified teachers interested in exploring the theory of teaching creative writing or who include creative exercises as part of their teaching of core subjects, such as history or English  

Aims of the programme 

The programme aims to enable participants to:  

•  develop their skills as a teacher of creative writing and strategies for their intended teaching contexts 

• develop and/or extend their knowledge of the theories and practices of the teaching of creative writing 

• develop their repertoire of teaching, course design and assessment methods appropriate to creative writing in their context 

• develop a reflexive and critical awareness of their own teaching practice and to transmit what they have learned from their own experience of being a writer into a classroom setting 

We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences. As part of our admissions process, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and make sure you’re able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.   

Standard entry requirements

Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent.

If your degree is not from the UK, check international qualifications on the University’s postgraduate site to find the equivalent in your country.  

Non-standard applications

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, we still encourage you to apply. You’ll need to show you have relevant, professional experience that makes you a strong candidate, and/or have completed higher-level study. Please include this information when you apply. 

English language requirements

Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement. For more information, visit Postgraduate and Master's admissions and the University’s English language requirements. 

Visa information 

We welcome applications from international students. If you’re coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission. 

It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions. To make sure you understand the requirements, we advise you to read the in-depth information on the University’s International Students website.

Teaching

The course is taught over 3 modules, each of which students must attend. A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers learning support to students while they are on the programme, including learning resources and peer-to-peer and student-to-tutor discussion between modules to build a virtual community of practice. 

Below are the expected teaching dates for this course. If they change, we'll update offer-holders in line with the University's terms of admission. 

Module 1: The Philosophy and Context of Teaching Creative Writing 

2 to 4 October 2026

This module will introduce students to the Postgraduate Certificate and will address: 

• the background and history of teaching creative writing
• the concept of ‘creativity’ and the arguments surrounding whether or not creative writing can be taught
• the methodologies surrounding teaching creative writing
• how teaching creative writing may vary within different settings such as schools, higher education and prisons 

Module 2: Designing a Creative Writing Course

16 to 18 January 2027

This module will address: 

• different models of creative writing courses and the advantages and challenges of each the pedagogical theories behind different types of courses
• the use of close reading in different settings and what makes a good extract
• the quality assurance aspects of designing a creative writing course
• the emotional and psychological impact of teaching creative writing for tutors and students 

Module 3: Assessment and Feedback in a Creative Writing Course

16 to 18 April 2027 

This module will address: 

• different ways of providing feedback in different contexts
• the pedagogical theories behind different types of feedback
• the challenges of providing written feedback to a range of students
• the historical roots of the workshop and its appropriateness in different settings 

Assessment

You will be awarded a course grade on the basis of a portfolio of 3 summative assignments totalling 10,000 words. 

Fees

The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'.

To understand which fee status applies to you, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the University’s fee status page.  

To help you manage your finances more comfortably, you can pay the fee in instalments.  See how to pay for more.  

There are also some additional costs you’ll need to cover as part of this course. These are usually: 

• an application fee of £85, unless you're eligible for a fee waiver, payable online
• any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for the residential teaching sessions held in Cambridge

Funding

We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support ahead of the application deadline to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies. You can explore external funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries. 

Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application. We consider applications on a 'gathered field' basis, reviewing them all together after the application deadline.

Key timings for your application

• The application deadline is 28 May 2026.
• We’ll hold interviews for shortlisted candidates in late June / early July.
• If you're shortlisted, we'll contact you in the weeks before interviews to arrange a time and format for yours. 

How to apply and what you'll need 

The ‘Apply now’ button will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can: 

• create, save, and submit your application
• upload your supporting documents  
• submit and manage your references
• pay your application fee
• track your application

Supporting documents

When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide supporting information.

Personal statement 

Upload a personal statement of around 500 words, telling us about your motivation for applying for the course, outlining your relevant experience and interests. 

CV 

Upload an up-to-date resume. 

Qualifications and transcripts  

Upload details of degree-level courses you have completed or are studying. 

References 

Submit contact details for 2 referees, who we will contact on your behalf. 

For more information on applying and admissions, see Postgraduate and Master's admissions.

We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs. Visit student support to find out more about how we can help.