Creative Writing
Gain expert insights in an online summer school in Creative Writing
The curriculum will introduce you to all phases of the writing process, including idea generation, writing and editing, revising drafts, and more.
Writing an exceptional story isn’t just about great ideas, it’s about learning how to create compelling characters, write a gripping plot, and take your reader on a journey through an imaginative and vivid world.
We’ll help you accomplish this by exploring topics such as the principles of creative writing, the essentials of plot development, and an introduction to writing styles.
About Online Insights
Over the course of this programme, participants will take part in virtual seminars, future skills workshops, one-to-one tutorials, as well as group social activities led by current Oxbridge undergraduates.
Students receive a combination of subject-based tuition, one-to-one tutorials, future skills workshops and social activities with students from around the world.
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Average Class Size Of 5
Maximum 10 students -
1:1 Tutorials
2 x 30-minute sessions each week -
Oxbridge Academics
Tutors from Oxford and Cambridge University -
Future Skills Workshops
Develop key attributes such as personal branding, interview skills and academic writing
For students of all time zones
As there are participants joining from around the globe, Online Insights offers two “streams” – Stream A and Stream B.
Stream A starts in the morning whilst Stream B’s classes take place in the afternoon.
Note – as our faculty are all based in Oxford & Cambridge, all times communicated are in UK time.
To see how the Online Insights programme is structured, please view the timetable.
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Stream A
09:00 - 15:00 (UK time) -
Stream B
14:00 - 20:00 (UK time)
Example tutor:
Jessica L
The most beneficial part would be all the new content that I learnt and the academic essay that I wrote towards the end of the programme. I felt that the essay consolidated all the learning and gave me an insight on how to write successful academic essays at university.
Network with like-minded individuals
Daily social activities with participants around the world
Students can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world, and are encouraged to socialise and make friends through daily activities and games after classes finish.
Activities include virtual college tours, murder mystery parties and a ‘University Challenge’-style quiz.
These sessions are led by Oxbridge undergraduates who act as Mentors for Online Insights participants. This is a fantastic opportunity for participants to hear from students at Oxford and Cambridge University, and receive guidance and advice on studying at one of the world’s top universities.
Network with like-minded individuals
Online Learning Platform
Virtual Classrooms
All sessions are delivered on Zoom’s education platform – the world’s leading virtual classroom software.
Before the course begins, all students will receive a welcome pack that includes information about their tutors, mentors, guest speakers, as well as their programme overview.
Students will also receive an interactive timetable with links to each of their classes.
We offer 2-day intensives and 2-week programmes so that you can learn at a time and pace that suits your current schedule.
Sample Creative Writing Modules
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Module 1 - The Blank Page
Beginning a creative project can often be daunting, even for experienced writers. During this module, you will look at various techniques for overcoming the fear of the blank page, including a range of warm-up exercises and quick-fire short assignments, as well as gaining inspiration from the work of other writers. -
Module 2 - Character Creation
Creating a character who lives beyond the page is one of the biggest challenges for an author. In this module, you will discover a variety of techniques for building a memorable character. From creating CVs and family trees to 'mapping' relationship networks in order to identify potential sources of conflict in their lives. -
Module 3 - Plot Mapping
With a fresh understanding of how to build character, dialogue and much more, you will turn your attention to the plot. In this module, you'll address the importance of moulding ‘tension points’ and ‘turning points’ in our stories, as well as the creative possibilities of ‘plot twists’. -
Module 4 - Written Portfolio
The Creative Writing programme concludes with a workshop devoted to the portfolios-in-progress. By this point you will have completed a short written piece. You will have the opportunity to present your work to the class and receive constructive feedback from your tutor and peers.
Download Syllabus Overview
Download Syllabus Overview
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March 29 – April 3 2024 (Classic)
£1,495 -
July 15 – 26 2024 (Classic)
£2,125 -
July 1 – 12 2024 (Classic)
£2,125