Being a glorious land of magnificent culture, ancient castles, and artistic brilliance, Europe is home to some esteemed creative writing institutions. In every corner, creative writing courses and workshops prosper, nurturing talents and igniting the creative flames that have illuminated Europe’s literary legacy for centuries. Creative writing in Europe is an ageless heritage that keeps growing and evolving, blending the old with the new in the most captivating ways. In this article, we are going to learn about well-established institutions for creative writing courses in Europe, the career scope of creative writing, and the benefits of learning creative writing in Europe.
Best Creative Writing Courses in Europe-
1. IIM SKILLS
IIM SKILLS is a well-reputed online platform for learning creative writing. Under their Content Writing Course, they have a separate module for creative writing which includes how to write your own Poems, Books (fiction or non-fiction), Scripts, and much more. It makes students understand a well-defined difference between the creative writing audience and the content writing audience.
The duration of this program is eight weeks along with online content writing courses with internship, 30 hours of live training, and 120 hours of practical assignments. The students are provided with free tools such as- Google Books, Kindle Direct Publishers, Google Docs, and Canva.
The Content Writing course at IIM SKILLS includes 16 modules that cover a vast range of topics such as- Introduction to Content Writing, Word Press Web Development, Digital Content, Copywriting, Marketing Collaterals, Email Writing, Social Media Writing & Video Scripts, Creative Writing, SOP & Business Listing, Legal Writing, Technical Writing 101, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Content Marketing, Affiliate Marketing & Adsense, Freelance Content Writing, and Resume Writing.
After the completion of the creative writing courses in Europe, the students are provided with a professional certificate which can be exceptionally helpful in lifting up their writing career. The program is available for writing enthusiasts at the cost of INR 24,900 + GST. Anyone who wants to excel in the art of writing must join the Content Writing course at IIM SKILLS. The best part of this program is that it can be learned from any part of the world, with flexibility and comfort.
Contact Details-
Phone no.- +919580740740
Email- info@iimskills.com
2. MA in Creative Writing, Swansea University-
With a duration of one year full-time or two years part-time, the MA in Creative Writing at Swansea University is a highly acclaimed program. This postgraduate program is designed to cater to students from various backgrounds and writing experiences, whether you’re a seasoned writer looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to explore the world of creative writing.
Taught by experienced and accomplished writers as the faculty members this course offers teaching on a wide range of genres such as short story, fiction, drama, poetry, screenwriting, and creative non-fiction.
The students are provided with an opportunity to become a part of the dynamic writing community and form connections with National Theatre Wales, gain work experience with local publishers, and attend international conferences and seminars. Graduates of this program work in a diverse range of creative industries like publishing, marketing and advertising, broadcasting and so much more.
MA in Creative Writing at Swansea University includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and aspirations. The modules offered may differ from year to year, however, they often cover topics such as- Writing Fiction, Writing Poetry, Writing for Children and Young Adults, Writing for Theatre and Performance, and Non-fiction and Nature Writing: Explore creative non-fiction and nature-themed writing.
For domestic students, the annual fee for MA 1-year full-time program is £8,300 and for international students, it is £17,500. The annual fee for an MA 2-year part-time course is £8,300 (domestic students) and £8,750 (international students) respectively. Tuition fees for an MA 3-year part-time course for domestic students is £2,800 and £5,850 for international students.
Contact Details-
Swansea University
Singleton Park
SA2 8PP Swansea
United Kingdom
Phone no: +44 (0)1792 205678
www.swansea.ac.uk
3. MA in Creative Writing Bath Spa University–
Founded in 1852, as the Bath School of Art, the university is a paramount educational institution in creativity, art, culture, and enterprise. Through its exceptional teaching methods and splendid learning environment, this institute has transformed the lives of around 8,000 students from over 50 countries. With a duration of 1 year MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University is a full-time program, which inspires experimentation, critical reflection, and the exploration of contemporary and traditional literature.
The faculty of their creative writing courses in Europe include a team of creative and experienced writers, who aim to nurture students’ writing talents across a wide range of genres and styles. Weekly workshops are arranged for the students which are regularly visited by publishers, magazine editors, literary agents, and writers.
The course module comprises of a wide range of topics such as- Creative Writing Workshop, Craft and Experimentation, Research Methods in Creative Writing, The Writing Business, Writing Poetry, Writing Fiction, Writing for Young Readers, Scriptwriting, and Writing Life.
Also, as a part of the MA program, students usually undertake a significant independent writing project, which serves as their final dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor. The annual tuition fee for EU/UK students is 7,600 GBP and for international students, it is 14,500 GBP.
Contact Details-
Bath Spa University
Newton Park
BA2 9BN Bath
United Kingdom
Phone no: +441225875875
www.bathspa.ac.uk
4. Creative Writing MA, University of Limerick-
Creative Writing MA at the University of Limerick is one of the most esteemed creative writing courses in Europe. The university is well-known for its placement records, industry-relevant programs, exceptional learning environment, phenomenal teaching methods, and amazing campus surroundings. The duration of this program is either full-time over one academic year or part-time over two years.
The faculty of Creative Writing MA at the University of Limerick includes experienced and venerated names in the field of creative writing like Prof Joseph O’Connor who is the head of this program and author of the famous novels including Ghost Light, the million-selling Star of the Sea, and Shadowplay. Also, the team of excellent faculty members includes Irish Book Award nominee Prof Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, twice Booker-Prize-longlisted Donal Ryan, and widely acclaimed Rob Doyle.
A significant part of the program involves participating in workshops and seminars, where students share their work with peers and receive constructive feedback from both tutors and fellow writers. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for growth and improvement as writers.
The creative writing courses in Europe module covers a wide range of topics such as Literary Modernism, Issues in Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Politics and American Literature, Feminist Literary Theory, Writing Memoirs, Biography and Autobiography, Literature, Film and Human Rights, and much more.
The program consists of a mix of core and elective modules that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests. The tuition fee for EU/UK students (part-time course) is €4,050 per annum and for international students, it is €9,492 per annum. , the tuition fee for EU/UK students (full-time course) is €7485 per annum and for non-EU/UK students it is €17,650 per annum.
Contact Details-
University of Limerick
University of Limerick
V94 T9PX Limerick
Ireland
PhoneNo: +35361202414
Fax +353 61 213062
www.ul.ie
5. Bachelor’s Degree in English and Creative Writing, University of Southampton-
Ranked among the top 100 global universities in the world, the University of Southampton is a founding member of the reputable Russell Group, a dedicated group of 24 leading universities in the UK providing the world’s finest research and excellent learning experience. With a duration of three years, Bachelor’s Degree in English and Creative Writing provides students with valuable knowledge of a range of genres and traditions.
The course includes a vast range of topics which are divided into a three-year term program such as; 1st Year – A Stranger Comes to Town: Introduction to Creative Writing; Humanities, the Human and the Non-Human; Poetic Language; The Act of the Essay; The Novel; Theory & Criticism.
2nd Year- Brief Encounters: Writing Short Stories; Creative Writing after Modernism; Decolonising Modernity; From Black and White to Colour: A Screen History of Race, Gender and Sexuality in Post-War Britain; Great Writers Steal: Creative Writing and Critical Thinking; Images of Women; Introduction to Nineteenth-Century British Literature; Modernisms; Queens, Devils and Players in Early Modern England; Rakes to Romantics; Scriptwriting; Sweatshops, Sex workers, and Asylum Seekers: World Literature and Visual Culture after Globalisation; Victorian Feelings; Women Writers Remixed ca. 1850-1915; Women, Writing and Modernity, 1770-1830.
3rd Year includes an English Dissertation and topics like the American Dream. Monetized Bodies, Terror, and Trauma in American Drama; Animal Forms: Poetry and the non-human; Creative Writing in Schools; Fantasy Film and Fiction; Jane Austen and the Regency World; Literatures of Islands and Oceans; Narrative Non-Fiction: The Interdisciplinary Art; Radical England: From Shakespeare to Milton; Revolution and Romanticism: Literature of the 1790s; The Historical Novel; Utopias and Dystopias in Literature and Culture; Victorian Bestsellers; Writing the Novel. Students must select any of these topics in their final year.
The entire tuition fee for local/UK students is £9,250 and for International/Non-UK students is £19,300. Various scholarship options are also available for the students. It is always advisable to check the institute’s website or contact the admission office directly for more details.
Contact Details-
University of Southampton
University Road
Highfield
SO17 1BJ Southampton
United Kingdom
Phone no: +44(0)23 8059 5000
www.southampton.ac.uk
6. Creative Writing (Joint Honours) BA (Hons) De Montfort University–
Established in 1992, De Montfort University holds a gold rating by the UK Department of Education, in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2017) for being continuously excellent and providing premium education. Also, Higher Education (THE) has ranked De Montfort University 50th in the world for its remarkable performance.
The university is affiliated with more than 80 universities and colleges in over 25 countries. Creative Writing Honours at De Montfort University is among the most reputable creative writing courses in Europe. The program provides an opportunity for the students to study creative writing with other subjects like Journalism, Drama, or Film Studies as a joint honor course.
The duration of Creative Writing (Joint Honours) at DMU is three years and it includes a wide range of topics such as- Exploring Creative Writing, Writing Identity; Writing Place; Word, Image, Sound; Professional Writing Skills; Specialism Plus Negotiated Study; Portfolio; Uncreative Writing and Artificial Intelligence. The annual tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year and for international students is £14,250 per year. The program also offers various scholarship options.
Contact Details-
De Montfort University
The Gateway
LE1 9BH Leicester
United Kingdom
Phone no: +44(0)116 2 50 60 70
www.dmu.ac.uk
Types of Creative Writing –
Creative writing comprises a diverse range of forms and styles that allow writers to express their imagination, emotions, and thoughts in remarkable and captivating ways. Here are some common types of creative writing.
- Fiction: Novels, Short Stories, Flash Fiction and Microfiction
- Poetry: Free Verse, Rhymed Poetry, Haiku and Blank Verse.
- Drama: Plays and Screenplays
- Creative Non-Fiction: Memoirs, Personal Essays, Travel Writing and Profiles & Features
- Scripts and Screenwriting
- Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults: Children’s Picture Books and Middle Grade & Young Adult Fiction
- Experimental and Hybrid Forms: Found Poetry, Graphic Novels, and Epistolary Writing
- Blogging and Online Writing: Blogs and Web Serials
- Satire and Parody: Creating humorous or exaggerated works that mock or comment on societal issues or other texts.
- Lyrics and Songwriting
- Collaborative Writing
- Interactive Fiction
- Experimental Writing
Recommended Reads: Creative Writing Courses in India
Creative Writing Career Prospects-
A creative writing career offers a range of exciting opportunities for those who have a passion for storytelling and the written word. Here are some potential career paths and roles for those pursuing a creative writing career:
- Author/Novelist
- Poet
- Playwright/Screenwriter
- Freelance Writer
- Content Creator
- Editor/Proofreader
- Literary Agent: Representing authors, negotiating contracts, and advocating for their work to publishers.
- Writing Teacher/Instructor
- Ghostwriter
- Script Doctor
- Blogger/Influencer
- Book Reviewer/Critic
- Technical Writer
- Copywriter
- Travel Writer
- Children’s Book Author
- Video Game Writer
- Screenwriting Consultant
- Literary Magazine Editor
- Radio/Podcast Scriptwriter
- Speechwriter
- Comic Book/Graphic Novel Writer
- Creative Writing Consultant
- Public Relations Writer
Advantages of studying Creative Writing Courses in Europe-
Learning creative writing courses in Europe can be immensely beneficial for aspiring writers. Let’s go through some of them:
- Networking Opportunity: Many institutions in Europe provide students with great opportunities to connect with fellow writers from all over the world by conducting seminars, writing workshops, literary festivals, author reading & book launches, and much more. Students from different cultural backgrounds connect with each other and share their exceptional pieces of art and writing experiences which can lead to long-lasting connections and great collaborations in the writing world.
- Experienced Faculty: Creative Writing courses in Europe are well known for their proficient faculty. Most of the universities and institutions in Europe have a great faculty in creative writing courses who have in-depth knowledge and expertise of the craft of writing, literary theory, and the publishing industry. Their insights can help students develop a deep understanding of various aspects of creative writing.
- Creative Atmosphere: Many European cities are known for their artistic heritage and creative environments, offering countless opportunities for the students to engage with cultural events, literary festivals, writing workshops, and readings and enhance their artistic skills.
- Global Exposure: Students of different cultures and backgrounds from all over the globe study in Europe. Interacting with a diverse community of fellow writers from around the world, attending international literary events, and engaging with renowned authors and mentors provide a unique viewpoint to explore universal themes while infusing narratives with cross-cultural perspectives.
- Publishing Connections: Most of the creative writing institutions in Europe have a strong network with renowned publishers and literary organizations which can be of great advantage for the students for publishing their work, building their portfolio, and gaining exposure at the multinational level.
Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions Related to Creative Writing Courses in Europe:
1. What are the entry requirements for creative writing courses in Europe?
Entry requirements for the creative writing courses vary depending on the institution and level of the program you are interested in however some of the common documents required by most of the universities and institutes are- proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL for international students, writing portfolio of the creative work ( fiction, poetry, screenplay, etc), academic records of the previous institutions, letters of recommendations, resume, and statement of purpose. Also, many universities conduct their own entrance exams for admissions. It is always advisable to check with the admission office or the university’s website for the entry requirements of the program.
2. Duration of the creative writing courses in Europe?
The duration of the creative writing program entirely depends on the specific institution you want to apply for and the level of the course. Bachelor’s degree creative writing courses have a duration of three to four years, Master’s degree programs usually last from one to two years, whereas short-duration creative writing programs like diploma and certificate courses can range from a few months to a year. Also, many universities and institutions provide short-term creative writing workshops and summer programs which have a duration from a few days to a few weeks.
3. Are scholarships or financial aid available for international students?
Yes, many universities and creative writing institutions offer numerous scholarships for international students as they know the importance of attracting diversified and great talent from all over the world to Europe. Universities have several options for scholarship programs and financial aid such as- merit-based scholarships (based on academic excellence), need-based scholarships (based on the financial situation of the students), country-specific scholarships, government scholarships, research grants, fellowships, and much more. For learning about the scholarship options in detail it is advisable to check the university’s website or contact their admission office directly.
4. How do I choose the right creative writing program in Europe for me?
Choosing the right creative writing program in Europe for yourself involves thorough research and self-assessment by keeping in mind various factors according to your goals and aspirations. Some of the aspects that should be considered while selecting the right creative writing course are- well-equipped facilities and resources available, location, reputation, faculty expertise, program’s networking events, connections with publishers or agents, tuition fees, scholarships, financial aid, and the cost of living in the program’s location. Also, it is always advisable to connect with the current and previous students of the program for better and genuine feedback.
Conclusion: Creative Writing Courses in Europe
For ages, Europe has been a hub of great art culture, and heritage, so what can be a better place other than this magnificent continent to start your writing journey? With top-ranked educational institutions, a great learning environment, numerous networking opportunities for the writers, renowned faculty members, and being the heart of a diversified culture Europe has everything for the emerging creative writers. By joining these courses, you’re not just learning about writing – you’re becoming a part of a diverse writing community and making lifelong connections. Experienced faculty members and teachers will be guiding you throughout your journey and shaping up your writing career.
Through literary festivals and workshops, you’ll gain insights into the publishing world. Also, these festivals and workshops will give you an opportunity to connect with fellow writers and authors from all over the globe. Along with a great learning environment, you will have access to splendid campus surroundings and excellent academic facilities in European universities. Most of the universities and creative writing programs do offer some great scholarship schemes for international students, for attracting exceptional talents from different parts of the globe. To conclude, Europe is a heaven for emerging writers who want to shine in the world of art and literature.