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Introduction to Writing from Life

Course dates: Thursday 08 October - Thursday 26 November 2026

Class timetable: 8 sessions (View class timetable for Thursday 08 October 2026 to Thursday 26 November 2026)

Timetable data for Thursday 08 October 2026 to Thursday 26 November 2026

Day of class Date of class Time Venue
Thursday 08-Oct-2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Thursday 15-Oct-2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Thursday 22-Oct-2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Thursday 29-Oct-2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Thursday 05-Nov-2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Thursday 12-Nov-2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Thursday 19-Nov-2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Thursday 26-Nov-2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm Birkbeck Campus, Central London

Location: Birkbeck Campus, Central London

Fees: £350.00

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Course Overview

The Introduction to Writing from Life short course will guide you in the basics of writing your own story. Taught by published writers in historic literary Bloomsbury and devised by the team behind the successful and highly respected MA Creative Writing, this course will introduce you to the skills you need to craft a great piece of non-fiction. 

You will get an introduction to the essentials of a writer’s toolkit and gain confidence to start working on your own ideas and develop new projects.

The course will cover the essential aspects of constructing a work of creative non-fiction, such as:

  • developing your voice
  • working in different viewpoints and managing your point of view
  • structuring a convincing storyline
  • managing timelines
  • writing dialogue. 

Whether you are a beginner in writing or a professional looking to further refine your craft, the Introduction to Writing from Life course will inspire your creativity and guide you in the basic principles of telling your own story. Each session will cover a different aspect of non-fiction writing to build your knowledge each week.

You will learn through a mix of in-class exercises, group feedback sessions and examples of work from successful published writers.

As a learner on this course, you will study alongside fellow professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge in the subject area, giving you the opportunity to make connections with like-minded colleagues and network.

You will receive a Birkbeck certificate of participation upon completion of the course.

This course is non-credit bearing, so carries no credit points.

Fees

Students are charged a tuition fee for each short course on registering. Please view details for this course, including dates, location and fees at the top of this page. Short course fees may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.

Discount information

We offer a 20% discount to Birkbeck students, alumni and staff. If you are eligible to claim this discount, please contact the Innovation Support Unit so that we can process your booking.

The Birkbeck for Businesses Hub

With a rich history of supporting and understanding professional skills, Birkbeck collaborates with businesses and individuals to foster development and growth.

Entry Requirements

Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.

This short course has no prerequisites.

As part of the registration process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.

International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.

How to Register

You can book directly onto the short courses you would like to take, using the Register button above which will direct you to the relevant booking page. Courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early if you're interested.