Will this help me get published?

Not directly — no course can guarantee publication. What it does is build the craft, the discipline and the portfolio that gives you a real shot. Most students leave with work they didn't have before and the habits to keep producing it.

Can I take this if English isn't my first language?

Yes — explicitly. The programme is designed to be useful both to native English speakers and to writers developing creative voice in English as a second language. IELTS 6.0 ensures you have the language baseline.

What genres does the certificate cover?

The core programme covers fiction (short story and novel craft), narrative non-fiction, personal essay and poetry, with optional exposure to scriptwriting. Specialisation happens through your own choices in workshops and assignments.

Will I have a tutor giving feedback on my work?

Yes. Tutor feedback is a core component — both written feedback on submitted work and live discussion in workshop sessions.

Can this lead to a degree?

Credits can feed into a Diploma in Creative Writing or related humanities programmes at HICL and partner institutions, if you want to continue.

How much does the certificate cost?

Fees vary by mode and intake. Contact admissions for the current schedule.

Certificate in Creative Writing in English — London

Certificate in Creative Writing in English at HICL

The Certificate in Creative Writing in English is a short, focused programme for people who want to write - fiction, narrative non-fiction, personal essay, poetry, scripts - and need a structured environment to develop their craft, get feedback, and start building a portfolio. It's a Certificate level qualification, deliberately accessible to writers at any stage of their journey.

The "in English" framing matters: the programme is genuinely useful both to native English speakers refining their craft and to writers from other first languages who want to develop a confident voice in English specifically. The discipline of writing well in a second language is a different one from writing in your first - and we treat it seriously.

Why a Course Rather Than Just Writing Alone

Writers benefit enormously from structured feedback. Alone, you tend to repeat the same habits - both good and bad. In a programme like this, you read your work to an audience, get specific feedback from a tutor and peers, and learn the craft conversations writers have with each other. The certificate is about building those habits.

Who Studies This

Aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers building their first portfolio.
Bloggers, journalists and content writers developing a deliberate writing voice.
Non-native English speakers building creative fluency in English.
Retirees and career-pivot adults pursuing writing as a serious second career.

How the Programme Is Delivered

Creative writing translates well to all modes - on-campus workshops in London, fully online with live and recorded sessions, or distance learning with written assignments and tutor feedback. Most students choose online for flexibility. Workshops and submissions are structured throughout. Module schedule confirmed at enrolment.

Entry Requirements

Completion of secondary school (GCSE / O-Level or equivalent) or equivalent life experience.
Minimum age 16.
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for non-native English speakers (creative writing demands strong language skills).
No prior writing experience required, though writing samples are welcomed.