Working with a prize-winning poet, this course explores the nuts and bolts of making a poem. Complete beginners are welcome, as well as those who are looking for inspiration (you don’t need to have written or shared a poem before). Lessons are likely to include: finding confidence in your own voice and point of view; rhyme, rhythm, repetition; metaphor; line breaks; and introductions to some poetic forms such as list poems, letter poems, blank verse, haiku, sonnets, villanelles, sestinas, or prose poems. There will also be regular opportunities to share and receive feedback on your own poems.
Courses
Poetry Writing for Beginners (term 1)
When & Where
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23 September 2025 - 9 December 2025 ( 21 hours, 12 weeks )
- Evening, Tuesday
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View course timetable
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Online
Quick Facts
- Availability Yes
- Tutor Rebecca Varley-Winter
- Course Code W25HMSA16A
- Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course
What you will learn
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Increase confidence in your writing
- Increase knowledge of various poetic techniques
- Find inspiration for new poems
- Increase your enjoyment of poetry
- Build community with other writers
Cost
Full fee
£210
Concession fee
£160
Class format and activities
In the first class, we will read and discuss one or two poems by published poets as inspiration for your own writing, followed by a writing prompt and live writing time. There will be opportunity to share what you’ve written with the group, though you won’t be forced to share if you don’t feel ready to do so. The second class will be wholly dedicated to the group sharing their own poems, giving and receiving constructive, helpful, encouraging feedback. The course will continue in this pattern (one week of reading and writing, followed by one week of the group sharing their own poems), until the end of term.
Entry requirements
No requirements, just an interest in reading and writing poetry and an open mind.
What you need to know before you enrol
Poems will be provided by the tutor; you should aim to read these before each class. You also need to be willing to read and respond to your classmates’ work in a friendly and constructive way.
What you need
Pen and paper, or your preferred writing materials. If this course is running online, you will need a computer with internet access.
What you can do next
Take further courses in Creative Writing; perform or publish your poems.
