Experimental Writing

This course introduces you to experimental writing through the work of bold and imaginative writers such as Kafka, Joyce, Burroughs, and Carrington.

You will explore different ways of telling stories and try out creative techniques including automatic writing, cut-ups, and playful writing exercises. Along the way, you will experiment with styles such as magical realism, surrealism, modernism and stream of consciousness.

Each session will encourage creative play, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks, helping you develop confidence and new ideas in your writing.

Any recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Identify different authors’ styles of fictional experimentation and know the context of the works;
• Understand the process involved with each genre/author studied in class;
• Compose your own prose pieces in a similar vein;
• Analyse and discuss your own creative process. 

No previous writing experience is required. This course would be best suited to those who are interested in getting started with creative writing and those keen to learn approaches that will aid the creative process.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy. 

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study. This course would be best suited to those who are interested in getting started with creative writing and those keen to learn approaches that will aid the creative process.

You will need to have reading, listening, and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.