About Certificate in Creative Writing (Flexible Mode)

Creative Writing is any form of writing that involves imagination, craft and vision. The genres that will be covered are short fiction, poetry, journalism (feature writing) and memoir. Another genre could be included, depending on popular demand (e.g. non-fiction; drama; or children's stories).

It will be taught through guided notes and reading, and group feedback. It depends on each course participant taking a two hour slot each week to write without interruption. The student will then present work to the lecturer and the other students in the group for supportive commentary.

What is Flexible Learning?

This is a flexible learning course. You attend IADT for five sessions. Between sessions you log on to the Institute’s virtual learning environment and work through the learning tasks. You need access to a computer with Internet access for this course.

You are required to complete assignments during the year, and there are no written examinations.

Aims and Objectives

The module aims to provide students with the confidence and basic skills to tackle at least four of the major creative writing genres, including memoir, short fiction, poetry and feature writing. On completion of the programme you will be able to:

• Understand some of the key concepts in creative writing such as character delineation and narrative perspective
  
• Read other writers with a view to learning more about the craft of writing by seeing what they have achieved
  
• Establish a regular creative writing practice in your own time
  
• Have the confidence to present your work for feedback to a supportive group of peers
  
• Evaluate your own work to the point that you have a good instinct for when to redraft
  
• Research publishing outlets and submit your work should you feel ready to do so
  

What will I be able to do when I complete the course?

If you already hold an honours degree in an appropriate discipline, or are eligible for APEL applications you may apply for a range of postgraduate programmes.

If you do not hold an Honours Degree, you may be interested to apply through the CAO for a BA (Hons) in English Media and Cultural Studies (CAO Code: DL241). You will be eligible for an exemption from the Creative Writing module in Year 2.

What Will I Study?

This module provides introductory content in topics such as:

• How to get started
• Workshop skills
• Establishing a regular writing routine
• How to evaluate your own work
• Achieving a child's perspective in writing a memoir
• Interview techniques when putting together a feature
• Narrative perspective, character development and structure in short fiction
• Imagery, form and subtext in poetry
• Reading other writers to learn from their craftsmanship
• Submitting work for publication to literary magazines and other outlets

What are the Entry Requirements?

Leaving Certificate Examination or equivalent (NQF Level 5). Applicants without this can also be considered based on their prior experience and learning (APEL).

What are the fees?

The fees are €300 for Creative Writing in a flexible learning mode including registration fee.

What is the Closing Date?

Applications must be made directly to IADT by Friday, 20th August 2010.

Please contact our Admissions Office on admissions@iadt.ie for an application form or download form from Flexible Learning here .

For more information please contact eLearning Project Officer by email at ogradym@iadt.ie

Please note: This programme is subject to reaching 20 participants in order for the course to run.