Novel Writing: Developing Characters, Settings and Plot
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£360 (Summer Term 2025) or £280
- Start Date(s): 27 August 2025, 1 October 2026, 21 January 2026, 15 April 2026
- Duration: Wednesday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, three days or Wednesdays 10 am - 12.30 pm, six weeks
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
27 - 29 August 2025, 10 am to 4 pm
1 October - 5 November 2025, Wednesdays 10 am -12.30 pm
21 January - 25 February 2026, Wednesdays 10 am - 12.30 pm
15 April - 20 May 2026, Wednesdays 10 am - 12.30 pm
Have you always wanted to write a novel?
Whether you’ve got a great idea but aren’t sure how to begin or have an unfinished manuscript gathering dust under your bed, this practical and playful course will offer exercises and advice to get your novel underway.
The course will suit both the beginner and those with more experience who are interested in honing a novel or who are seeking fresh inspiration.
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You’ll be part of a creative writing community; one that promotes discussion, collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
Benefit from learning with an active, expert writer-tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in a wide range of genres. -
Get published with our student anthology; every term we ask for submissions and print a short anthology of your original creative writing, which you can keep after the course. -
Study Creative Writing in a UNESCO City of Literature. Nottingham is a place of discovery, exchange, ideas and learning for everyone who loves words and stories. Our vision as a UNESCO City of Literature is for a city where everyone is reading and writing their way to a better life.
Here's what our previous attendees said:
'Our tutor was exceptional. Well prepared with excellent ideas, activities and tips. I found her very inspirational, and was sorry when the course ended.' CR
What you’ll study
On this course you will:
- explore the essential aspects of novel writing (including character development, setting, point of view, structure and plot)
- put these elements into practice through a series of creative writing exercises
- better understand your unique writing ‘voice’ and the story you want to tell
- consider your individual ideas and needs as a writer
By the end of the course you’ll have the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to have a novel underway.
How you’re taught
You will receive guidance and feedback in a supportive seminar environment, engaging in classroom discussions, critiques, and practical writing exercises.
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
98% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Contact hours
You will receive 18 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the creative writing industry; students who have taken this course have gone on to build a portfolio of published work through submitting to literary magazines or self-publishing, progressed onto degree courses and embarked on careers in writing, publishing and teaching.
This course is your toolkit to ensure that you are well-prepared to pursue a successful career in the competitive field of creative writing.
Certificate of attendance and digital badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.
Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.
They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.
Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.
Are you interested in progressing your writing?
Find out more about our undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
Campus and facilities
You will be studying creative writing in a UNESCO City of Literature, and be based in the School of Social Sciences on the City Campus.
You will find modern teaching spaces and quiet study environments to develop your ideas and writing.
You’ll have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You’ll also be invited to join WRAP, our Writing, Reading and Pleasure programme of book groups, meet ups and talks from readers and authors.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: No experience is required
You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £360 (Summer Term 2025) or £280.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- your preferred materials for writing (pen & notebook/ paper, or laptop)
- any notes, ideas or examples of previous writing.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
This course is available for booking via the NTU online store:
27 - 29 August 2025, 10 am to 4 pm
1 October - 5 November 2025, Wednesdays 10 am -12.30 pm
21 January - 25 February 2026, Wednesdays 10 am - 12.30 pm
15 April - 20 May 2026, Wednesdays 10 am - 12.30 pm
Browse all our creative writing short courses.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813