Please note that the course fee of £1022 (which covers all three units) is payable in advance of study or on booking.

This Certificate in Historical Fiction Writing is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of all three weekend course units spread across each academic term, self-directed study and the completion of the first 5,000 words of a historical fiction novel.

The course seeks to bring together all the key components of good historical fiction writing into one continuing programme and to offer an insight into the writer's toolkit, necessary for developing skills and building your confidence.

Each weekend unit will be based in the inspirational environment of West Dean College's Sussex campus. The course is aimed at writers who wish to commit to an extended programme of study without having to make a significant time commitment, and who will benefit from a cohesive course that offers focus on the key elements of successful historical fiction writing over the course of an academic year.

On successful completion, you will be offered an interview for the MA in Writing and Publishing, should you wish to apply in order to continue your studies and project. The MA is set up to facilitate the production of a completed novel.

This first unit will include:
- An introduction to historical fiction
- The rules of historical fiction
- Historical research
- Structure: Creating a solid foundation
- The five key elements of plotting