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Please note that the course fee of £1057 (which covers all three units) is payable in advance of study or on booking.

This Certificate in Life Writing course is delivered in three weekend course units spread across the year, self-directed study and a final submission of 5,000 words. It is delivered by experienced educators and authors, Joanna Moorhead, Hannah Vincent and Katy Massey.

The dates for the three weekend units are:

Unit 1: 30 January–1 February 2026
Unit 2: 24–26 April 2026
Unit 3: 3–5 July 2026

The course aims to draw together a clearer understanding of the skills, knowledge and qualities that lend themselves to good life writing and is underpinned by a clear understanding of some of the forms and craft that enable the writer to produce high standard work.

Each weekend unit will be based in the inspirational environment of West Dean College's historic rooms. It 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 life writing over the course of an academic year.

It also offers a potential pathway to those interested in applying for the College's Higher Education programmes in Writing and Publishing.

This first unit is taught by Joanna Moorhead and will include:
An introduction to Life Writing (history and possibility)
Form, style and voice
Whose life am I writing? Who 'owns' the story? Issues around invading others' lives. Sensitivities and how to deal with them.
Research
Writing exercises