Have you ever read a newspaper, magazine or online article and wanted to write a piece like that? If so, this fun and inspiring two-day course is for you.

Covering the basics of how to pitch and write articles for newspapers, magazines and websites, the tutor will teach you how to hone ideas, how to judge whether a piece is right for an outlet and how to pitch to an editor. You will also look at techniques for writing for the current newspaper/magazine/online market. How do you put a piece together? What are the rules and tricks of professional journalism? How do you break into the industry and, once you are in, how do you keep getting work published?

You will also consider the following: What do you want to write about, and how do you write it? Where can you get ideas? Who can you write for? How important is networking? How do you get to know editors? Do you need to know people on the inside? How much money can you make?

You will also go into the nuts and bolts of journalism – what makes a good piece and how to craft a piece. The course is discussion-based and includes short practical exercises and lots of insider tips.

This is an ideal course for those who are looking for a second or part-time second career, and who want to have a go at writing. It is also ideal for those who sometimes need to write pieces for magazines and journals as part of their job. The course teaches you to see newspapers and magazines as a writer, and not just as a reader.

It is absolutely essential that you attend the first evening session where the basic theory and technique will be introduced.

You will leave the weekend having written one or more pitches, and with a clear idea of how and where to feed them into a newspaper or magazine.

What students need to bring

• Copies of magazines/newspapers you would like to write for
• Writing tools/notebook and a laptop (if you have one)

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Notebooks/pencils/pens

Additional information

Students also have access to PCs in the College’s IT Suite.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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