Introduction to Writing Poetry

About this course

The course introduces core methods for composing and revising poetry. Participants examine line breaks alongside forms including the sonnet, villanelle, ghazal and prose poetry, then apply techniques such as cut-up writing and ekphrasis in their own work. Teaching combines interactive lectures with workshops. Sessions focus on different aspects of poetic craft, giving participants opportunities to write and edit poems while studying alongside other learners.

What you'll learn

• Apply line breaks deliberately within poems
• Experiment with traditional and contemporary poetic forms
• Compose work using sonnets, villanelles, ghazals and prose poetry
• Use cut-up and ekphrastic techniques in poetry
• Edit poems in response to workshop activities

Is this course right for you?

The course is described as suitable for beginners in poetry as well as professional writers seeking to refine their craft. Participation involves writing, discussing and editing work through interactive lectures and workshops.

• Suitable for learners at an introductory level
• Also intended to accommodate professional writers developing their poetry practice
• Includes workshop-based participation alongside other learners

Before you go

• A Birkbeck certificate of participation is issued on completion.
• The course is non-credit bearing and carries no credit points.