Masterclass: poetry (a year-long workshop)

About this course

The course examines how poets can work with language, form and structure, including poetic construction and deconstruction, the music of the poem, titles, line breaks, editing and the lyric I. It also considers ways to structure a book or pamphlet for publication. Teaching combines tutor-led discussion, workshop readings, theory and structural analysis with feedback on participants’ own poems from the tutor and group. Learners complete reading and writing exercises outside class and revise their work in response to techniques and feedback explored during the course.

What you'll learn

• Redraft poems using advanced techniques explored in class and feedback received
• Analyse and assess poetry with critical insight
• Give constructive feedback on other writers’ work in a workshop setting
• Explore how form, structure, line breaks, titles and editing shape a poem
• Develop approaches to structuring a poetry book or pamphlet

Is this course right for you?

This advanced course is intended for poets developing substantial writing projects with publication in mind. It is suitable only for applicants with advanced workshop experience and/or a history of publication. Participation involves sharing work, responding to group feedback, completing work outside class and contributing to a showcase.

• Enrolment is by application, with shortlisted applicants invited to interview
• Applicants submit writing background, workshop experience and three sample poems
• Regular reading and writing work is set for completion outside class
• Participants are expected to share poems and engage in open, constructive workshop discussion

Before you go

• Bring a notebook and pen or pencil.
• Bring copies of poems when requested.
• Submit work to the workshop by agreed deadlines.
• Participation in the course showcase event is expected.