The Certificate in Creative Writing (Fiction) is a comprehensive course in fiction writing. The course explores technical aspects of fiction writing, such as narrative voice, point of view, character, story setting, dialogue, dialogue, story structure, plotting, creating action, time, imagery and figurative language. The course also covers revising and editing your writing, and how to recognise when a story needs work and when it needs to be left alone. You will also read the work of other writers, think about what fiction is, how it works, why it works when it works, and why it doesn’t when it doesn’t. Classes are taught as workshops, consisting of reading and writing activities, conversations, discussions, and practice. There will be interaction and dialogue, and most of all, writing. You will also learn how to prepare a piece of fiction for publication. By the end of the course you will have developed your own portfolio of fiction.  

This course is suitable for all levels from beginners to more experienced writers.

Credits: 10 ECTS

Course Practicalities

Course will be delivered on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm – 9.30pm on-campus for 12 weeks.  Scheduled day may be subject to change.

Next course will run from September 2025.

The course will cover key aspects of fiction writing, including:

• Getting started
• Perception and perceptiveness
• Story structure: story, plot, action, time
• Creating characters
• Dialogue
• Narrative point of view and narration
• Imagery and figurative language
• Showing and telling
• Story setting
• Revising and editing your work
• Preparing for submission and publication

Assessment

Learners will be required to submit a 1000-1250 word Short Prose Piece based on an exercise performed in class and re-drafted after in-class feedback and commentary and also a Writing Portfolio.

Entry Requirements

Applications are assessed on a case by case basis in accordance with Carlow College Admission Guidelines and Procedures for Part-Time Learners

Applicants must be residents of Ireland.

Fees

Course fees are €350 and payable at registration.

The next intake of this course commences in September 2025. Applications open in May.

To join a waitlist to be notified when the next intake opens, please email marketing@carlowcollege.ie

Please note payment in full is required at time of booking.