Create a spectacular universe of your own this summer with a creative writing course in the literary and cultural hotspots of Oxford, Cambridge or London. Stretch your imagination and challenge yourself to think differently, and play with different genres and styles through creative storytelling. Feel the buzz of finding exactly the right word to make your poem sing, craft a tantalising script destined for the silver screen, or finally get started on your Great Novel!
Age(Step 1)
Destination(Step 2)
Subject(Step 2)
Atlas Summer CoursesAuthentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience by Atlas Summer Courses immerses high school students in diverse academic studies and cultural explorations at these historic universities.
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Oxford RoyaleLive and study in a historic Oxford or Cambridge college this summer. Academy Royale International’s two-week academic summer schools give students aged 12 to 18 university-style teaching in more than 20 subjects, from medicine and law to AI and film.
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Reach CambridgeTransformative summer courses for teens, combining academic studies, cultural excursions, and growth opportunities in Cambridge.
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Oxbridge Academic ProgramsOxford residential study for grades 10-12, available as one two-week session or a combined four-week program at Pembroke College.
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Immerse EducationA transformative two-week summer programme for motivated students aged 15-18, built around the art of communication, storytelling, and public speaking.
View programmeFrom J.R.R. Tolkien to Zadie Smith, generations of writers have been shaped by the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge. Writing here means drawing inspiration from history, architecture, and a long tradition of literary excellence. Where will you choose for your Creative Writing summer program this summer 2027?
What is it about the magic of Oxford that has inspired so many of our literary greats? Wander the same streets as Tolkein, Oscar Wilde and Percey Shelley whilst they studied and taught here, and visit the very pub that Tolkein and CS Lewis met at to discuss their ideas!
Browse Oxford
The roll call of famous authors to have studied and lived in captivating Cambridge is almost endless: from the leading English romantic poets Wordsworth and Tennyson, to Sylvia Plath, Iris Murdoch and modern fiction greats such as Zadie Smith!
Browse Cambridge
Interested in studying Creative Writing in other wonderful study destinations in Europe, the USA and worldwide?
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A broad selection of programmes is available, varying in depth, workload and course design across providers.
Creative writing summer schools prioritize an immersive and exploratory approach, allowing students to delve deeply into various genres and styles. Instruction often emphasizes not just the mechanics of writing but also the importance of voice, narrative structure, and character development. Unlike conventional school methods that may focus primarily on prescribed curricula, these programs foster a more dynamic and individualistic learning environment. Through workshops, peer critiques, and one-on-one mentorship, participants are encouraged to experiment and refine their unique perspectives, ultimately enhancing both their craft and critical thinking skills.
The structure of creative writing summer schools typically balances intensive study with ample opportunities for independent exploration. Students engage in a blend of guided workshops and self-directed projects, promoting a collaborative classroom atmosphere. Expect a rhythm that oscillates between structured lessons and creative freedom, where daily writing exercises and group discussions play pivotal roles. This blend cultivates a supportive community, enhancing the overall experience as participants share their work and receive constructive feedback, while also finding space to develop individual voices and styles.
Creative writing summer schools cater to a diverse range of participants, often welcoming individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds. While some programs may target specific age groups, many are designed to be inclusive, encouraging anyone with a passion for writing to apply. Expectations typically include a willingness to engage in creative processes, a readiness to explore different writing forms, and an openness to feedback, all of which contribute to a rich and productive learning environment.
These summer schools stand apart from traditional writing courses due to their concentrated focus on creativity and personal expression. Students are immersed in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, all passionate about storytelling and artistic exploration. The intensity of the programs often leads to remarkable personal growth and breakthroughs in writing, as participants are encouraged to push past their comfort zones. This experiential learning approach fosters a sense of ownership over one’s creative journey, distinguishing these summer schools from more conventional academic settings that may prioritize standardized assessments over individual expression.
Compare current published courses by provider, campus, ages, dates and price.
| Course | Provider | Campuses | Ages | Dates | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadening Horizons | Academy Royale International | Oxford University Colleges | 16-18 | 4 Jul – 17 Jul 2027 | £7,995 | 2 weeks |
| New Perspectives | Academy Royale International | Oxford University Colleges | 12-15 | 4 Jul – 17 Jul 2027 | £7,995 | 2 weeks |
| Creative Writing in Cambridge for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | Cambridge University Colleges | 16-18 | 27 Jun – 10 Jul 2027 | £7,495 | 2+ weeks |
| English Pathways at Dukes Cambridge | Summer Boarding Courses | Sancton Wood School | 14-17 | 28 Jun – 26 Jul 2027 | From £4,495 residential / £3,495 non-residential (2 weeks) | 2 or 4 weeks |
| The History of the Book | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Oxford University Colleges, Lady Margaret Hall | 19+ | 19 Jul – 6 Aug 2027 | £4,640.00 | 3 Weeks |
| Experience Creative Writing Academy | Oxford Scholastica Academy | Oxford University Colleges | 15-18 | 4 Jul – 17 Jul 2027 | £7,495 | 2 weeks |
| Literature & Creative Writing | Reach Cambridge | Cambridge University Colleges | 14-18 | 4 Jul – 31 Jul 2027 | £6,295.00 - £18,495.00 | 2, 4 or 6 weeks |
| Creative Writing in Cambridge for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Cambridge University Colleges | 13-15 | 27 Jun – 10 Jul 2027 | £7,495 | 2+ weeks |
| Creative Writing in Oxford for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Oxford University Colleges | 13-15 | 4 Jul – 17 Jul 2027 | £7,495 | 2+ weeks |
| Creative Writing in Oxford for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | Oxford University Colleges | 16-18 | 18 Jul – 31 Jul 2027 | £7,495 | 2+ weeks |
| Creative Writing (18-24 years old) | Atlas Summer Courses | Oxford University Colleges | 18-24 years old | 27 Jun – 10 Jul 2027 | £6,995.00 | 2 Weeks |
| Creative Writing | ISSOS | St Andrews University | 15-18 | 30 Jun – 21 Jul 2027 | £7,900.00 | 3 weeks |
Compare published creative writing summer schools by provider, campus, age range, dates and price. This table uses current catalogue data so families can move from editorial research into real programme options.
| Programme | Provider | Campuses | Ages | Dates | From Price | Courses Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience for Teens & Young Adults Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience by Atlas Summer Courses immerses high school students in diverse acade... | Atlas Summer Courses | Oxford University Colleges, St Hilda’s College | 13-24 | 27 Jun – 31 Jul 2027 | £5,495 – £9,995 | 53 courses |
| World Leading Oxford & Cambridge Academic Summer Schools for Ages 12 to 18 Live and study in a historic Oxford or Cambridge college this summer. Academy Royale International’s two-week... | Oxford Royale | Oxford University Colleges, Cambridge University Colleges | 12-18 | 4 Jul – 14 Aug 2027 | £7,995 | 46 courses |
| Inspiring Academic Summer Courses in Cambridge Transformative summer courses for teens, combining academic studies, cultural excursions, and growth opportuni... | Reach Cambridge | Cambridge University Colleges | 14-18 | 4 Jul – 14 Aug 2027 | £6,295 – £18,495 | 21 courses |
| The Oxford Tradition Summer School for Grades 10-12 Oxford residential study for grades 10-12, available as one two-week session or a combined four-week program a... | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Pembroke College, Oxford, Oxford University Colleges | 15-18 | 2 Jul – 30 Jul 2027 | $7,850 – $13,595 | 29 courses |
| TED Summer School in London, New York, Singapore & Sydney A transformative two-week summer programme for motivated students aged 15-18, built around the art of communic... | Immerse Education | University College London, Barnard College | 15-18 | 14 Jun – 20 Aug 2027 | £5,995 – £7,495 | View options |
| Transformational Academic Summer Programme in Oxford Exceptional learning experience in Oxford, blending immersive academics with practical, real-world challenges. | Oxford Scholastica Academy | Oxford University Colleges, St Thomas’ Oxford | 12-18 | 4 Jul – 14 Aug 2027 | £6,995 – £13,690 | 12 courses |
| The Oxford Experience for Grades 8-9 A 26-day Oxford residential program for grades 8-9, combining a Major and a Minor with cultural activities and... | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Oxford University Colleges, Corpus Christi College | 13-15 | 5 Jul – 31 Jul 2027 | $12,995 – $13,195 | 27 courses |
| LMH Oxford Summer Programmes Experience Oxford University’s world-renowned tutorial teaching system, explore fascinating subjects with expe... | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Oxford University Colleges, Lady Margaret Hall | 19+ | 28 Jun – 27 Aug 2027 | £4,640 – £14,124 | 27 courses |
| Academic Insights in Oxford & Cambridge University-style summer programmes in Cambridge and Oxford for ages 13–18, combining academic rigour, world-cl... | Immerse Education | Oxford University Colleges, University College London | 13-18 | 27 Jun – 14 Aug 2027 | £5,995 – £7,495 | 64 courses |
| Inspirational Cambridge Summer School for Ages 13-18 ISSOS at Cambridge is based in the extensive and beautiful grounds of The University of Cambridge, one of the... | ISSOS | Cambridge University Colleges | 13-18 | 5 Jul – 5 Aug 2027 | £7,900 | 9 courses |
The Creative Writing summer school at Atlas Summer Courses offers small-group tutorials for students aged 18–24, with fees from £5,495 for Non Residential option.
Find your voice as a storyteller in Cambridge, a city that has inspired generations of writers.
Creative Writing at ISSOS is designed to develop students’ writing talents and help them to harness the power in their words as a way to express themselves and tell their own story.
New for 2027, this course explores now AI may be used in the world of finance and banking. More details to come soon.
Develop short fiction, poetry and memoir inspired by Barcelona's literary culture.
Academy Royale International's Broadening Horizons summer school lets students aged 16 to 18 build their own two-week programme in Oxford. You choose two academic subjects and one Power Skills workshop, from physics and philosophy to criminology and debate. Since 2004, we've welcomed students from more than 175 countries to live and study in historic university colleges.
Where better than Oxford to hone your skills in creative writing? Get inspired by the city that was home to Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and Philip Pullman. In this course, you’ll explore different genres and plot-types, learn about the importance of dialogue, and practise different techniques to hone your skills and ensure writing becomes a part of your daily routine.
This course introduces students to subjects beyond the scope of their current school courses, thereby offering them a flavour of English Literature at university level.
A two-week English course in Cambridge for students aged 14 to 17 at any level, covering academic, practical and creative use of the language.
Refine your writing craft in Cambridge, a historic centre for literature and the arts.
How have various technologies, from the printing press to the coding, impacted how people have read, used, and understood books? How have people’s reading practices changed over time? How have developments in philosophical, literary, religious, social thought changed the material form and perception of the book? From richly bejewelled deluxe medieval manuscripts to mass-produced paperbacks, this course invites you to explore the history of how books were made, disseminated, and read from the early medieval period to the present day.
Develop fiction and poetry in Cambridge under the guidance of published writers.
Academy Royale International's New Perspectives summer school lets students aged 12 to 15 build their own two-week programme in Oxford. You choose two academic subjects and one Power Skills workshop, from astronomy and politics to creative writing and public speaking. Since 2004, we've welcomed students from more than 175 countries to live and study in historic university colleges.
Unleash your storytelling potential in Oxford, a city that has inspired countless literary greats.
Develop fiction and poetry in Oxford under the guidance of published writers.
Craft compelling narratives in Oxford, following in the footsteps of renowned authors and poets.
Use Paris as creative inspiration while developing fiction, poetry and polished new work.
Unleash your creativity in Tokyo, the vibrant heart of anime and a global powerhouse in film production. Click to learn more.
Paris a inspiré les plus célèbres artistes, cinéastes, écrivains, et créateurs. Parfois la ville lumière joue un rôle principal dans leur œuvre, parfois elle n’est que son inspiration. A travers ce cours pluridisciplinaire -- qui allie promenades en ville, visites de musées, films, lectures, et exercices d’écriture -- les étudiants découvrent comment Paris a été imaginé et représenté par différents artistes, tout en travaillant leurs propres créations multimédia.
Ce cours avancé d’expression orale et écrite s’adresse aux étudiants qui veulent enrichir leur vocabulaire et approfondir leur connaissance de la grammaire française et de ses complexités, tels que l’emploi du subjonctif et du conditionnel, la concordance des temps et le choix des pronoms personnels et relatifs. Les étudiants lisent la presse nationale et regardent des extraits de films contemporains, ils discutent de questions de société et de sujets d’actualité, et s’initient à l’art du débat. Ils s’essaient à différents types d’écriture et créent un portefeuille qu’ils présentent à la fin du programme.
