creative writing courses in south africa

• People/Staff

Creative Writing

Follow your passion for creative writing and explore a range of genres and aesthetic approaches.

Our Honours degree comprises several foundational courses as well as multiple electives, offered by both the Creative Writing Department and other Departments within the School of Literature,Language & Media and the creative arts. Our diverse course options attend closely to questions of form and aesthetics and provide practical skills, while engaging the historical and critical contexts of literary work.

While courses offered may differ from year to year, over the one-year programme all students will take a wide selection, honing their individual visions and practices while experimenting with new forms and subjects.

Career Opportunities

Students will develop critical reading and writing skills that may be used in a variety of careers and professions, such as journalism, theatre writing and script writing. Graduates may also go on to become writers of fiction, nonfiction and poetry.

The Honours degree has five components.

• Working Concepts in Creative Writing (core course)
• A Long Essay
• Two additional writing courses
• One literature course from any of the departments in the School of Literature, Language and Media

It is compulsory to do TWO writing courses and ONE literature course in either semester.

With the approval of the Honours coordinator, students may choose to do one of their optional courses in another programme. In-person attendance at weekly seminars, held on the Wits Braamfontein campus, is compulsory.

• Core Course: Working Concepts in Creative Writing (compulsory)
• Long essay (compulsory, submit at the end of the year)
• Writing for Performance I
• Various literature courses
• Writing: Theory and Praxis
• Writing for Performance II
• Writing Immersion: Special Topic in Creative Writing
• Writing Poetry
• Literature for Writers
• Text & Image

For more information on course options as well as a course description please consult our brochure: Creative Writing Honours Electives 2024

Entry Requirements

To be admitted to the degree programme, you will need:

• A BA degree in literature, languages or a cognate discipline, with a minimum of 65% average in the final year, or 65% average across literary, writing and cognate course praxis.
• A portfolio of creative writing – to be submitted by 15 September to: Phillippa Yaa de Villiers : [email protected] along with a detailed CV and covering letter.*

The portfolio should comprise twenty pages (1.5 spacing, 12 pt) of any combination of the following:

• Part of a creative prose manuscript (fiction or nonfiction).
• A selection of short stories.
• A selection of creative nonfiction essays.
• A selection of poems**

*The covering letter should explain your reasons for applying to this programme, the extent of your own reading of creative work, and what you hope to achieve in this course.

**Students wishing to take the poetry course as one of their electives MUST submit approximately 10 pages of poetry as well as eight or more pages of prose. Students who will not be doing the poetry course may submit poetry in their portfolio, but at least fifteen pages of the portfolio must be prose.

DO NOT submit academic essays written for your degree courses. DO NOT submit newspaper articles, press releases or public relations biographies.

The portfolio should demonstrate a high degree of writing competency, a commitment to wide and varied reading and an interest in using language creatively.

Places in the courses are limited and selection is based on the strength of the candidates’ applications.

Course Application Process

Should you be accepted into the programme, you will be notified to complete your registration and submit a University application. This is only a formality and, once completed, we will accept your application and you will officially be admitted.

• Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC).
• Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
• Please apply online .
• Upload the supporting documents required by the University at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal .
• Applicants can monitor the progress of their application via the Self Service Portal .

International students, please check this section .

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits .

• Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC) . Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.  Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
• Please apply online . Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal .
• Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the  Self Service Portal .
• Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students , please check this section .

For more information,  contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits .

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here . Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities.  NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.  External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Explore your options in the creative economy

Bachelor of creative writing, 3-year full-time | saqa id 112550.

• Requirements
• Theory Components
• Disciplines
• List of Possible Careers
• Most Creative writing programmes are in the postgraduate domain. The Bachelor of Creative Writing at AFDA is one of the few fully fledged undergraduate degrees in this field on offer in the country.
• The programme will supply students with a broad-based skill set and a network of creative practitioners that will increase options for content production in the world of work.AFDA, being the school for the Creative Economies, is actively exploring new evolutions in technological developments and will equip students to write for emerging platforms as they develop.
• Students will do Ideation Studies for the 3 year duration of the course as this forms the core of concept development for all the disciplines.
• Students will do Contextual, Project and Reflection Studies for the 1 st 18 months – thereafter these practices will be conducted through learner-lead-learning
• These will include, amongst others, classes in Directing, Production Design, Cinematography, Editing, Sound, Multi-camera Production, as well as Screen and Stage Acting.
• They will also observe the production processes and practices on film and television sets, as well as rehearsals and performances in theatre plays.
• Students will generate the following project outcomes in Discipline Studies:

Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the required conceptual,  perceptual, technical and craft skills in all 8 disciplines on offer, and will produce the following work:

• A script for a 3 minute live-action or animation film.
• A teaser for the pilot episode of the proposed drama series.         
• A 1 to 2 page short story, focussing on content.
• The first draft of a monologue and the first draft of a scene for a play
• A narrative treatment for a proposed documentary.
• A technical running order and script for a pre-recorded, studio based factual magazine programme of 15 minutes (3 x 5 minute segments).
• The first draft and a pitch of a proposal for an entertainment format, for instance, a Reality, Shiny Floor or Game show.
• A print advertorial, a press release and a written social media campaign (consisting of three adverts) for a product according to brief. 

Students will demonstrate an intermediate understanding of the required conceptual,  perceptual, technical and craft skills in  4 disciplines of their choice, and will produce the following work:

• A script for a 5 minute live-action or animation film
• A script for a 7 minute live-action or animation film
• A seven-page pitch document for an original drama series.
• A 3-5 page story, focussing on content and form.
• A short play of 15 to 20 minutes. 
• A 12 – 15 minute documentary script on a topical issue.
• A technical running order and a script for a pre-recorded, studio based factual magazine programme of 15 minutes (3 x 5 minute segments)
• A script for a live sports talk show of 15 minutes (3 x 5 minute segments)
• A Game show of 15 – 18 minutes, and its format mechanisms, modelled on existing shows.
• A reality show of 15 to 18 minutes and its format mechanisms, modelled on existing shows.
• A public service announcement for a social cause in in three formats: 15, 30 and 60 seconds.
• A 3 part fictional mobi-series that is related to a Multi-Media Brand Campaign of a prospective client.

Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the required conceptual, perceptual, technical and craft skills in 2 disciplines of their choice. They will dedicate their year to prepare for a capstone project that will be either be produced, or pitched at a professional marketplace with the intent to be acquisitioned.

Students will produce the following work:

• A 12 minute art film
• A 24 minute commercial film in semester 2. 
• A series bible and step outline for a ½ hour pilot episode of a commercially viable television series.
• A ½ hour pilot episode for an original drama, telenovela, comedy or radio drama series
• Three pieces of flash fiction in preparation for a longer format short story.
• A longer short story (of 8-12 pages in length) or five new pieces of flash fiction.
• The first, second and final drafts of a one-act play of roughly 45 minutes, with a producer or theatre in mind, who might want to purchase the performance rights.
• A 24 minute contemporary documentary utilising a variety of unconventional documentary techniques and strategies.
• A 24 minute documentary script for a predetermined target market.
• A live news broadcast of 20 minutes based on a broadcast brief.
• A concept, script and technical running order for a weekly, live actuality programme of 24 minutes.
• A pilot for a 30 minute entertainment format (reality show, game show, and hybrid) with distinct mechanisms and a format bible.
• A print advertorial.
• A press release.
• A social media campaign, consisting of three adverts.
• A commercial for screen, written in three formats: 15, 30 and 60 seconds.
• A 15 second radio commercial.
• An accompanying mobi-series and web-series for the product.
• A promotional event for the product, which could include a cultural or sports event, a flash mob, or a pop-up experience.

The legislated minimum admission to degree programmes provides the admission requirements for the programme (as per Government Gazette No 37902 and 41473), and no other additional criteria are applied. The admission requirements are therefore:

• An NSC certificate completed with the entry into a Bachelor’s Degree
• A completed Higher Certificate programme including those offered by AFDA)
• A National Certificate (Vocational) with a minimum of 60% for English.
• An exemption certificate provided by Higher Education South Africa (HESA) permitting entry into a degree programme
• International students may apply for a certificate of exemption from HESA (see point 4 above)
• Through RPL

IDEATION STUDIES

• Focus: to provide students with the required critical and analytical skills to originate engaging narrative concepts
• Focus: to provide students with the insight into the human condition in order to create well-rounded and empathetic characters, subjects and personalities.
• Focus: to provide students with the required technical and craft skills to structure narratives for a variety of formats and genres
• Focus: to provide students with the required aesthetic, technical and craft skills to write for their chosen media
• Focus: to equip students with the required skills to practice their craft in the world of work

CONTEXTUAL STUDIES

• Key 21 st century skills are covered, such as critical thinking; collaboration, career development and resilience skills, goal-setting and values, together with an understanding of the landscape of digital technology.

REFLECTION STUDIES

During the development phase and at the conclusion of the project, students are guided in a structured way to reflect on their work.

• Reflection on Use of Ideation Learning in Project
• Contextual Reflection on Team Values & Collaboration
• Contextual Reflection on Creative Challenges
• Reflection on Project Development Process
• Reflection on Project Learning Goal & Objectives
• Contextual Reflection of Conflict Resolution
• Reflection on Project Pitch & Review
• Reflection on Term Learning

Disciplines on offer:

• Screenwriting
• Television Series Writing
• Short Story Writing
• Playwriting
• Documentary Writing
• News & Actuality Writing
• Television Show Format Writing
• Copy & Commercial Writing

Discipline selection:

• Students do a semester module in all 8 disciplines (4 in Semester 1 and 4 in Semester 2)
• Students  select  any 4 disciplines for continuous studies through the year
• Students select any 2  majors out of 8 disciplines for continuous studies through the year

Key Skills and learning outcomes:

• Apply relevant theories and concepts from the appropriate knowledge fields to inform the development of the two exit level graduation project outcomes
• Apply a range of contextual skills to inform interactions with peers in order to form productive relationships, problem solve, and develop efficient ways of working.
• Conceptualise and develop  a creative work to industry standard and demonstrate the skills to pitch this for commission or sale in a work-simulated market place
• Apply the required skills for the appropriate use of language, literary devices, narrative structures, and genre and format principles to generate appropriate and engaging texts for different marketplaces and audiences.
• Critically reflect on the appropriate use of conceptual, attitudinal, perceptual and discipline, technical & craft skills that inform the work

Professional writers for a variety of commercially viable media texts, such as:

• Screenwriters
• Television Series Writers
• Short Story Writers
• Playwrights
• Documentary Writers
• News & Actuality Writers
• Television Show Format Writers
• Copy Writers
• Commercial Writers
• New Media Writers

Study this course at these campuses

Johannesburg, Cape Town

Course type

Undergraduate Degrees

3 years, Full Time

Writing courses have existed at AFDA in both Film and Television, but the creative industries are undergoing massive growth and diversification. There is a clear need to advance the core business of Creative Writing in such a way that the new platforms and media technologies which are emerging will have highly trained content providers. At the heart of all work in this industry is Story. This new degree is conceived to provide a high level intervention in the entertainment industry as it exists, but will be structured to be responsive to the rapidly changing landscape. Digital Convergence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution is affecting the way the new audiences across the whole African continent and the world consume entertainment products.

South Africa has a very important role to play in this burgeoning creative arts industry. This programme has been designed to deliver multi-skilled writers that can create content for a variety of existing and emerging platforms.

STUDENT PROFILES

Students who graduated with this degree.

Angelo de Klerk

Johannesburg

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proudly part of

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POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION

We see you have selected a POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION, however you may have likely only completed a High School qualification (Grade 12/ Matric or equivalent) and not yet a full Undergraduate degree or Diploma. If this is the case, please go back to the Course Selection tab, to change your Course Selection to one of the following Undergraduate options: BACHELOR OF ARTS BACHELOR OF COMMERCE HIGHER CERTIFICATES

If you do indeed have an Undergraduate qualification that allows you to qualify for entry into Postgraduate, then please proceed with your online application.

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Creative Writing Course - South Africa

• Improve your skills with Creative Writing Course
• Learn how to handle creative writing challenges
• Understand the concepts of literary fiction and storymaking

Creative Writing Course Overview

• Course syllabus
• Who it’s for
• What’s included
• Why choose this course

Creative Writing Training Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Creative Writing

What is Creative Writing?

• Main Elements of Creative Writing
• Types of Creative Writing
• Techniques Used in Creative Writing

Module 2: Challenges for Translation

• Challenges to Writers
• Challenges for Translation
• Experiment Challenges
• Design and Quality Challenges

Module 3: Composition and Creative Writing

• Introduction to Composition Writing
• Types of Composition Writing

Module 4: Seven Processes of Creative Writing

• Planning or Prewriting
• Drafting (or Writing the First Draft)
• Sharing Your First Draft
• Evaluating Your Draft
• Revising Your Content
• Publishing Your Final Product

Module 5: Writing Fiction

• Literary Fiction
• Form and Structure
• Finding Characters
• Basics of Story Making

Module 6: Creative Nonfiction

• Meaning of Creative Nonfiction
• Characteristics of Creative Nonfiction
• Tips for Creative Nonfiction Writing
• Common Literary Nonfiction Subgenres

Module 7: Basics of Writing Poetry

• Listening to Language
• Finding Language
• Awakening and Shaping Language
• Playing with Language

Module 8: Performing Writing

• Introduction to Performing Writing

Module 9: Writing in the Academy and Community

• Introduction

Module 10: Tips to Improve Creative Writing

• Do Not Underestimate the Reader
• Give Your Characters Life
• Utilise Strong Words
• Check Your Commas
• Grab Attention from the Start
• Give the Reader a Satisfactory Ending

Who should attend this Creative Writing Training Course?

The Creative Writing Training Course is designed for individuals eager to refine their creative writing skills. This course is ideal for aspiring writers, professionals in content creation, and anyone seeking to enhance their storytelling abilities. The following individuals can greatly benefit from attending this course:

• Journalists
• Content Creators
• Copywriters
• Teachers and Educators
• Public Relations Professionals
• Content Marketers

Prerequisites of the Creative Writing Training Course

There are no formal prerequisites for this Creative Writing Course.

Creative Writing Training Course Overview

Creative Writing is an art form that enables expression, storytelling, and communication in unique and imaginative ways. Among the Personal Development Courses, this course offers an introduction to the diverse world of creative writing, highlighting its importance in personal expression and professional communication. Understanding and developing creative writing skills can enhance one’s ability to engage and captivate audiences.

Professionals in fields such as marketing, advertising, journalism, and education will find this course particularly beneficial. It’s also ideal for aspiring writers and those in any role requiring narrative skills. Creative writing enhances one’s ability to convey messages compellingly and creatively, making it a valuable skill in many professions.

The Knowledge Academy’s 1-day Creative Writing Training Course is designed to unlock creativity and improve writing skills. The training covers various aspects of creative writing, from character development to plot structuring, providing delegates with the tools to express themselves more effectively through writing.

Course Objectives:

• To explore the fundamentals of Creative Writing
• To develop skills in character creation and development
• To learn the art of crafting engaging narratives and plots
• To enhance descriptive and expressive writing abilities
• To understand various genres and styles in creative writing
• To practice writing with feedback and guidance

Upon completion, delegates will have honed their creative writing skills, enabling them to craft more engaging and imaginative works. They will leave with a deeper understanding of storytelling techniques and the confidence to apply these skills in both personal and professional contexts.

What’s included in this Creative Writing Training Course?

• World-Class Training Sessions from Experienced Instructors
• Creative Writing Certificate
• Digital Delegate Pack

Why choose us

Ways to take this course.

Online Self-paced

Online Instructor-led

Experience live, interactive learning from home with The Knowledge Academy's Online Instructor-led Creative Writing Course. Engage directly with expert instructors, mirroring the classroom schedule for a comprehensive learning journey. Enjoy the convenience of virtual learning without compromising on the quality of interaction.

• See trainer’s screen
• Recording & transcripts
• Virtual whiteboard
• Share documents
• Works on all devices

Unlock your potential with The Knowledge Academy's Creative Writing Course, accessible anytime, anywhere on any device. Enjoy 90 days of online course access, extendable upon request, and benefit from the support of our expert trainers. Elevate your skills at your own pace with our Online Self-paced sessions.

• Certificates provided online
• Get immediate access on purchase

Experience the most sought-after learning style with The Knowledge Academy's Creative Writing Course. Available in 490+ locations across 190+ countries, our hand-picked Classroom venues offer an invaluable human touch. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive, interactive experience with our expert-led Creative Writing Course sessions.

Highly experienced trainers

Boost your skills with our expert trainers, boasting 10+ years of real-world experience, ensuring an engaging and informative training experience

State of the art training venues

We only use the highest standard of learning facilities to make sure your experience is as comfortable and distraction-free as possible

Small class sizes

Our Classroom courses with limited class sizes foster discussions and provide a personalised, interactive learning environment

Great value for money

Achieve certification without breaking the bank. Find a lower price elsewhere? We'll match it to guarantee you the best value

Streamline large-scale training requirements with The Knowledge Academy’s In-house/Onsite Creative Writing Course at your business premises. Experience expert-led classroom learning from the comfort of your workplace and engage professional development.

Tailored learning experience

Leverage benefits offered from a certification that fits your unique business or project needs

Maximise your training budget

Cut unnecessary costs and focus your entire budget on what really matters, the training.

Team building opportunity

Our Creative Writing Course offers a unique chance for your team to bond and engage in discussions, enriching the learning experience beyond traditional classroom settings

Monitor employees progress

The course know-how will help you track and evaluate your employees' progression and performance with relative ease

Some of our worldclass trainers

Title, job roles, etc

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Many delivery methods

Flexible delivery methods are available depending on your learning style.

High quality resources

Resources are included for a comprehensive learning experience.

"Really good course and well organised. Trainer was great with a sense of humour - his experience allowed a free flowing course, structured to help you gain as much information & relevant experience whilst helping prepare you for the exam"

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"...the trainer for this course was excellent. I would definitely recommend (and already have) this course to others."

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Undergraduate qualifications

• Qualifications
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Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing

Semester 2 applications for the 2024 academic year will be open for limited undergraduate qualifications from 15 april to 10 may 2024., admission requirements, student fees and funding your studies.

• Application for admission

Registration

Qualification admission requirements.

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements, should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:

• R135 for online applications
• Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number ( ie YOUR 8 digit STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030 )
• Send the proof of payment to [email protected]
• Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.

Student fees

Click here  to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Semester 2 applications for the 2024 academic year will be open for limited undergraduate qualifications from 15 April to 10 May 2024 . 

Please take note of the following:

• All applications for admission must be submitted online. 
• Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Additional support for this qualification via TVET colleges

Unisa has an agreement with various  Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to offer classes in a selected number of qualifications. These classes have proved to generally improve the throughput rate of students who enrol for them.

Take note of the following :

• Make sure that your  TVET college of choice offers support in your qualification. 
• Apply for admission during Unisa's application period via your TVET college or via Unisa.

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.

Curriculum / modules

19 Best universities for Creative Writing in South Africa

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in South Africa ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 29.9K citations received by 7.25K academic papers made by 19 universities in South Africa was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Cape Town

For Creative Writing

2. University of Pretoria

3. University of South Africa

4. University of the Witwatersrand

5. University of Stellenbosch

6. University of KwaZulu-Natal

7. North-West University

8. University of Johannesburg

9. University of the Western Cape

10. University of the Free State

11. Rhodes University

12. Nelson Mandela University

13. Cape Peninsula University of Technology

14. University of Zululand

15. University of Limpopo

16. University of Fort Hare

17. University of Venda

18. Durban University of Technology

19. Tshwane University of Technology

The best cities to study Creative Writing in South Africa based on the number of universities and their ranks are Cape Town , Pretoria , Johannesburg , and Stellenbosch .

Art & Design subfields in South Africa

• South Africa
• Professional
• Soft Skills

Creative Writing

Top 10 creative writing courses in johannesburg, south africa.

List of available Creative Writing Courses in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Creative Writing courses in Johannesburg are provided by the following institutes:

• Creative Arts College, Durban
• Unisa - The University of South Africa, Pretoria
• CityVarsity, Cape Town
• City Varsity Online, Cape Town
• Direct Management Solutions, Durban

Also, check out all Creative Writing Courses from all over South Africa .

• Online Creative Writing Courses

Scriptwriting

Creativity, Format and techniques are the driving force of this intense programme that covers creative writing for film and television. The growth in our television and film sector emphasises scriptwriting as a critical skill.

• Price R25200
• Duration 1 Year
• Location Durban Central, Durban
•   Contact Now

Creative Writing (72052) Intro

Creative Writing course is offered by Unisa - The University of South Africa. Unisa's Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) are introductory, practical, non-degree programmes meant to develop skills and knowledge in a chosen subject field in a quick and effective manner.

• Price Inquire Now
• Duration Please Enquire
• Location Pretoria

Expand skills built in the Foundations of Creative Writing course, honing your craft by producing unique stories in a variety of different genres.

• Location Gardens, Cape Town

Foundations of Creative Writing

Express your voice for the audience and successfully get the story out of your head and onto the page.

• Price R6500
• Duration 8 Weeks
• Location Cape Town

Creative Writing Skills

Creative Writing Skills course is offered by Direct Management Solutions. Our aim is to provide an extremely high level of customer service to compliment the high standard of the courses we deliver and the value for money that we guarantee.

• Location Durban

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• 021 813 9224

The Scriptwriting Course

Learn how to write a standout script for stage, screen or radio, all the tools for scriptwriting in one course.

The Scriptwriting Course is for anyone who just knows they’re born to tell stories. They also want to see their work produced on screen or on stage in South Africa.

Whether you’re a novice wanting to learn more, or an experienced writer in another genre keen on diversifying, this course guides you through the essential building blocks of scriptwriting, from creating characters and dialogue to understanding structure.

From first idea to final draft, this course will teach you how to write a compelling script.

The Scriptwriting Course Gives You...

No automated marking.

We use traditional methods of assessing work, as editors at publishing houses would. No generic feedback!

A Flexible Schedule

Work wherever and whenever you want. You can easily fit our courses around work and other commitments.

Relevant, Usable Content

Easy-to-digest course notes that capture a lifetime of writing experience, ready for you to apply to your own writing.

Ongoing Assessment

Your writing is assessed continuously as your course progresses.

Expert, Individual Feedback

Get prompt, honest, detailed feedback on every assignment from an award-winning writer. We focus on your unique writing strengths.

No Peer Reviews!

You will only be assessed by your tutor, a leader in their field. No more guessing and wondering how to write; you'll be guided line by line.

Master the Basics of Scriptwriting

A scriptwriter's essential toolkit.

The Scriptwriting Course breaks down the essentials of crafting a script into ten modules. We look at the different elements of scriptwriting in isolation before bringing them all together to create a short script that engages, entertains and is written in your own unique voice.

Created by a writer with experience in all genres, the course highlights what makes scriptwriting unlike any other form of writing.

Natural dialogue, subtext, characters that come to life, how to write visually: it’s all covered here in these ten targeted modules.

‘A great experience. Karen was knowledgeable and incredibly supportive. Fantastic course. Well worth the money!’

Kerryn campion, the scriptwriting course, course overview, price includes vat, number of assignments, the assignments vary in length., number of modules, these modules include around 200 pages of course notes., course duration, work at your own pace – up to a maximum of 12 months., start date: anytime.

Working with an individual tutor means you can start the course at any time.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Basic writing skills are essential.
• Computer skills, e-mail and Internet access required.
• No previous tertiary qualification required.

Our Graduate Students' Successes

We are proud of our graduates who have achieved success. here are a few among dozens of our creative writing success stories..

Tutors for this Course

Karen jeynes.

Karen has been on our staff for almost a decade. Over the years, she has established herself as a tremendously popular and respected mentor for emerging scriptwriters. She studied drama and linguistics at UCT and obtained her Honours in The Art of Writing from UWC.

Karen has won numerous awards and nominations for her co-writing of TV series, including two Emmy nominations for Best TV Comedy. Currently, she is the head writer for Both Worlds Productions, overseeing ZANews: Puppet Nation (winner of 22 South African Film and Television Awards and two Writer’s Guild of South Africa Awards for Best TV Comedy), as well as Point of Order (SAFTA winner for Best Game Show in 2017), Comedy Central News  and Parlement Parlement .

Before joining Both Worlds Productions, Karen had extensive experience writing and producing in both theatre and television. Her plays include the multi-award winning Everybody Else (is f*cking perfect) (Best Comedy 2005), Kiss Kiss , I’ll Have What She’s Having  and Laying Blame , as well as Vaslav , which was nominated for three Fleur du Cap Awards. She served as head writer for 90 Plein Street, as well as writing for shows like Thabang Thabong , Vaya Mzansi  and Moferefere Lenyalong . She is in demand as a script consultant and advisor, working with local and international production companies and channels. Today she serves on the board of Women Playwrights International and was the president of the International Centre for Women Playwrights for six years.

Her achievements aren’t confined to television and theatre. Her adaptation of Thomas Rapakgadi’s The Purse is Mine aired on Bush Radio. SAfm has featured her excellent series Office Hours , co-written with Nkuli Sibeko, as well as the radio version of Sky Too Big . Her teen novels, Jacques Attack , co-authored with Nkuli Sibeko, and Flipside , co-authored with Eeshaam September, were released by New Africa Books. She also has a children’s story published in the anthology  Metz and Bop and Other Stories .

Karen tutors the Scriptwriting Course and the Advanced Scriptwriting Course. When she isn’t busy, she indulges her deep obsession with reality television, Good Omens , chaos theory and Nutella.

Course Curriculum

• Understanding the role of the scriptwriter in film, theatre and radio
• Exercise: Write a review of a film or a play, focusing on how the script succeeds or fails.
• The dos and don’ts, or the rules and how to break them
• Exercise: Write an anecdote from real life. Then rewrite it with a different structure and see how that changes the story.
• How to create characters, flesh them out, and let them have their way
• Exercise: Create four well-developed characters that grow out of the story structure you created.
• Text and subtext
• The difference between written and spoken text
• Exercise: Analyse the sample scripts. Take two of your characters and write a dialogue between them.
• Scripts as performance material
• Exercise: Using your other two characters, write a scene with little or no dialogue, focusing on action.
• Where to start and how to end
• Exercise: Analyse the examples. Then write two possible beginnings and two possible endings to your story.
• Understanding the strengths and limitations of different mediums
• Exercise: Write a detailed explanation of which medium: Screen (film or TV), Stage, or audio (radio, digital or podcasts)) is best for your script and why.
• Discussion of the local scene
• Exercise: Write a treatment for your script, including characters, a scene breakdown and sample scenes.
• Being brutal and ‘taking it out’ while maintaining the truth
• Exercise: Take a sample scene and cut it down to the minimum. Look at the order of your scene. See if you can change things around and what effect that would have.
• Putting it all together
• Exercise: Write a final script review, taking note of what works and what doesn’t.
• Exercise: Complete your short script.

This course offers an advanced course option

What our students say, get these additional benefits, lifetime course access.

Benefit from free lifetime access to future course updates and access to our writing resources.

Work at Your Own Pace

Our courses work around you. You can pace your course around your busy life.

500+ Bonus Articles on Our Blog

A superb, constantly updated resource with articles on writing and interviews with writers.

Work Opportunities

Top students are invited to join our writers and editors for hire service.

Be the First to Know About Writing Competitions

We'll help you keep up to date with the latest competition announcements

Join a Community of Writers

You will have access to our friendly Facebook community, daily writing tips and writing inspiration.

Risk-Free 100% Money-Back Guarantee

We are so confident that you will love your course that if you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of our training, simply ask for a refund within 30 days.

Complete the Application Form to Enrol on the Scriptwriting Course

You will receive an approval email and invoice within one working day.

Should your form not submit, please let admin know at [email protected]

Questions? We've Got Answers

Detailed course notes covering the content of each module will be emailed to you. 

At the end of each module, you will be required to complete one or two writing exercises. In total, the course includes ten short writing assignments, all of which count towards your final result. 

Once a writing assignment has been completed and emailed to your tutor, you will receive an assessment and feedback, and the module will be considered complete.

Absolutely. You have direct communication with your tutor for the duration of the course. The more questions you ask, the more you will get out of the course.

You will get lifetime access to the course. You will also benefit from future updates and improvements to the course.

For the majority of our courses, only your tutor will see your work. It will remain completely private unless you get it published. The journalism courses might see your work published in the public domain, but you do have the final say as to whether or not this happens.

You will receive a Writers College Certificate upon successful completion of the course, provided you meet the following conditions: 

• You must have completed all ten assignments. 
• The course must have been completed within 12 months of registration.
• A minimum average of 50% for the course must be achieved.
• Computer skills as well as email and Internet access are required.
• Use of Microsoft Word and the Track Changes function.

Because you will work with an individual tutor, you can start your course as soon as your application has been approved. There are no specific start dates as would be the case with a traditional college.

An application is usually approved within one working day. Once we receive proof of payment, your can start your course.

You could be starting your course today!

• Reading Time: 10 hours
• Writing Time: 30–40 hours
• Research Time: 2–5 hours

Once your application has been approved, you will receive notification of approval and an invoice via email. As soon as we receive proof of payment, the first module as well as your tutor’s email address and your login details will be sent to you. Your tutor will also be in touch to welcome you.

Any work created on our courses is owned by you. We will never make a claim to anything you produce. We follow the rule that copyright subsists with the creator (you).

'Karen (my tutor) was very helpful, I learned a lot from her. This course was so inspiring.'

Stanley denga, scriptwriting course, got more questions, we would love to help you choose the best course for you. tell us what style of writing you want to develop and we'll give you some options., writing articles for websites and blogs, freelance journalism for magazines and webzines, vryskutjoernalistiek vir tydskrifte en e-publikasies, advanced freelance journalism, travel writing, write a non-fiction book, creative writing courses, basics of creative writing, basiese kreatiewe skryfkursus, advanced creative writing, short story writing course, advanced short story writing, write a novel, write a romance novel, skryf 'n roman, advanced novel writing, writing science fiction and fantasy, an introduction to poetry, advanced poetry, scriptwriting, advanced scriptwriting, writing for video games, writing books for children | part one, writing books for children | part two, write your memoir, advanced memoir writing, business & grammar, grammar for writers (english 1st language), grammar skills (english 2nd language), business writing toolkit, writing coach course, mastering punctuation, report writing and presentation, write better newsletters, specialist courses, copy-editing and proofreading, press release and media writing, copywriting, writing seo copy for websites, self-publish your e-book, writing intensives, self-guided 14-day creative writing intensive, self-guided 14-day story building intensive, free 5-day creative writing challenge, buy a gift voucher, writing services:, writers and editors for hire, how we train, terms and conditions, privacy policy, connect with us, © 2005 - 2024 the writers college all rights reserved, (+27) 021 813 9224, [email protected], our refund policy.

If within seven days of starting your course you are not happy on your course, we can either transfer you to a different course or provide a full refund.

If you request a refund after seven days and before 30 days we will charge a 5% administrative fee, as well as any bank fees and tutor fees already incurred.

We do not offer a refund after 30 days on the course.

School of Languages & Literatures

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Programme structure | Centre for Creative Writing

Over the course of the first year, students enrol in one compulsory workshop and three electives , which can include an additional writing-based course. The second year of the programme is then devoted to their literary work.

FEES & FUNDING

Tuition Costs UCT Postgraduate Funding National Research Foundation Funding National Arts Council Funding