Diploma in Creative Writing

Course Overview

The Diploma in Creative Writing focuses on developing writing skills across genres such as fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, and nonfiction. It enhances creativity, narrative techniques, and editing proficiency, preparing students for careers in publishing, content creation, and freelance writing.

Duration

The Diploma in Creative Writing typically lasts 1 year, though some institutions offer it as a 6-month intensive course or as an extended part-time course.

Syllabus (Semester-wise)

The Diploma in Creative Writing is designed to develop students' writing skills in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and screenwriting. The course aims to provide an understanding of the creative process, narrative techniques, and tools for refining one’s writing style.

Semester 1: Introduction to Creative Writing

  1. Introduction to Creative Writing

    • Overview of Creative Writing Genres (Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Non-Fiction)

    • Elements of Writing (Plot, Character, Setting, Dialogue)

    • Writing Techniques and Tools

  2. Fiction Writing

    • Developing Characters and Plots

    • Writing Short Stories

    • Exploring Themes and Literary Devices

  3. Poetry Writing

    • Forms of Poetry (Sonnet, Free Verse, Haiku, etc.)

    • Imagery and Symbolism in Poetry

    • Writing and Revising Poems

  4. Writing for Children

    • Principles of Writing for Young Readers

    • Crafting Stories with Appropriate Themes and Language

    • Illustrating Ideas with Words

  5. Introduction to Non-Fiction Writing

    • Memoir and Personal Essays

    • Writing Travelogues, Biographies, and Journals

    • Structuring and Editing Non-Fiction Pieces

Semester 2: Advanced Creative Writing Techniques

  1. Screenwriting and Scriptwriting

    • Writing for Film and Television

    • Structure of a Screenplay

    • Dialogue, Scene Development, and Pacing

  2. Writing the Novel

    • Planning and Structuring a Novel

    • Developing Subplots and Complex Characters

    • Writing and Revising Novel Chapters

  3. Editing and Proofreading

    • Revising Drafts and Editing for Clarity and Style

    • Grammar, Syntax, and Punctuation

    • Proofreading and Preparing Manuscripts for Publication

  4. Digital and Social Media Writing

    • Writing for Blogs, Websites, and Social Media Platforms

    • Creating Engaging Online Content

    • Understanding the Digital Audience

  5. Fieldwork and Practical Writing Assignments

    • Writing Workshops and Peer Critiques

    • Creative Writing Projects for Real-World Applications

    • Submission of Writing for Magazines or Online Platforms

Semester 3: Specialization and Project Work

  1. Genre Specialization

    • Choose a Genre for Specialization (Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction, Screenwriting)

    • Deep Dive into Genre-Specific Writing Techniques

    • Focus on Crafting Longer Works (Novels, Anthologies, Screenplays)

  2. Writing for Media and Journalism

    • Creative Writing in Journalism

    • Writing Feature Articles, Op-Eds, and Opinion Pieces

    • Freelance Writing and Pitching to Publications

  3. Publishing and Marketing Creative Work

    • Understanding the Publishing Industry

    • Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

    • Marketing Strategies for Writers

  4. Internship and Practical Experience

    • Internship with Publishing Houses, Magazines, or Literary Platforms

    • Real-World Writing Assignments and Professional Critique

    • Portfolio Development for Future Career Opportunities

  5. Final Project

    • Completing a Full-Length Manuscript or Collection

    • Peer and Mentor Feedback on the Project

    • Final Presentation and Submission for Evaluation

Average Fees

The average fee for a Diploma in Creative Writing in India ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000, depending on the institution, location, and facilities provided.

Exams to Attend

The course typically includes:

  • Written assessments covering creative writing techniques, narrative structures, and editing skills

  • Practical exams involving the submission of short stories, poems, and scripts

  • Final project submissions such as a novel chapter, poetry collection, or screenplay

  • Continuous assessment through peer reviews, writing workshops, and mentorship

  • Internship performance evaluations based on work with media houses, literary platforms, or publishing houses

Top 10 Institutions Offering Diploma in Creative Writing in India (Combined Ranking)

  1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi

  2. Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, Pune

  3. Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai

  4. Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC), Delhi

  5. Amity Institute of English Studies and Research, Noida

  6. British Council, India

  7. Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism, Pune

  8. Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore

  9. The Writer’s Centre, Delhi

  10. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar

Top 10 Institutions Offering Diploma in Creative Writing in Kerala

  1. University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram

  2. St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam

  3. Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi

  4. Providence Women’s College, Kozhikode

  5. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

  6. Sacred Heart College, Thevara

  7. St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri

  8. Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, Kochi

  9. Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram

  10. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram