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
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
Fiction Writing
Developing Characters and Plots
Writing Short Stories
Exploring Themes and Literary Devices
Poetry Writing
Forms of Poetry (Sonnet, Free Verse, Haiku, etc.)
Imagery and Symbolism in Poetry
Writing and Revising Poems
Writing for Children
Principles of Writing for Young Readers
Crafting Stories with Appropriate Themes and Language
Illustrating Ideas with Words
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
Screenwriting and Scriptwriting
Writing for Film and Television
Structure of a Screenplay
Dialogue, Scene Development, and Pacing
Writing the Novel
Planning and Structuring a Novel
Developing Subplots and Complex Characters
Writing and Revising Novel Chapters
Editing and Proofreading
Revising Drafts and Editing for Clarity and Style
Grammar, Syntax, and Punctuation
Proofreading and Preparing Manuscripts for Publication
Digital and Social Media Writing
Writing for Blogs, Websites, and Social Media Platforms
Creating Engaging Online Content
Understanding the Digital Audience
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
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)
Writing for Media and Journalism
Creative Writing in Journalism
Writing Feature Articles, Op-Eds, and Opinion Pieces
Freelance Writing and Pitching to Publications
Publishing and Marketing Creative Work
Understanding the Publishing Industry
Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing
Marketing Strategies for Writers
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
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)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi
Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, Pune
Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai
Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC), Delhi
Amity Institute of English Studies and Research, Noida
British Council, India
Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism, Pune
Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
The Writer’s Centre, Delhi
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar
Top 10 Institutions Offering Diploma in Creative Writing in Kerala
University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi
Providence Women’s College, Kozhikode
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
Sacred Heart College, Thevara
St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri
Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, Kochi
Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram