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Writing Courses

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Explore all Writers' Program courses

This page provides an overview of each type of Creative Writing and Screenwriting course offered including what to expect in beginning, intermediate, and advanced-level courses.

For help in choosing a course or determining if a course fulfills certificate requirements, call our main line at 310-825-9415 or email [email protected] .

Creative Writing

These basic creative writing courses are for students with no prior writing experience. Instruction is exercise-driven; the process of workshopping—in which students are asked to share and offer feedback on each other’s work with guidance from the instructor—is introduced.

Course Offerings

Courses in this section are open to students at all levels and in all genres who want a deeper understanding of a specific craft issue or area of study.

Beginning Fiction

Courses in this section are recommended for students with some prior writing experience.  Instruction is a mix of lecture and workshopping. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their work.  Those new to writing should consider courses in the Basics of Writing section.

Intermediate Fiction

These courses are designed for students who have fulfilled the prerequisites stated in each description. Instruction includes lectures as appropriate, but the focus is on workshopping. Students continue to share and offer feedback in a supportive environment.

Advanced Fiction

A manuscript submission is required for entry into these workshops. Courses are primarily workshop-driven. It is recommended that students take intermediate level courses prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level course.

Beginning Creative Nonfiction

Intermediate Creative Nonfiction

Advanced Creative Nonfiction

Courses in this section offer opportunities for writers to specialize in the full array of books for children, including picture books, easy readers, chapter books, middle grade novels, and young adult novels.

Click for offerings:

Writing Picture Books

Writing for Kids and Middle Grade Readers

Writing for Young Adults

These workshops are tailored to students with specific levels of experience in poetry writing. Please review course descriptions carefully or call an advisor to determine which course will best help you reach your writing goals.

These courses are designed for writers who want to improve their editing skills or develop competencies toward a career in editing and publishing. Some courses help advanced writing students prepare and submit their work for publication.  Call a Writers’ Program advisor for more information.

Courses in this area are designed for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills but aren’t interested in working on a creative project. Courses focus on practical skills applicable to daily life, including clear expression of ideas in writing, persuasion, and writing for specific audiences. Adults who want to improve their ability to write for work purposes will find helpful skill development here as well.

Screenwriting

Courses in this section are open to students who want a deeper understanding of a specific craft issue or area of study. These courses fulfill the elective requirement for screenwriting certificates.

Beginning Feature Film

Recommended for beginning students, these courses build on one another in a four-part sequence. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the work.  By the end of the sequence, students have a completed draft of their first feature film script.

Intermediate Feature Film

Courses in this section are for students who have completed at least one screenplay.  A new project is begun with an emphasis on craft issues such as structure, character development, and emotional content.  Self-editing techniques are introduced.

Advanced Feature Film

A script-submission is required for these advanced-level courses which are primarily workshop driven. It is recommended that students take courses at the intermediate level prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level course.

Beginning Television

Recommended for beginning students who are writing a spec script of an existing comedy or drama series. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the work.

Intermediate Television

Courses in this section are for students who have completed at least one draft of a spec script of an existing series.  The focus is on writing and polishing a solid first draft of an original pilot.  Students also gain a better understanding of the business of writing for television.

Advanced Television

A script-submission is required for these advanced-level workshop-driven courses. It is recommended that students take courses at the intermediate level prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level workshop.  Students write original pilots or further refine their existing projects.

All Writing Courses at a Glance 

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Courses Creative Writing Workshops

Creative writing workshops.

Q: What types of creative writing workshops does the department offer?

A: English 20W is an introductory creative writing workshop that fulfills the Writing II requirement. English 136A is an intermediate upper-division poetry workshop; English 136B is an advanced upper-division poetry workshop. English 137A is an intermediate upper-division prose or short fiction workshop; English 137B is an advanced upper-division prose or short fiction workshop. English M138 is a variable topics workshop, and the focus of the course changes according to the interest and expertise of the instructor.

Q: Do I have to be an English major or minor to take a creative writing workshop?

A: No, all majors and minors are welcome to apply.

Q: How does enrollment work for creative writing workshops?

A: During the academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring), creative writing workshops enroll using an application process. Students are asked to submit short statements of interest and/or writing samples in specific genres. The exact application requirements vary, and application requirements are set by the course instructor. To read the application instructions for the upcoming quarter, use the “Courses” menu option and select “Courses for the English Major.”

Q: When will I find out if I have been accepted into a workshop?

A: Acceptance notifications are delivered at the start of the quarter (typically the beginning of Week 1). We advise that all workshop applicants enroll in an alternate course during their second enrollment pass to ensure that they enter each quarter with a full study list planned. Should you be accepted into a workshop, you can drop your alternate class anytime before the Friday of Week 4.

Q: May I apply to multiple workshops? For English 136A/B and 137A/B, how do I know which workshop is appropriate?

A: Yes, you may apply to multiple workshops in the same quarter, but please disclose that you are doing so on your applications. This practice will allow the course instructors to coordinate rosters and keep the courses balanced. If you are admitted to multiple workshops, you will only be permitted to take one per quarter.

For our A/B tiered workshops: Students do not need to complete an “A” workshop before completing a “B” workshop, and may apply for the level they feel best suits their writing abilities. Not certain which level is most appropriate? Students may apply to both the “A” and “B” workshops in the genres of their choice, and our creative writing faculty will determine placement.

Q: What is the difference between the English major with Creative Writing Concentration and the Creative Writing minor?

A: The English major with Creative Writing Concentration existed prior to Fall 2023 as an optional pathway for students in the major who wished to build a portfolio in either poetry or prose creative writing. Students who were enrolled at UCLA prior to Fall 2023 should work with the Dept. of English undergraduate advising office if they would like to complete the Concentration. The Concentration is a curricular pathway within the context of the English major, and it does not print on the transcript or diploma.

The Creative Writing minor will launch in Fall 2023. The minor will be a separate academic program from a student’s major, and will print as such on the transcript and diploma. More information about the minor will be posted at the beginning of Fall 2023.

Q: Does the department host any creative writing contests?

A: Every Spring the department releases a call for entries in a number of creative writing contests. If you are interested in receiving the call for applications, please use MyUCLA Message Center to contact the English undergraduate advising office and request to be added to the student email listserv.

Q: How else can I get involved in creative writing at UCLA?

A: The Department hosts a number of reading series’ that we encourage undergraduates to attend. Readings and related events may take place in the English Reading Room, the Hammer Museum, or any number of venues around campus. Check the events section or our website to browse upcoming events.

The Department also hosts two organizations dedicated to the creative arts. Westwind is UCLA’s journal for the arts, and is staffed by UCLA students. UCLA Poem creates and sponsors poetry events and readings throughout the year. Participation in either organization can earn 2-units of upper-division credit. To learn more and to enroll, use the “Courses” menu option and select “Courses for the English Major.”

Welcome to the Writing Programs website! Meet our amazing faculty, learn about our campus and community outreach programs, and discover how we help students write and communicate better throughout their studies at UCLA and beyond. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, an instructor, a student advisor, a donor, or just a writing aficionado — we have the information you need. Please contact us if you can’t locate what you’re looking for — we’ll make sure you find it!

Placement Exams

• Undergraduate Writing Awards
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Writing Programs’ Letter of Support for the BLM Movement

“Crear Para Sanar:” A look into what it means to create for healing

Based on the life of a Dominican immigrant and Brooklyn matriarch, Mercedes is a multidisciplinary arts, humanities, and healing program that addresses aging, mental health, and intergenerational...

“Discover What I Know”: Professional Writing Minor Capstone Seminar Colloquium

Need help with writing.

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The Graduate Certificate in Writing Pedagogy and TAing in writing programs was a wonderful opportunity for me and definitely was something that my current program thought was valuable in their decision-making around my hire. I use my experiences with structuring peer review and teaching students writing in my current undergraduate... Read more

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Fiction: Essential Beginnings

Learn the basics of writing fiction, from dialogue to description, in this supportive and informative workshop.

What you can learn.

• Turn your firsthand experiences into compelling, powerful stories
• Learn the building blocks of fiction, including writing character-based dialogue and unique points of view
• Develop sketches and drafts you can develop into longer work
• Practice the skill of reading and reviewing other writers' work for strengths and opportunities to improve it

About this course:

Spring 2024 schedule.

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLIC SYLLABUS FOR THIS COURSE.

Summer 2024 Schedule

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

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• Environmental Studies
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• Business and Management of Entertainment
• College Counseling
• Data Science
• Digital Marketing
• Feature Film Writing
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing with Concentration in Digital Marketing
• Personal Financial Planning
• Project Management
• Sustainability
• User Experience
• Payment Options
• How to Purchase Parking
• Enrollment Conditions
• Concurrent and Cross-Enrollment Programs
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• Career Resources
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• Featured Jobs
• Browse Certificate Programs
• Certificate vs. Master’s Degrees
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• How to Apply
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• Upon Completing Your Certificate
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General Catalog

Topics in creative writing.

Novel Preparation

Jumpstart your novel plan in this workshop covering all the basics.

What you can learn.

• Get essential tools and insights you need to excel in novel writing
• Learn about compelling plot development, character development, and world building
• Get tips on revision and editing techniques to help you improve from draft to draft 
• Discover what it means to have a writing practice and get tips on how to develop your own

About this course:

Explore the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.

Learn from successful writers. Finish a novel. Complete a screenplay. Publish poetry. Write with purpose and impact.

• Creative Writing
• Editing & Publishing
• Screenwriting
• Written Communication

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Donate to UCLA Extension

Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

Innovation Programs

Student Scholarships

Coding Boot Camp

Lifelong Learning

• Accounting & Taxation
• Architecture & Interior Design
• Business & Management
• Design & Arts
• Digital Technology
• Engineering
• Entertainment
• Environmental Studies & Public Policy
• Finance & Investments
• Health Care & Counseling
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Landscape Architecture & Horticulture
• Legal Programs
• Osher (OLLI)
• Real Estate
• Sciences & Math
• Writing & Journalism
• Specializations
• Online Courses
• Transfer Credit Courses
• Conferences & Boot Camps
• Custom Programs & Corporate Education
• Instruction Methods
• Environmental Studies
• Accounting Fundamentals
• Business and Management of Entertainment
• College Counseling
• Data Science
• Digital Marketing
• Feature Film Writing
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing with Concentration in Digital Marketing
• Personal Financial Planning
• Project Management
• Sustainability
• User Experience
• Payment Options
• How to Purchase Parking
• Enrollment Conditions
• Concurrent and Cross-Enrollment Programs
• Bruin ID Cards
• UCLA Recreation
• Course Drops, Transfers, and Withdrawals
• Accessibility & Disability Services
• Textbooks & Libraries
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Military & Veterans Benefits
• Tuition Discounts
• Tax Advantages
• Grading Scale
• Credit Options
• Course Numbers
• Transcripts and Enrollment Confirmation
• Receiving Your Academic Credentials
• Instructors & Staff
• Parking & Lodging
• Keynote Speaker
• Career Resources
• Alumni Benefits
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Career Services
• Featured Jobs
• Browse Certificate Programs
• Certificate vs. Master’s Degrees
• Dates and Fees
• How to Apply
• Academic Requirements
• OPT, CPT, and Internships
• Upon Completing Your Certificate
• Hummel Scholarship
• Program Details
• Online International Programs
• International Student Services Office
• New Student Orientation
• Maintaining Your F-1 Visa
• Health Insurance
• Academic Advising
• Frequently Asked Questions
• UCLA Campus Amenities & Activities
• Daily Needs
• Public Transportation
• Request a Proposal
• Board of Advisors
• Instructors
• Join Our Team
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Accreditation
• Student Home
• Canvas Log In
• Student Log In
• Instructor Log In

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience, including personalizing content and to store your content preferences. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy .