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    In-person Programme

    Creative Writing Summer Programme

    by ISSOS

    A residential creative writing course combining weekday workshops, varied forms and personalised feedback with electives and cultural activities.

    Last verified: 19 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Creative Writing Summer Programme

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    Creative Writing Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Returning high-school students

    Age range / Year group

    15-18

    Location / Region

    St Andrews, Scotland

    Cost

    £7,900

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person residential

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Creative WritingLiteratureWriting

    Language: English

    Accommodation: University halls, full board

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    Certificate / Outcome: Report and completion certificate

    Sessions / cadence: 3 hours each weekday morning

    Main output: Small collection of writing

    Tutors / faculty: Experienced working professionals

    Creative Writing Programme summary

    This is an intensive residential course built around sustained creative practice, close reading and personalised guidance from experienced writing teachers.

    Students experiment with poetry, short stories, essays, scenes and lyrics while learning how to create characters, shape stories, revise drafts and respond constructively to peers.

    It suits developing writers who want structured mornings, an international community and a broader summer-school experience that includes an elective, activities and cultural trips.

    What is Creative Writing Summer Programme?

    The Creative Writing Summer Programme is an ISSOS residential course focused on helping students find their voice through regular practice and expert guidance. Students explore poetry, short stories, essays, scenes and song lyrics while studying how established writers use language, character and structure.

    Classes combine original writing with drafting, rewriting and constructive feedback. The academic course sits within a wider St Andrews summer-school experience that includes an elective, evening activities and cultural trips.

    Why Succeed highlights Creative Writing Programme

    • The course gives students substantial practice across several creative forms instead of concentrating on a single genre.

    • Drafting, rewriting and constructive feedback make the learning process more rigorous than simply producing first drafts.

    • Personalised teacher guidance helps students develop an individual voice and identify specific areas for improvement.

    • The final collection gives students a tangible record of their work and progress.

    • Academic study is balanced with an elective, activities and cultural experiences in an international residential community.

    Who is Creative Writing Programme for?

    Best for

    Confident English speakers who enjoy writing, want to try several forms and value detailed feedback within a residential summer-school community.

    Not ideal if

    You want a non-residential option, a narrowly specialised single-genre course or a programme without compulsory classes, electives and activities.

    Is Creative Writing Programme worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a motivated writer who will use the repeated practice, feedback and range of forms to make visible progress. The small final collection and academic report also give students concrete material for later reflection.

    The main limitation is value: this is a premium residential experience, and its benefits depend on active participation across the full academic and social programme. It is less compelling for students who mainly need a low-cost workshop or prefer independent, self-paced writing.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £7,900; includes Academic and elective tuition, Campus accommodation with full board, Course materials and equipment, Cultural trips and excursions, Evening activities and Sunday workshops, Travel and medical insurance during the programme, Scheduled airport transfers, Academic report and completion certificate.

    Accommodation

    University halls, full board

    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    Provider details

    Review the ISSOS provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; St Andrews, Scotland.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Creative Writing Programme need?

    Effort level

    High, with weekday academic classes and compulsory wider activities.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before the 1 May reference deadline, allowing longer for visa and travel planning.

    Main challenge

    Sustaining creative output while responding thoughtfully to feedback across several forms.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose two or three existing pieces that show your current interests and recurring difficulties.

    • Practise writing short pieces in unfamiliar forms before arrival.

    • Note the writers and genres you most want to study, then prepare to explain why.

    • Arrange passport, visa or ETA and travel documentation promptly after acceptance.

    Useful if

    You already write regularly and want structured development with a final collection.

    What do students do on Creative Writing Programme?

    Students move from inspiration and close reading to original drafting, revision and constructive discussion. The course culminates in a small collection representing their work across the programme.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore poetry, short stories, essays, scenes and song lyrics.

    2. 2

      Study how established writers use language, character, structure and rhythm.

    3. 3

      Draw ideas from personal experience and the surrounding world.

    4. 4

      Draft original pieces and experiment with different voices and forms.

    5. 5

      Revise work to improve structure, flow, rhythm and reader engagement.

    6. 6

      Give and receive constructive feedback in a supportive class.

    7. 7

      Select completed pieces for a small final collection.

    Creative Writing Programme dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    1 May 2026

    Reference deadline in the UK terms

    Reference date

    St Andrews Session 1

    28 June-19 July 2026

    Three-week residential session

    Reference date

    St Andrews Session 2

    22 July-12 August 2026

    Three-week residential session

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 15-18 for the Creative Writing course

    • English level B2 or above

    • Returning to high school after summer

    • Students of all nationalities may apply

    • Parent or guardian consent is required

    • Full participation in classes and activities is required

    How much does Creative Writing Programme cost?

    Registration fee

    £500 — Included in the total; generally non-refundable

    Funding or discounts

    • Programme total: £7,900 — Published all-inclusive St Andrews total
    • Tuition fee: £7,400 — Included in the published total

    What's included

    Academic and elective tuition, Campus accommodation with full board, Course materials and equipment, Cultural trips and excursions, Evening activities and Sunday workshops, Travel and medical insurance during the programme, Scheduled airport transfers, Academic report and completion certificate

    How to apply to Creative Writing Programme

    1. 1

      Read the UK terms and programme rules with a parent or guardian.

    2. 2

      Open the official ISSOS application form.

    3. 3

      Choose the St Andrews session, Creative Writing academic class and an elective.

    4. 4

      Enter the student's details and upload a photo.

    5. 5

      Provide school, teacher and parent or guardian details.

    6. 6

      Pay the £500 registration fee through Flywire.

    7. 7

      After acceptance, complete the Parent Portal questionnaires and travel information.

    What does Creative Writing Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Voice and inspiration

    Develop an individual style using personal experience and the surrounding world as creative material.

    Forms and genres

    Experiment with poetry, short stories, essays, scenes and song lyrics.

    Character and story

    Practise character creation, story shaping and narrative rhythm to keep readers engaged.

    Drafting and revision

    Improve structure, flow and impact by treating writing as an evolving process.

    Reading and feedback

    Analyse established writers and exchange constructive feedback with classmates.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Creative Writing Programme?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic class

    Three hours of Creative Writing teaching each weekday.

    Elective class

    Students combine their academic course with an elective taught on four afternoons.

    Activities

    Students take part in organised activities and clan events.

    Cultural programme

    Full-day and half-day trips form part of the residential programme.

    Who teaches on Creative Writing Programme?

    ISSOS recruits qualified, experienced creative writing teachers with working expertise in writing, literature and education. Published examples include a screenwriter and playwright with postgraduate training and a university lecturer who holds a PhD in Literature and an MSc in Creative Writing.

    The featured profiles illustrate the type of teacher ISSOS employs; the exact teacher may differ.

    Where do students stay on Creative Writing Programme?

    Residential plan

    • University residence: Students stay at St Salvator’s Hall in an environment exclusive to ISSOS.
    • Full-board meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the hall’s dining room.
    • Residential welfare: Curfews, floor-access rules and programme boundaries support student welfare.
    • Activities and trips: Evening activities, clan events and cultural trips are included.

    Shared rooms are possible, and single rooms cannot be guaranteed.

    What happens after Creative Writing Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the final collection as the starting point for a broader writing portfolio.

    Apply drafting and revision techniques to school essays and independent projects.

    Develop preferred forms further through clubs, workshops or personal practice.

    Use the academic report to reflect on strengths and development priorities.

    Build on the completion certificate as evidence of sustained participation.

    The programme develops skills and outputs but does not advertise academic credit.

    Where does Creative Writing Programme take place?

    The programme is based at ISSOS’s St Andrews campus in Scotland, with students living and studying in university surroundings. Edinburgh Airport is approximately one hour and 15 minutes away, while Leuchars railway station is about a 15-minute drive from campus.

    Scheduled airport transfers apply only to designated airports, dates and time windows.

    Creative Writing Programme FAQs

    The programme covers poetry, short stories, essays, scenes and song lyrics. Students can experiment across forms while developing their preferred voice and genres.

    Creative Writing classes run for three hours every weekday morning. Students also select an elective and participate in the wider residential programme.

    Yes. The course includes constructive peer feedback and personalised guidance from experienced writing teachers, with attention to structure, flow, rhythm and creativity.

    Students create a small collection of work developed during the course. Those who complete the work and participate fully also receive an academic report and certificate of completion.

    The Creative Writing course requires English at B2 level or above. Students who speak English as a second language complete a British Council English assessment before arrival.

    The published fee includes tuition, course materials, campus accommodation, full-board meals, activities, excursions, insurance, scheduled airport transfers, an academic report and a completion certificate.

    ISSOS selects experienced teachers with professional expertise in writing and education. The published profiles are examples, and the exact teacher leading a session may differ.

    Alternatives to Creative Writing Programme

    Compare these options if you want a different balance of creative writing, academic English, research or location.

    Alternatives to Creative Writing Programme

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • ISSOS - Summer School Application
    • Travel and Visas for Summer School - ISSOS
    • St Andrews Summer School - ISSOS
    • Summer School Fees - ISSOS
    • Creative Writing Teachers - ISSOS
    • Benefits of Creative Writing Summer School - ISSOS
    • UK T&Cs 2023
    • Creative Writing Summer School - ISSOS

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 19 Aug 2026)

    • Programme details checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Session dates verified

    • Fees cross-checked

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Application steps checked

    • Travel guidance reviewed

    • Teacher caveat recorded

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.