By Writers, for Writers

The Academy is supported by its body of writer patrons - more than 100 established writers who back the Academy's aims and visit the Academy to help deliver the programme. (See list of patrons) All tuition at the Academy works on the principle that writers develop best when learning from other writers.

Diploma in Writing

The Academy offers a two-year, part-time vocational course for up to 50 students. Students work intensively with tutors, in small groups and on their own, developing skills in different disciplines across varied media. They are encouraged to develop a good awareness of the business side of being a writer, and have opportunities to expose their work to public criticism.

More information about the NAW Diploma Course

Commitment to Success

The students are encouraged to challenge themselves, to be ambitious with their work and realistic about the world in which it will be produced. Their writing is presented at a yearly showcase and can be submitted for publication in the annual anthology. The final qualification is a graduate diploma, validated by Birmingham City University. Students will leave with a portfolio of work created during the course, as well as many valuable experiences and contacts. 

Open to All

Academy courses are aimed at emerging writers. Students are likely to be young in career terms - possibly not yet published - though they may be of any age. The Academy welcomes talent, regardless of age, background or financial situation. No formal academic qualifications are necessary, either from school or university - some of the finest writers left school at 16. The key to admission is demonstrable writing talent. 

Admission by Talent

Applicants are asked to submit a portfolio of writing, published or unpublished. Students are selected on the basis of their work, but also need to show that they can benefit from intensive tuition, and to work well in groups. To this end, they will be required to attend a qualifying module at Birmingham City University.

At the Heart of Britain

The Academy is based in Birmingham, Britain's second city. Birmingham has already demonstrated a huge commitment to the arts and cultural industries, including the new learning quarter currently transforming the east of the city.

Birmingham has its own poet laureate. It has a thriving literary community and one of the greatest public libraries in the country. It has the facilities - theatres, television companies, film production companies - that the Academy's students need. It has a vibrant mix of people, buildings, music and art. It is more central than the capital, and as easy to get to. There is a certain time when a city begins to flower, and the National Academy of Writing is delighted to be a part of the cultural renaissance in the West Midlands.

Honorary President

Ion Trewin

Ian Chapman, CBE

Chairman

Francis Bennett

Executive Group

Dr Barry Turner

Mark Featherstone-Witty

Ken Follett

George Brock

Jon Rayman

Professor David Roberts

Ian Spring

Mary Tapissier

Director at BCU

Richard Beard