Writing for Wellbeing Creativity & Arts
This innovative and interactive online course is designed to help students develop their writing skills whilst also encouraging personal growth. NEC's Writing for Wellbeing course aims to increase mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing through writing.
Writing for wellbeing is about using the power of words and creative writing to explore yourself, your life and your thoughts and feelings. It differs from creative writing in that the focus is less on the product, such as a short story, poem or novel, and more on the process of writing. It is not a therapy, but is intended to be gently therapeutic, and to assist in maintaining or improving a sense of personal wellness.
As part of your studies, you will submit progress checks to your tutor at the end of each topic. These are usually questions or small tasks designed to help you reflect on your learning and to develop your creative ideas. There is also an optional assignment at the end of the course where you can submit a piece of creative work. You will receive detailed feedback on both your progress check activities and your assignment.
There are a range of benefits to writing for wellbeing. For some people, it can provide a distraction in the form of an engrossing activity that moves them beyond their everyday experience. Others find it self-exploratory, revealing thoughts and feelings that, in some cases, they may have been unaware of. It can also help in making connections between different aspects of life. For some, it can help to reconfigure a framework for (or story of) their life which can be quite a cathartic experience.
NEC’s course allows students to explore a variety of different starting points for their writing, from objects and places to poetry, with the aim of helping students find what works best for them. Remember, this writing is for you and there is no obligation to share your work if you don’t want to.
Our writing for wellbeing course is ideal if you:
- Are interested in developing your writing skills through a more personal approach, with no pressure to write to a certain type or standard.
- Would like to explore and express your views and emotions in a creative and mindful way.
Topic 1: Starting writing
Topic 2: Writing from objects
Topic 3: Writing from poetry
Topic 4: Writing from places
Format
- Online learning with support from a personal tutor
Entry requirements
- A good level of English is recommended to fully benefit from the course.
Hours
- Complete at your own pace
- Approx. 30 study hours
Assignments
- 4 progress checks
- 1 assignment (optional)
Resources
- No additional set texts required
Requirements
- Internet access
- Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
Our course fees are open and honest to help you plan for any additional costs.
Your course fee includes:
- Access to learn@nec
- All the course materials you need to complete the course
- Support from a personal tutor for up to 12 months from your date of enrolment
- Assignment marking
- NEC’s guide to study skills: How to Succeed as an Independent Learner
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar guide
- Time planner to help you plan your study timetable
Writing for wellbeing is suitable for anyone. Even if you cannot physically write, it may be possible to take part using adaptive technology such as the dictate function in Word. You could use someone to write for you, provided you are happy that they will respect your confidentiality and write what you want them to write, without interference or amendment. You don’t need to be able to write grammatically, or spell and punctuate perfectly.
Remember, this writing is for you. You can choose to write by hand – it is good if you can use a dedicated notebook, or some people prefer to use a computer or tablet. It’s up to you!
Would you like to talk to our Course Advice Team about the best route for you? Visit our Contact Us page, fill in the form and a member of the team will get back to you!
