Brunel University of London will launch a range of new online short courses in early 2026, widening global access to its renowned Creative Writing department and Business School.
The initiative forms part of the University’s commitment to increasing social mobility and providing flexible, high-quality learning opportunities for students and professionals worldwide.
Initially, courses offered by Brunel Business School (BBS) and the College of Arts, Law and Social Sciences (CALSS) will be delivered in weekly live sessions, helping learners to develop new skills while balancing work and personal commitments. Students will be able to enrol from anywhere and benefit from direct interaction with academic experts and industry practitioners.
Business Courses for a Rapidly Changing Landscape
The business courses focus on practical, in-demand skills including Digital Transformation and AI, Digital Marketing and Creative Storytelling, and Sustainable Leadership for ESG Transformation, topics that are critical for navigating today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving business environment.
Designed for mid- to senior-career professionals, the courses combine the latest research insights with real-world applications, allowing participants to deepen their expertise and drive impact within their organisations.
Danae Manika, Executive Dean of Brunel Business School, comments, “We are committed to opening minds and futures throughout people’s lives, supporting professionals who want to stay ahead in an era defined by rapid technological and societal change. Our Executive Education short courses distil the latest research and ideas into practical, actionable learning, making an immediate and lasting impact.”
Creative Writing and Poetry Courses Led by Acclaimed Authors
CALSS will offer Introduction to Fiction Writing and Poetry courses, designed to give aspiring writers an opportunity to hone their craft under the guidance of acclaimed authors and respected literary figures.
The teaching team includes:
- Bernardine Evaristo — 2019 Booker Prize winner, Sunday Times bestseller, and author of Mr Loverman (2013), adapted into an eight-part BBC series in 2024
- Helen Cullen — Sunday Times Magazine columnist, Irish Times literary critic, and nominee for Best Newcomer at the An Post 2018 Irish Book Awards
- Frazer Lee — Edgar Allan Poe Gothic Filmmaker Award winner, novelist, screenwriter, and director
- Max Kinnings — novelist, scriptwriter, and co-author of Rik Mayall’s spoof autobiography
- Daljit Nagra — award-winning poet, presenter of Poetry Extra on Radio 4 Extra, and former Chair of the Royal Society of Literature.
Bernardine Evaristo, Course Tutor, says, "For the first time in its history, the Creative Writing team at Brunel is offering unique online courses for aspiring writers from around the world. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to share our knowledge of the craft of writing with those who cannot attend our courses in person. We are all very experienced professional writers working at the highest levels who believe in the transformational power of literature to change lives and affect culture and society. Why not join us online so that we can help nurture your writing skills and voices?"
Besides business and creative writing, the early 2026 catalogue will include courses in public policy and health and social care. Organisations interested in group bookings will be able to request private, customised courses tailored to their needs.
Arad Reisberg, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Social Mobility and Founding Board Member of the Social Mobility Leaders' Forum (SMLF), a ground-breaking initiative to help those from underprivileged backgrounds boost their life outcomes, comments, “Brunel has a long-standing reputation for pioneering social mobility. As we enter our 60th anniversary year, we’re excited that these new short courses make our expertise accessible to a new audience.”
Discounted rates will be available for Brunel alumni, staff, and the local community to support ongoing learning and career development. For more information, visit the short courses website.
Reported by:
Hayley Jarvis,
Media Relations
press-office@brunel.ac.uk