Writing for Business course

Program Overview

This 8-week Writing for Business Short Course enhances clarity, confidence, and consistency in business writing. Led by an experienced journalist, it covers topics from concise writing to digital content creation. Participants receive live feedback, editing opportunities, and a certificate upon completion. The course is designed for professionals seeking to advance their writing skills and career prospects.

Program Outline

Writing for Business Short Course

Degree Overview:

Please note:

This course is for people already fluent – and working – in English. It is not suitable for those wishing to improve their English. This short course aims to improve the clarity, confidence, and consistency of your writing in a business environment. The skills learned will be applicable across various business functions, from emails and reports to marketing materials and online content. The course will cover a range of topics, including:

• Getting to the point: Learn how to write concisely and effectively, avoiding unnecessary jargon and waffle.
• Writing for different audiences: Understand the importance of tailoring your writing style and tone to suit the specific needs of your readers.
• Effective email writing: Develop best practices for writing emails that are clear, concise, and professional.
• Writing for the digital market: Learn how to write engaging content that will be effective in the online environment.
• Editing and proofreading: Sharpen your skills in editing and proofreading your own work, ensuring it is free of errors and polished to a professional standard.
• Writing a compelling biography: Learn how to write a bio that effectively showcases your skills and experience, whether for your website, LinkedIn profile, or other professional platforms.
Throughout the course, you will receive live feedback from the tutor, have opportunities to have your work edited, and benefit from the chance to have your best writing published on the City Short Courses blog.

Outline:

This 8-week evening course will introduce you to a variety of concepts and techniques, including:

Week 1:

• Orientation, overview, and introductions
• Your writing goals
• The fundamentals of good business writing

Week 2:

• Precision prose: personalizing your target reader
• Tone of voice
• Write for your audience

Week 3:

• Structure and layout know-how
• How to write headlines people want to read
• What is ‘correct’ grammar and punctuation?

Week 4:

• Email etiquette – common mistakes and how to avoid them
• Subject lines, intros, sign-offs, and signatures
• Best-practice tips

Week 5:

• Brevity, story, and structure: keep the reader engaged
• Writing for websites and social media
• Exploring AI

Week 6:

• Features and benefits
• The AIDA tool
• Unpacking longform content: reports, analyses, white papers

Week 7:

• Editing and proofreading like a professional
• Successful self-editing tips
• Taking advantage of AI

Week 8:

• LinkedIn bio masterclass
• Upgrade your CV
• Recommended resources

Assessment:

Students will be assigned homework and class exercises each week, with feedback provided by the tutor throughout the course. Sharing written work with the group and providing constructive feedback will be expected. Students who complete at least 70% of the classes will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Teaching:

The course is led by a journalist and copywriter with over 20 years of experience, providing students with the opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional. The interactive format of the course allows for discussions, feedback, and one-on-one guidance from the tutor.

Careers:

This course is designed to equip professionals with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their business writing. The improved communication abilities gained through the course can lead to career advancement opportunities, increased project success, and greater overall professional impact.

Other:

• The course fee is £430 (no VAT).
• Classes are held online on Monday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
• The application deadline for the August 5th start date is July 30th, 2024.
• Students who are already fluent and working in English are eligible to apply.