Master human-centered copywriting that outperforms AI. Transform website content, emails and marketing materials into powerful conversion tools in just one weekend. Led by a former Times journalist who's crafted copy for Harrods, Sky, M&S and more. Limited places available.
5 starting dates
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Starting date:
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: to
- Fees: £130
N.B.: It is not possible to transfer from this course.
- Occurs: Saturday and Sunday
- Location: Online
- Booking deadline:
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Starting date:
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: to
- Fees: £130
N.B.: It is not possible to transfer from this course.
- Occurs: Saturday and Sunday
- Location: Online
- Booking deadline:
-
Starting date:
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: to
- Fees: £130
N.B.: It is not possible to transfer from this course.
- Occurs: Saturday and Sunday
- Location: Online
- Booking deadline:
-
Starting date:
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: to
- Fees: £134
(£149 with discount)
Save £15 - book by 31 Aug 2026
- Occurs: Saturday and Sunday
- Location: Online
- Booking deadline:
-
Starting date:
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: to
- Fees: £134
(£149 with discount)
Save £15 - book by 31 Aug 2026
- Occurs: Saturday and Sunday
- Location: Online
- Booking deadline:
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Testimonials
Introduction to Copywriting with AI Course overview
Now that AI can write passable copy, learn what makes human thinking and writing irreplaceable – and how to sharpen yours to make using AI effective ‘teamwork’.
Our Introduction to Copywriting with AI weekend intensive empowers you with the strategic thinking, emotional intelligence and creative techniques that AI can’t replicate. Over two fun, interactive sessions, discover how to craft copy that connects, convinces and converts across emails, websites and more.
Led by former Times and Guardian journalist Maggie Richards, you'll gain insights from her 25 years of commercial writing success with big brands like Sky, Harrods, 02, Kia and Marks & Spencer.
Exclusive opportunity: Present your best idea for potential publication on the City Short Courses blog – with professional editing support.
Why This Matters Now
While AI tools can generate basic content and lots of of ideas, businesses increasingly value writers with the know-how to:
- Create authentic, accurate and consistent on-brand voices that build genuine connection
- Develop strategic messaging that drives specific business results
- Collaborate effectively with AI tools while keeping creative control
- Understand the psychology behind persuasive writing – something no AI can truly master.
Whether you're boosting your career prospects, pivoting professionally or starting a freelance business, these skills have never been more valuable or marketable.
Limited Availablity
Secure your spot for our next weekend intensive. Previous workshops have sold out.
Who is it for?
Our practical, six-hour Introduction to Copywriting course is for marketing/content professionals, journalists, career-changers and everyone interested in quickly sharpening their business writing skills – with or without ChatGPT, Claude, etc. This interactive copywriting weekend workshop reveals hands-on how to write crisp, creative copy that stands out and gets results.
Find out more about our Non-fiction writing courses
Timetable
The course will take place over two mornings.
Benefits
- Taught by an industry professional with 25 years’ experience
- Live, accessible online Zoom classes (not recorded) over a weekend
- Awarded a City St George's, University of London certificate on completion
What will I learn?
Master the Copywriting Skills That Matter Now
Core Professional Techniques
- Craft headlines, subject lines and calls-to-action that demand attention and drive action
- Structure copy for maximum impact across different formats
- Learn how to write unique brand voices that resonates with target audiences
- Start to perfect the psychology of persuasion that AI can't quite replicate
- Transform ‘OK’ product descriptions into compelling stories
AI Integration Insights
- Create expert-level prompts that make AI tools work for YOU, not replace you
- Develop a critical ‘editing eye’ to transform basic AI output into powerfully professional copy
Career-Building Benefits
- Get ahead with personalised feedback from a former Times journalist and current Economist Business Writing tutor with 25 years of experience
- Start building a portfolio of professional-quality copy examples during the course
- Learn 16 quick-win techniques used by top copywriters
- Get insider knowledge on finding and securing copywriting work
- Hand-picked resources to help you keep getting better after the course.
Practical Skills You'll Use Immediately
- Apply a four 'golden keys' framework to sharpen all writing tasks
- Practice confidence-building exercises that strengthen your writing muscles
- Identify and correct the most common copywriting mistakes that undermine results.
Assessment and certificates
There is no formal assessment – certificates are awarded based on 70% attendance. However, you will be given written exercises in class, and students are offered live feedback by the tutor throughout the course.
As an added bonus, students who present a successful idea for the City Short Courses blog will have the opportunity to have their article professionally edited and published on the site. Details will be given on the course.
Eligibility
This course is ideal for those considering a new career, small-business owners, marketing professionals, freelance writers, journalists, or anyone interested in improving their written communication skills.
English requirements
Fluent spoken and written English is essential.
Please note this class is not suitable for students wishing to improve their English language skills.
Recommended reading
- Copywriting Made Simple, Tom Albrighton, ABC Business Communications
- On Writing Well, William Zinsser, Harper Perennial
- Everybody Writes: Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content, Ann Handley, Wiley
- Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert, Bloomsbury
Tutor
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Maggie Richards
Maggie Richards is a former Times, Sunday Times and Guardian journalist who’s been featured in The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Tatler and Spirit & Destiny among other leading publications, as well as on BBC Radio.
Honed over 25 years, her commercial writing excellence has supported the success of businesses of all sizes, not least Sky, Harrods, Marks & Spencer, O2, Canon and Kia.
She has been tutor on The Economist Business Writing course since it launched in 2021, teaches City’s Writing for Business short course, and is an accomplished public speaker.
With Cher Chevalier, she is co-author of 24 (8x3) meditations that launched Calm, iTunes App of the Year 2017. Maggie is author of A Guide to Being a Better Being, Blissful Buddies bedtime meditation stories, The Starlit Dancer, and Cosmic Couplets.
