best online creative writing courses canada

Creative Writing Certificate

Are you motivated to put pen to paper? Do you have an idea or have you started a creative writing draft? If so, this focused, engaging and supportive program may be perfect for you. The program covers many aspects of the creative writer's world from writing development, copy editing, genre writing, time management, publishing, and promotion. The evaluative and interactive format will ensure you receive ample instructor feedback and supportive peer review throughout the program. In the final project course, a portion of your creative work will be evaluated by a published author who will mentor and encourage you in your writing journey.

This online, flexible and interactive program will allow you to learn the theory behind your writing and allow time to receive instructor and peer feedback about what you've written. All courses are taught by published authors, many who have received national and international awards.

To get started in the program you are required to provide a short writing sample. You will receive valuable expert feedback specific to character, setting, dialogue, point of view, and writing mechanics. The writing sample is your opportunity to share what you like to write about and how you write it. See details below under How to apply .

This is one of three writing certificate programs offered online through Continuing Education. The other programs are:

• Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing
• Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Marketing and Public Relations

View course timetable

This program is perfect if you...

• Write – or aspire to write – fiction, creative non-fiction or poetry
• Want to transition from or add to corporate or journalistic writing and explore creative writing
• Would like to learn from published authors
• Enjoy online learning in a supportive and interactive environment

What will I get?

Students who complete this program will receive a Professional Certificate .

Graduate: Karen White

Now a graduate of the Creative Writing Certificate, Karen says she finally feels comfortable calling herself a writer.

Watch video

Program details

Course delivery online.

Courses in this program are delivered online . Some courses may be occasionally offered in the classroom at the main campus. Courses are scheduled at convenient times, allowing you to complete the program at a pace that fits your life.

You should plan on studying and working approximately 6 hours per week per course .

Online learning fits into busy schedules by taking the learning experience out of the traditional classroom. Students have online access to instructors, fellow learners, and learning materials.

Before taking your first online course, we recommended taking our free course: Digital Skills for Learning Online

Timeline and planning 200 Hours

All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. The Creative Writing Certificate is a 200-hour program .

The length of time it takes to complete this program varies by student. If you take one course per term (four courses a year), you will likely complete the program in 12 to 18 months . You will complete the program faster if you take multiple courses per term.

View upcoming courses...

Cost $4,519

The approximate cost to complete the Creative Writing Certificate is $4,519 .

This includes the $130 admission fee.

How to apply

You do not require a degree or diploma to apply for admission to this program. You can take individual courses to start, and apply later.

The admission fee is $130 .

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

• 18 years of age or older
• Grade 12 diploma (recommended)
• Relevant work experience (recommended)
• If English is not your first language, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements

Programs change from time to time, so we recommend that you apply for admission as early as possible. Once admitted, your requirements to complete the program will not change – even if the program changes. You can be confident that completed and eligible courses will apply to your program.

Writing Assessment and Certificate Admission

When you apply to the Creative Writing Certificate , you are required to submit a creative writing sample. The sample should be a total of 2 – 4 pages, double-spaced. If you wish to submit a poetry sample, an additional sample of prose is requested.

* guidelines for the writing sample here *

Please complete the certificate admission application and upload your creative writing sample using the link below. The non-refundable admission fee is $130.

Credit for prior learning

Prior learning from other post-secondary institutions.

Advanced standing may be granted for equivalent, graded courses completed at other post-secondary institutions. Credit may be granted up to a maximum of 60 hours towards this program.

Transferring credit from other Continuing Education programs

If you have completed requirements for another University of Calgary Continuing Education program, you may be able to transfer some credits to this program. For details, please review the "Credit towards other programs" information in the programs you have completed. To transfer credits, please contact a student advisor .

Maximum advanced standing and transferred credit

The combined total of advanced standing and transferred credits cannot exceed 100 hours for this program.

Credit towards other programs

On completion of this program, you may wish to pursue studies in another.

Upon completing Program Title , up to 100 hours of equivalent courses may be transferred towards the Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing and the Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Marketing and Public Relations . The number of hours will vary based on certificate requirements and courses.

If you wish to pursue another program:

• Complete the Application for Admission for your next program
• Contact us to request transfer of the equivalent course credits

The transfer of course credits will not happen without your request.

Scholarships

Each year, scholarships and awards are given to deserving students not only for their academic achievement, but also for community involvement. Award sponsors include both corporate and private donors.

To apply, you must meet eligibility criteria and submission deadlines. Students in this program may be eligible for the following awards:

• Continuing Education Endowment Award
• Continuing Education Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Entrance Awards
• Continuing Education Indigenous Entrance Awards
• Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy

Career connections

How to graduate.

It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements for graduation are fulfilled.

See Graduation for details.

International students

This program does not qualify students to apply for an international study permit.

International students who wish to live and work in Canada should consider our International Professional Programs .

Special offer Get a 5% discount

Receive a discount of 5% per course by registering for three or more courses at the same time.

Register online or by calling 403-220-2866 or 1-866-220-4992. Some restrictions may apply (i.e., all courses must take place within the current academic year).

Note: WRI 500 Creative Writing Final Project is not eligible for the discount.

Questions? Please contact us...

Additional details, core courses.

110 Hour(s)

Creative Writing Courses

150 Hour(s)

Optional Courses

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Explore Fall

Courses and certificates, upskill and reskill, discover professional programs, corporate learning, partner with western, post-degree diplomas, new january 2025 start, earn a digital badge, explore our micro-credentials, professional certificate in creative writing.

Acquire the tools you need to create fresh, vivid work.

This six-course certificate will provide you with the opportunity to participate in constructive, guided workshops to improve your writing, gain exposure to a variety of writing genres, and understand the processes of becoming a published author. Whether you wish to pursue fiction or non-fiction, poetry or write screenplay, this community environment will help you become a stronger and more skilled writer.

Designed for

Writers of all skill levels looking to sharpen skills, hone ideas, and study the craft of writing.

Courses: Six electives Format:  Online Cost: $1,710 - $1,938 Admission: OPEN, no application Completion Time:  6 - 36 months

Find out more.   We'll be in touch within one business day.

Application

6 Course(s)

Choose six courses that meet your writing goals and interests.

Online: with real-time learning

2025 Winter

Online: Paced

2025 Spring

Enrollment Closed

2025 Summer

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Creative Writing

Online option, online full-time programs.

Online full-time programs are offered as either Daytime, or a combination of Evenings and Saturdays. Check your program Dates and Times to see what the program commitment will be.

Find out more about Full-Time Online programs

Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Creative Writing graduate certificate program helps you improve your writing from the comfort of home. You’ll work one-on-one with a professional writer-mentor to improve your draft book-length project, learning how to develop plot, character, dialogue, style and more through feedback on your own manuscript.

Humber is noted for its exceptional creative writing mentors including authors of world stature. Past mentors include Martin Amis, Peter Carey, Miriam Toews, David Mitchell, Esi Edugyan, Nino Ricci, Margaret Atwood, Lawrence Hill, Anne Michaels, Edward Albee, Ha Jin and Alistair MacLeod. Recent international authors have included Jenny Offill, Nell Freudenberger and Samantha Harvey.  

We've recently added a playwright, a screenwriter and two children's writers to our list of available mentors – giving you the opportunity to complete a large body of work which may be all or parts of a full-length novel, memoir, feature-length screenplay or full-length play; or a collection of poetry, short fiction or creative nonfiction essays; or a portfolio of picture books, early readers and/or middle grade readers.

This is a project-based program in which you meet the learning outcomes by working through your own manuscript.  As well, you will attend weekly online classes synchronously or asynchronously to discuss craft, readings and the writing process to support your development.  

This program is not available to international applicants.

At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:

In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.

Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.

Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.

Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.

International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) at Humber

Work-integrated learning.

Work-integrated learning opportunities prepare you for your future career. You will apply what you’ve learned in class and in real-world environments through a wide range of academic, community and industry partnerships. These work-integrated learning opportunities may include field experiences, professional practicums and co-operative education.

Field Experience

A field experience offers students an opportunity to engage in intensive experiences related to their field of study or career goals to build their skills, knowledge and abilities. Field experiences may be paid or unpaid.

Professional Practicum

Programs requiring a professional practicum offer practice-based experience or work hours for a professional license or certification. Students work under the direct supervision of an experienced professional. Placements are unpaid.

Co-operative Education

Students in co-op programs gain experience through paid work terms in their field of study that become progressively more complex as their skill level increases.

Optional Co-operative Education

Students in co-op programs gain experience through paid work terms in their field of study that become progressively more complex as their skill level increases. The co-op portion of this program is optional.

If you would like to learn more about work-integrated learning at Humber, visit WIL AT HUMBER

The Humber Advantage

• FACULTY BY TERM
• INFO SESSION
• SUMMER WORKSHOP
• MA IN CREATIVE WRITING
• SCHOLARSHIPS

Watch the "Power Up Your Credential!" Info Session to learn more about the Creative Writing program.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions section or read more on How to Apply .

Since 1992, the School for Writers has offered an immersive, focused workshop to jump start your creative writing. Mornings are spent in classes with one of Humber’s esteemed writing advisors, and afternoons are devoted to craft and industry talks by faculty, publishing experts and special guests. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced writer, there’s something for you in this six-day workshop!

Workshop Rebate

The Creative Writing by Correspondence Program is a complement to the Humber Summer Workshop in Creative Writing, the two together comprising a flexible and affordable alternative to a standard low-residency MFA.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate are eligible for a rebate for the Summer Workshop, and vice versa. The rebate is valid for three academic years.

“Humber School for Writers was one of my first experiences with writing workshops. I was amazed by how my work jumped to a new level in such a short period of time due to the generosity, experience, and intelligence of my peers and mentors. I said I’d do it again, and I did! Two summers in a row.”

-  Madhur Anand,  Author , A New Index for Predicting Catastrophes

Graduates Offered Advanced Standing in University of Gloucestershire Distance MA in Creative Writing

Humber Creative Writing by Correspondence graduates can work towards a master’s degree from the comfort of their own homes! Thanks to a new arrangement, graduates are eligible for advanced standing in the highly regarded University of Gloucestershire (U.K.) distance MA Creative Writing program. Furthermore, this pathway may lead to a PhD for those who qualify.

Scholarship Support for Aspiring Authors

All scholarships are available to Canadian residents only, and Appel scholarships are available to Ontario residents only. Scholarship applications become available in August and December. Information on how to apply can be found at the link below.

If you are awarded a scholarship, payment will come some weeks after the program begins. You must make payment up front and be reimbursed later.

September 2024 Faculty

Madhur Anand

Madhur Anand's debut book of prose This Red Line Goes Straight to Your Heart (2020, Strange Light/M&S) won the Governor General's Literary Award for Nonfiction.

Dennis Bock

Dennis Bock is a Canadian novelist and short story writer. His newest novel, The Good German , was published in September 2020 and has been lauded by Margaret Atwood as "a cunning, twisted, compelling tale of deeply unexpected consequences."

Danila Botha

Danila Botha is the critically acclaimed author of two short story collections, Got No Secrets, and For All the Men (and Some of the Women) I've Known, which was a finalist for the Trillium Book Award, The Vine Awards and The ReLit Award.

Trevor Cole

An editor and writer for more than 30 years, Trevor Cole has won nine National Magazine Awards, including three gold medals.

Antonio Michael Downing

Antonio Michael Downing grew up in southern Trinidad, Northern Ontario, Brooklyn, and Kitchener. He is an author, musician and speaker based in Toronto.

Marina Endicott

Joseph Kertes

Joseph Kertes founded Humber College's creative writing and comedy programs and was the recipient of numerous awards for teaching and innovation.

Judy I. Lin

Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology ( A Magic Steeped in Poison and A Venom Dark and Sweet ), was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age.

Evan Morgan

Evan Morgan is a Toronto based writer/director with a background in feature-length and short films.

Alison Pick

Alison Pick is most recently the author of the novel STRANGERS WITH THE SAME DREAM (September 2017).

Richard Scarsbrook

Richard Scarsbrook is the award-winning author of ten books: the novels  Cheeseburger Subversive , Featherless Bipeds , The Monkeyface Chronicles , Nothing Man and The Purple Zero , The Indifference League ,  Rockets Versus Gravity , and  The Troupers , the short story collection  Destiny’s Telescope , and the poetry books  Six Weeks  and  Apocalypse One Hundred .

Shyam Selvadurai

Shyam Selvadurai's first novel  Funny Boy , won the W.H. Smith/ Books in Canada First Novel Award and the Lambda Literary Award in the US. He is the author of  Cinnamon Gardens  and  Swimming in the Monsoon Sea , and the editor of an anthology,  Story-wallah! A Celebration of South Asian Fiction .

Richard Scrimger

Richard Scrimger has written adult novels, opinion pieces, and screenplays, but is best known for his quirky children’s books. There are a couple dozen of those. He’s won an award or two, been shortlisted for lots more, and given writing workshops around the world.

Sarah Sheard

Sarah Sheard, novelist, editor, and multidisciplinary artist, has published numerous personal essays, reviews, short fiction and four literary novels ( Almost Japanese, The Swing Era, The Hypnotist, Krank: Love in the New Dark Times ).

Craig Shreve

Craig Shreve is a fiction author from North Buxton, Ontario. He is a former student in the Humber Creative Writing program (2008).

Antanas Sileika

Antanas Sileika particularly enjoys working with students on humour, historical fiction, and stories set in East and Central Europe. Sileika’s latest memoir is called The Death of Tony , and the one before that was called "dead-on funny" by Miriam Toews.

Cordelia Strube

Cordelia Strube is an accomplished playwright and the author of 11 critically acclaimed novels including Alex & Zee, Teaching Pigs to Sing and Lemon.

Sam Wiebe is the author of the Wakeland novels, one of the most authentic and acclaimed detective series in Canada, including Invisible Dead, Cut You Down, Hell and Gone , and the latest, Sunset and Jericho .

January 2024 Faculty

David Bergen

David Bergen is the author of eight novels and two collections of short stories. His work has been nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Impac Dublin Literary Award, and a Pushcart Prize.

Giles Blunt

Giles Blunt grew up in North Bay, Ontario, a small city similar to the Algonquin Bay of the John Cardinal novels. After studying English literature at the University of Toronto, he moved to New York City, where he lived for the next twenty years, before moving back to Toronto in 2002.

Karen Connelly

Author of twelve books of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, Karen Connelly is a writer, educator and therapist in private practice.

Beverley Cooper

Beverley Cooper is an award-winning playwright, dramaturge and teacher. She has written for TV, film and extensively for CBC radio drama, twice being nominated for Writers’ Guild of Canada Awards.

Elisabeth de Mariaffi

Elisabeth de Mariaffi is the critically acclaimed author of four books: most recently, The Retreat (2021), is a snowbound thriller about a dancer who must separate truth from lies in order to survive a deadly storm at a remote mountain arts retreat.

Adam Foulds

Adam Foulds has been the recipient of a number of literary awards, including the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year, the Costa Poetry Prize, the Somerset Maugham Award, the South Bank Show Prize for Literature, the E. M. Forster Award, the Encore Award, and the European Union Prize for Literature.

Camilla Gibb

Camilla Gibb is the author of four novels— Mouthing the Words, The Petty Details of So-and-so's Life, Sweetness in the Belly  and  The Beauty of Humanity Movement— and has been the recipient of the Trillium Book Award, the City of Toronto Book Award and the CBC Canadian Literary Award and has been short listed for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. 

Ashley Little

Ashley Little has written three novels for young adults and two novels for adults. Her work has won the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize and the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize, been a finalist for the ReLit Award, The City of Vancouver Book Award, and more.

Carrie Mac writes stories that she wants to read. Her latest book is the literary novel Last Winter (Random House, 2023). She has also authored contemporary novels for teens, speculative YA, literary short fiction, and creative non-fiction.

Colin McAdam

Colin McAdam is the author of four internationally acclaimed novels, which have been nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize, the Governor General's Literary Award, and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, among others.

Pamela Mordecai

Pamela Mordecai’s debut novel, Red Jacket , was shortlisted for the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Award (2015). She has published seven collections of poetry, five children’s books, and a collection of short fiction, Pink Icing , recently released as an audiobook in ECW's Bespeak Editions.

Donna Morrissey

Donna Morrissey has published six award-winning and nationally best-selling novels through Penguin Canada. She has received awards in Canada, the U.S. and England and her novel, Sylvanus Now was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Prize.

Waubgeshig Rice

Waubgeshig Rice is an author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation on Georgian Bay. He has written three fiction titles, and his short stories and essays have been published in numerous anthologies.

Dianne Warren

Dianne Warren is a fiction writer from western Canada. She is the author of six books of fiction, including the novel Cool Water , which won the Governor General’s Award for Fiction in 2010.

January 2025 Faculty

Lana Button

Lana Button is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books for children. Lana’s books have been translated into 5 different languages and have received the Crystal Kite Award, the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Award and the IBBY Outstanding Book for Young Children.

Sidura Ludwig

Sidura Ludwig is an award-winning author of books for adults and children. Her short-story collection You Are Not What We Expected (House of Anansi, 2020) won the Vine Literary Award for Fiction and was shortlisted for the Danuta Gleed Award.

Harriet Alida Lye

Harriet Alida Lye is the author of the novels The Honey Farm and Let It Destroy You , the memoir Natural Killer and the children's picture book, Serge the Snail .

Carrie Mac writes stories that she wants to read. Her latest book is the best-selling literary novel Last Winter (Random House, 2023). She has also authored contemporary novels for teens, speculative YA, literary short fiction, and creative non-fiction.

Pamela Mordecai’s debut novel, Red Jacket , was shortlisted for the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Award (2015).

Alexandra Shimo

Alexandra Shimo has been mentoring writers since 2015. A former editor with Maclean’s, she is the co-author of the bestselling memoir  Up Ghost River: A Chief’s Journey Through the Turbulent Waters of Native History , and author of the memoir  Invisible North: The Search for Answers on A Troubled Reserve .

Sandra SG Wong

Sandra SG Wong writes fiction across genres, currently including suspense, hard-boiled PI, noir, contemporary romance, and speculative fiction.

Expert Faculty

• FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

David Bezmozgis

David Bezmozgis is an award-winning writer and filmmaker. He is the author of the story collections  Immigrant City  and  Natasha and Other Stories  and the novels  The Betrayers  and  The Free World . David’s stories have appeared in numerous publications including  The New Yorker ,  Harper's ,  Zoetrope All-Story , and The Walrus . His books have been nominated for the Scotiabank/Giller Prize, The Governor General's Literary Award, the Trillium Book Award, and won the Amazon.ca First Novel Award and the National Jewish Book Award. ‹ In the summer of 2010, David was included in  The New Yorker's  20 Under 40 issue, celebrating the twenty most promising fiction writers under the age of forty. ‹ A graduate of the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, David's first feature film,  Victoria Day , premiered in competition at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009. His second feature was an adaptation of his story "Natasha."

David is a professor and the creative director of the Humber School for Writers where he also hosts the writing podcast  Love & Defiance .

Alissa York

Your career.

The main goal of the program is to improve your writing, and publication is a possibility for some. Graduates of this program may use their writing and editing skills in a wide variety of careers and professions in addition to writing books. Some of our graduates write for the web, newspapers, magazines, television   and other media.  

More than 300 Humber School for Writers alumni have published books. Dr. Vincent Lam, who won the 2006 Scotiabank Giller Prize for his literary debut, Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures , is just one of our distinguished former students. Other alumni have been on the bestseller lists in Canada: Suzanne Desrochers for  Bride of New France , Cathy Marie Buchanan for  The Painted Girls,  Shari Lapena for  The Couple Next Door , and Eva Stachniak for  The Chosen Maiden .  

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Program Availability

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit .

International Students in Canada who apply for September 2024 start could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now

Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Upcoming Recruitment Events

Program delivery types.

Block-based: Students select a pre-set weekly schedule of courses that best meets their needs. Block-Based schedules may include in-person, hybrid and online courses.

Course-based: Students create their own schedule of courses from among in-person, hybrid and online options.

Condensed Week - Courses requiring students to come to campus are scheduled over 2-3 days per week. Online courses are scheduled on other days.

Online - Courses are scheduled only online and may be delivered asynchronously, where students study independently or synchronously, where students attend the online class on a specified time and day.

Twilight - In-person, online synchronous and hybrid courses are generally scheduled after 3:00pm.

Twilight-Online: Online synchronous courses are generally scheduled after 3:00 pm.

This program is part of:

Find Out More  

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Students with Humber’s Bachelor of Industrial Design program had a successful showing at an annual design competition where they won several awards.

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The Industrial Design program was invited to return and participate in the BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) International Design Competition!

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Annual By The Lake Book Club Scholarship Awarded to Emerging B.C. - Based Writer

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Layla Reeves, a Vancouver Island writer and student in Humber's Creative Writing Graduate Certificate program, is the 2022 recipient of a $1,500 scholarship.

Designs Created by Fast Students Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Wed, February 01, 2023

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Our 4th year Bachelor of Interior Design students attended Mason Studio for an Idea Exchange as part of DesignTO.

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Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

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How to Apply

Domestic students.

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca . Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability , or ontariocolleges.ca .

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map .

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre .

Admissions Questions

General enquiries.

Call 416-675-3111 or email [email protected] . If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca .

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Alissa York, program co-ordinator 416.675.6622 ext. 3448 [email protected]

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Becoming an apprentice.

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

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Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP  

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca . Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

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Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

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Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following five requirements:

To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

• A bachelor’s degree, diploma, advanced diploma or equivalent

Mature Applicants

Diplomas and certificates.

An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

College Transfer Applicants

An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

University Transfer Applicants

An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

Cover Letter

Please submit a cover letter describing the single book-length project you intend to work on in the program, your writing experience, and any relevant life experience. The letter should be no more than two pages, double-spaced in 12-point font. Please include your name and email address, and submit as MS Word or PDF.

Writing Sample

Please submit a sample of your writing that is no more than 15 pages in length. Ideally, the writing sample should be taken from the project you intend to work on in the program. If this is not possible, please submit a sample in the same form/genre (e.g., fiction if you intend to work on a novel). The manuscript must be prepared according to professional standards: double-spaced, 12-point font, with name, title and page number on each page. Please submit as MS Word or PDF.

Submission Instructions

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy .

International Credit Evaluation

Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Applying with an International Baccalaureate (IB)

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & financial aid.

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

• domestic: $3,895.50
• international: $18,833.08

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees by Semester

International Fees by Semester

*Plus Mandatory Health Insurance fee once per academic year: Fall start - $420 Winter start - $280 Summer start - $140

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources .

Scholarships

Humber scholarships.

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships . International students can visit International Student Scholarships .

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

• Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
• Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.

Pathway Options

Below are a few examples of pathways into this program. For more information on a pathway, click the Details button. To see all of your possible pathway options, click the View All Pathways link underneath the table.

Additional information will be made available to students from their program before the beginning of the Winter term. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. The delivery mode of some courses is still being determined. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.

You can find a complete list of programs with downloads including program and course details at Current Student Resources  

Students in programs marked as online/in-person will have a combination of those two types of delivery. Additional information will be made available to students from their program in the first week of June. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. The delivery mode of some courses is still being determined. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

Reflect on editorial feedback to determine core strengths and weaknesses of one’s own work.

Self-evaluate written work focusing on key elements of creative writing such as character, dialogue, plot, theme, setting, imagery and structure/form.

Apply techniques and strategies acquired through editorial feedback, self-evaluation, reading and self-directed learning to revise and improve one’s own writing.

Employ conventions of grammar, punctuation, spelling and other aspects of technical style within the context of narrative/poetic traditions to write in a clear and professional manner.

Revise and improve elements of literary style such as detail, diction, syntax, active voice, rhythm and tone to sustain reader engagement at the level of the sentence/line.

Manage point of view and associated issues of narrative/poetic voice such as the sociocultural identity and reliability of the narrator/speaker to create a consistent, convincing reading experience.

Employ a variety of research methods to support authentic, convincing writing in narrative/poetic forms.

Explore techniques and strategies used in published works to assess for application to one’s own writing.

Identify prevailing genres, forms and submission requirements present in the publishing industry and literary community to discover professional options for writers.

48 Best universities for Creative Writing in Canada

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Canada ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 246K citations received by 19.8K academic papers made by 48 universities in Canada was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Toronto

For Creative Writing

2. University of British Columbia

3. University of Alberta

4. McGill University

5. York University

6. University of Calgary

7. University of Victoria

8. Simon Fraser University

9. Western University

10. Queen's University

11. University of Ottawa

12. McMaster University

13. University of Waterloo

14. Carleton University

15. University of Montreal

16. University of Manitoba

17. Memorial University of Newfoundland

18. Wilfrid Laurier University

19. Dalhousie University

20. University of Saskatchewan

21. Brock University

22. Ryerson University

23. Concordia University

24. University of Windsor

25. University of Guelph

26. University of Regina

27. Trent University

28. University of Quebec in Montreal

29. Laval University

30. Laurentian University

31. St. Francis Xavier University

32. University of Lethbridge

33. University of New Brunswick

34. University of Winnipeg

35. Lakehead University

36. Mount Saint Vincent University

37. University of Sherbrooke

38. University of Northern British Columbia

39. Saint Mary's University

40. Acadia University

41. University of Prince Edward Island

42. Nipissing University

43. Ontario Tech University

44. Thompson Rivers University

45. Brandon University

46. Mount Royal University

47. MacEwan University

48. Mount Allison University

The best cities to study Creative Writing in Canada based on the number of universities and their ranks are Toronto , Vancouver , Edmonton , and Montreal .

Art & Design subfields in Canada

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Creative Writing Courses in Canada

• Updated on  
• Mar 3, 2023

As the name suggests, creative writing is a style where creativity is at the forefront and the imagination and aesthetic of the writer flow with each written word. Highly artistic individuals with an ability to connect to people through their writing, opt for this unique career path that offers a wide range of specializations. Creative writing goes beyond the bounds of academic and technical writing. It is a medium to express your feelings by jotting them down on the pages and complex subtleties of emotions related to them. The wide range of creative writing courses in Canada allows the aspirant to be well-versed with different composing styles and literary devices and reach great heights in the realm of writing.

Vaccination Rules for International Students Around the World!

This Blog Includes:

Why study creative writing in canada, list of creative writing courses in canada, types of creative writing courses in canada, certificate course, university of calgary, top colleges for creative writing courses in canada, specialisation, eligibility criteria, pre-arrival costs, cost of living (one-year), career scope .

• Canada is an excellent destination for pursuing creative writing programs as its home to big publishing companies like HarperCollins Canada, Penguin Random House Canada, Dundurn Press, and Scholastic Canada.
• The federal government in Canada has reported a tremendous increase in job opportunities in industries like marketing, digital marketing, and content development despite the ongoing COVID- pandemic making creative writing and copywriting an important skill.
• Studying creative writing courses in Canada is also the gateway to getting a post-study work visa and eventually permanent residency in the country. Students who have completed their degrees in Canada can stay back in the country and join the Canadian economic force. 

Explore: Study in Canada without IELTS

• Bachelor of Arts in English literature – Creative Writing
• Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing
• Bachelor of Arts in Writing
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program
• Master of Art with Creative Writing, Literature, and Language 
• Masters of Art in Creative Writing and English
• Ontario Graduate Certificate in Content Strategy
• Master of Fine Arts in Writing
• Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Writing 

Bachelor’s degree (3-4 years, full-time)

Students who have a passion for writing and wish to study in Canada, and learn more about the creative industry are highly recommended to pursue this course. This course introduces you to the world of writing that is different from technical writing. The curriculum puts special emphasis on the area of poetry, films, essays, fiction, novels, and other writing genres. The students learn the basic skills required for writing and learn to put their creative tools to use and have a successful career in the field.

Master’s degree (1-2 years, full-time)

Another popular creative writing course in Canada is Masters. A Master’s degree in creative writing is a type of post-graduate degree that students usually aim for after completing their undergraduate degree. This course allows you to delve deeper into the aspects of literature writing by incorporating all the aspects of writing, from grammar and vocabulary to major areas like literary analysis, plot development, etc. After completing this course, the students acquire a deeper insight into the creation of novels, poems, film writing, etc. It offers a wide range of specializations to choose from. These include playwriting, comedy writing, fiction and non-fiction, and many more!

The University of Calgary offers a creative writing certification program in online mode. This creative writing course in Canada is a 200-hour certificate course that allows you to hone your core skills in creative writing. It will provide you with knowledge about various aspects of writing that include editing, and proofreading and help you further in content development in various genres. You receive extensive training and professional mentorship throughout the program which prepares you for becoming a published writer. After the completion of the course, you receive a globally recognized certificate that revamps your resume and opens up more job prospects in the field of creative writing.

• Narrative Essay
• Creative nonfiction 
• Short Story
• Stage and Screenwriting 
• Popular Fiction 
• Poetry and Songwriting
• Fiction Writing

Eligibility criteria to get into creative writing courses in Canada varies depending on the course, university, level of degree, etc., but one of the most important prerequisites is your portfolio. To establish your reputation as a worthy writer, students are recommended to build a portfolio that includes samples of their best works.

Other than your portfolio, to be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

• You would have to put together a strong portfolio of your works.
• Some colleges might demand a minimal mark of 75% or a B+.
• You must send a SOP or motivational letter outlining your interests and future goals in addition to your IELTS TRF, TOEFL, or Duolingo score (minimum score requirements are 6.5 to 7.5 on each test).
• Your resume or work CV must also be included in the application package.

Want to Score a Perfect 8 Band in IELTS? Take Leverage Live Class Demo & Get Started!

Cost of Studying Creative Writing Courses in Canada

When it comes to studying abroad, Canada is comparatively more affordable than other international destinations. Still, there are a lot of expenses that need to be kept in mind while you plan on studying creative writing courses in Canada. The budget should be planned in accordance with the pre-arrival cost and the cost of living after arriving. The following table gives a brief overview of the broad expenses covered through the entire process of applying to study creative writing in Canada.

Explore: Life in Canada for Indians

The career scope for creative writing courses in Canada is vast. Students with experience and determination can find a diverse range of job profiles in creative writing, marketing, publishing, entertainment, and freelancing. Here are some job profiles to explore after creative writing courses:

• Advertising copywriter
• Creative director
• Book Translator
• Magazine journalist
• Digital Copywriter
• Legacy Writer
• Content Developer
• Editorial Assistant
• Web content manager
• Newspaper journalist
• Lexicographer
• Journalist 
• Ghostwriter
• Scriptwriter

University of Windsor. Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Sheridan College. Douglas College. University of New Brunswick.

The colleges in Canada have emerged as one of the top options for pursuing an MFA in creative writing due to their diverse learning programs.

Creative Writing in UK. Creative Writing in USA. Creative Writing in Canada. Creative Writing in Ireland. Creative Writing in Australia.

If you are an individual looking to hone your writing skills and acquire the power to absorb the readers’ attention through your writing, pursuing creative writing courses in Canada is the best path for you! Know about the best-fit university and courses that you can pursue in Canada with the help of our AI Course Finder. Sign up for a free session with our counsellors at Leverage Edu today!

An ardent reader and writer, Gitali loves to create meaningful and well-researched content on studying abroad, scholarships and exploring student life hacks. When she is not busy working, you can find her doodling in the corner or discussing why Seinfeld is the greatest sitcom ever.

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Introduction to Creative Writing

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Have you always dreamed of being a writer but haven't been sure how or where to begin?

Explore your creativity in this course. Learn the essentials of prose and poetry writing and learn how to build on the basics and find your own unique creative voice. Whether you want to write for yourself, your close friends and family, or you aspire to turn writing into a career, this course will serve as an entry point into your creative potential.

Through a series of writing workshops, reading exercises, and open dialogue with the instructor and other classmates, students will expand their idea of what is possible on the page. Each student will receive extensive feedback on their work, and learn how to think critically about writing from both a creative and a technical standpoint.

Writers of all experience levels are welcome.

No materials required.

Tuesdays, Oct. 1 - Nov. 19 (8 weeks) 6 - 8 p.m. $180 (+ HST)

Register now

Winter term

Mondays, (10 weeks) 7 - 8:30 p.m. $175 (+ HST)

Registration opens Oct. 18.

About the instructor.

Hannah Grant ( B.A, BSC, DVM) has had short stories and poetry published in literary journals including the Fiddlehead magazine, The Malahat Review, and Coming Attractions (Oberon Press). She has participated in writing workshops including the Banff Writing Studio, The Humber School for writers and the Maritime Writers’ Workshop.

Hannah won literary awards including The Writers’ Fredericton of New Brunswick David Richard Adams prize for fiction, The University of St Andrews Dan Hemingway Prize for fiction, The UNB Muriel Miller Award in Creative Writing and the PEI Island literary awards Milton Acorn prize for poetry.

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H F T L YT I

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• SFU Continuing Studies

The Writer's Studio: Creative Writing Certificate

Continuing studies, on this page.

Every writer needs the right tools, techniques and support to develop their work. The Writer’s Studio part-time creative writing program is designed for writers who are ready to immerse themselves in a manuscript. You’ll join a supportive community as you master your craft and establish a sustainable writing practice.

Format:  Part-time Completion time:  10 months Locations:  Vancouver, online

Next online info session: Thu, 03 Oct 2024 6:30 PM PDT RSVP

Why this program?

Striking a balance between a formal, full-time MFA (master of fine arts) and individual writing courses, the Writer’s Studio offers training in the theory, craft and business of writing. As you work towards your Creative Writing Certificate from SFU, you’ll benefit from:

• One-on-one mentorship from experienced, published authors
• Small workshop groups focused on specific genres
• A high ratio of instructional hours per tuition dollar
• Support in completing your manuscript
• Practice in giving public readings
• SFU alumnus status and benefits upon program completion

Compare us to an MFA

Jan-Dec 2025 mentors

Learn under the guidance of accomplished authors in a range of genres. View previous mentors .

Creative Non-Fiction

Claudia Casper,

Fiction and Speculative Fiction

Leanne Dunic

Fiction and Hybrid Forms

Kevin Spenst

Program details

Vancouver or online

Program completion

10 months To graduate, pass all courses and submit a final portfolio.

Program dates

• Jan-Dec 2025: online
• Sept 2025-June 2026: online
• Sep 2024–Jun 2025 online

Learning methods

• Mentor-led group workshops
• Courses (see list below)
• One-on-one mentor consultations
• Mentor readings and talks
• Guest author panels
• Practice in delivering public readings
• Weekly course modules (about 3 hours of course work)
• 2 workshops/month (2.5 hours each)
• 3 mentor meetings (1 hour each)
• Other weekly sessions (3 hours each)

View Jan 2025 program schedule View Sep 2024 program schedule

Required courses:

• Workshops   (TWS301–TWS306)
• The Practice of Writing   (TWS520)
• The Craft of Writing   (TWS530)
• The Business of Writing   (TWS540)

Learning materials

Required textbook:

Chesham, A. and Farina, L. (Eds.)  Resonance: Essays on the Craft and Life of Writing . Anvil Press, 2022. ISBN 978-1-77214-184-9. Available from the publisher or your local bookstore. 

$5,500 $75 program application fee

Scholarships

• Writing Mom Scholarship: $2,000 Open to mothers with children under 18 (scholarship is trans-inclusive)
• Emerging Writer Scholarship: $2,000 Open to all applicants

To be considered, add a second page to your program application letter that explains how the scholarship would help you.

Application info

Applications accepted twice a year:

• May 1–Jun 30 (for Sep start)
• Sep 1–Oct 31 (for Jan start)

Application details

Want to get published?

Get featured in our anthology.

As a Writer’s Studio student, you’ll see your work published in our annual anthology, emerge , which is launched each year at the Vancouver Writers Festival .

View anthology

JOIN SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI

Graduates of the Writer’s Studio have gone on to publish their work and earn recognition in regional and national awards and competitions.

Meet our alumni

Courses and events

Register for courses.

Not ready for a full program? Take individual writing courses, available throughout the year.

Find courses

GET WRITING FEEDBACK

Book a consultation on your manuscript with a member of our writing community.

View options

Upcoming events and workshops

Attend an online info session.

Reserve your spot to explore the program and chat live with program staff.

Sign up for email updates

To stay informed about this program, please fill out the form below.

Yes, sign me up for the creative writing email list.

About our Collection of Personal Information policy.

Student stories

It took six years for Loghan Paylor to complete their epic first novel and only six weeks for a publisher to snap it up. Read more

With her debut book for middle-graders, Kim Spencer has authored both a B.C. bestseller and a four-time award winner. Read more

One of the Writer’s Studio’s most active graduates, writer and artist Candie Tanaka remains dedicated to bringing the writing community together. Read more

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6 Best Online Creative Writing Courses For Canadians in 2024

Creative writers are one of the in-demand jobs anywhere in the world. If you are considering switching careers or looking for classes to develop and enhance your writing skills, here are some of your top online creative writing courses.

Table of Contents

Udemy – Complete Creative Writing All Genres

The goal of this engaging and valuable creative writing course is to inspire you to write original works in the four genres of writing:

• Creative non-fiction.

In this creative writing course, you will discover, develop, and share your own writer’s voice. You will learn writing techniques, literary devices, and specialized skills to level up your writing career.

The course also includes writing assignments designed to target the skills you need as a creative writer.

You will also learn more about publishing opportunities, podcasts, and creating a professional creative writing portfolio.

This Udemy course includes the following:

• 43 Instructional videos
• 37 online quizzes covering essential concepts
• Every lesson contains graphics, notes, assignment sheets, and outside resources.
• Over 12 hours of video lessons
• 145 downloadable resources
• Full lifetime access
• Mobile and TV access
• Certificate of completion

Udemy’s “Complete Creative Writing – All Genres” course is designed for anyone with a creative streak and a nagging desire to write. It provides the necessary skills and guidance to unleash their writing potential across various genres.

Find the course details right here .

Coursera – Creative Writing Specialization

Coursera’s Creative Writing Specialization offers a comprehensive exploration of the three major genres in creative writing: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. Through this specialization course, you will develop mastery of the techniques employed by skilled writers to craft compelling stories written in a fresh and descriptive style.

A key aspect of this specialization is the opportunity to engage in peer evaluation and constructive analysis of fellow writers’ work. Learners can refine their writing skills and gain valuable insights from a supportive community of writers.

This course is meant to accommodate a wide range of skill levels and objectives, whether you’re an aspiring short story writer or a seasoned novelist looking for a new perspective on your work.

The culmination of the Creative Writing Specialization is the Capstone project, where you will have the chance to draft, rewrite, and complete a substantial original story in your genre of choice. This final project allows learners to apply the knowledge and techniques acquired throughout the specialization and showcase their storytelling abilities. Explore the course by clicking here .

University of Calgary Continuing Education – Creative Writing Certificate

You can master the theory behind your writing through this flexible, online writing program . You will also receive instructor and peer comments on your work. All instructors are published authors, several of whom have won regional, national, and worldwide honors.

This program is suitable for individuals who are:

• Create fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetry, or aspire to do so,
• Interested in creative writing as a way to shift from or supplement business or journalistic writing,
• Desire to learn from published authors, and
• Take advantage of interactive and friendly online learning.

The Creative Writing Certificate program lasts 200 hours. The time it takes to complete this program differs depending on the student.

If you take one course per semester (four courses per year), you should be able to finish the program in 12 to 18 months. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple classes per term. Discover the course at this link.

University of British Columbia Continuing Education – Writing For Video Games

This course will introduce you to the frontier of video game writing. You will be introduced to the tools and techniques of writing for video games in this six-course Professional Certificate Program.

You will also learn what interactive storytelling is, the history of video games, and the types of games created since the medium’s inception.

This certificate program will help you excel in the industry. You will learn everything from story and character development to worldbuilding and interactive narrative.

Furthermore, this program is hosted on Harvard and MIT’s innovative edX learning platform, designed by successful, working game writers and UBC teachers.

In this online course, you will learn the following:

• The key distinctions between traditional storytelling and game writing
• The role of the writer and narrative designer in the game development process
• How to create a character and write scenes for the narrative and the game’s production.
• How to collaborate with artists, programmers, and level designers to create interactive narratives
• How to create an application portfolio and perform well on industry-standard writing exams

The course is flexible as the lessons are self-paced. You can finish it within approximately five weeks. Explore the course by clicking here .

University of Guelph – Creative Writing Certificate

University of Guelph’s Creative Writing Certificate program provides various writing courses in multiple genres that allow you to focus your learning on creative writing techniques. The program will teach you how to come up with new ideas, begin taking that spark of inspiration to the page, develop your writing skills, and explore your creativity.

The Creative Writing Certificate program includes six courses:

• two required courses,
• three electives, and
• a final capstone project.

Peer workshopping, reading, and story revision are among the course activities. All program instructors have published writers with extensive experience.

You will learn the following through the program:

• Explore the components of creative writing and put them into practice with in-class writing exercises and creating a writing portfolio.
• Writing with your peers and receiving feedback from your instructor allows you to give and receive effective feedback.
• Create a portfolio of your writing samples and a writing practice.

By enrolling in this course, you will have the chance to discover a variety of genres, strengthen your writing, and develop the tools needed to master a significant writing project. Get started with the course by following this link.

Udemy – The Foundations of Fiction (Writing Mastery)

If you are into fiction writing, this entertaining and interactive course is ideal for you. This program will provide you with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation you need to become a fiction writing master.

This course provides a flexible curriculum that lets you study at your own pace and skill level.

After finishing this course, you will learn and achieve the following:

• Produce dynamic, realistic characters that jump off the page.
• Write enthralling dialogue that will bring your scenes to life.
• Create vivid, memorable settings that will shape your story’s world.
• Write intricate, enthralling prose that will entice readers from the first word.
• Create masterful, engrossing plots that captivate readers and keep them turning pages.

The course includes the following materials:

• Six hours of on-demand video
• Four articles
• 31 downloadable resources
• Access on mobile and TV

This course is for anyone who wants to write fiction, looking for ideas, or improve their skills in writing.

Dive into the course by heading over here.

Writing is a skill worth learning as it can open a wide range of opportunities for you.

Our top course pick is Udemy’s Complete Creative Writing Course for All Genres. This course is worth its price as it tackles writing in different genres. Our second pick is Coursera’s Creative Writing Specialization which will give you your money’s value.

If you want to explore writing, enhance your writing skills, or jumpstart a new career as a writer, consider taking the listed courses above. All of these programs will surely help you in your aspirations. 

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About the author.

Fiona Thompson

Fiona Thompson is an education consultant who has dedicated her efforts to assisting international students in coming to study in Canada. However, during her work, she realized that many Canadians were unaware of the affordable online options available for studying within their own country. With her extensive research and experience in the education sector, Fiona decided to create CanadaCourses.ca, a website aimed at helping Canadians find the best online course options available across various industries.

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26 Universities in Canada offering Creative Writing degrees and courses

More Information

Are you looking for Creative Writing courses? Here you can find course providers offering full-time, part-time, online or distance learning options.

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Langara College

University of guelph.

THE World Ranking: 401

University of New Brunswick

THE World Ranking: 601

Capilano University

Simon Fraser University

THE World Ranking: 251

Sheridan College (Ontario)

Douglas College

Memorial University of Newfoundland

THE World Ranking: 501

Western University (Ontario)

THE World Ranking: 201

York University

THE World Ranking: 351

Trent University

OCAD University

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• Subject Creative Writing

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Subject areas

Destination.

What makes the program unique?

UBC's Optional-Residency (Distance) MFA was the first distance education MFA program in Canada and remains the only full MFA which can be taken completely online. It is designed to be uniquely flexible, allowing students across Canada and around the world to study writing at the graduate level while still living in their local communities and fulfilling career and family obligations.

The program is unique globally for its multi-genre approach to writing instruction: students are required to work in multiple genres during the course of the degree. As a fine arts program rather than an English program, students focus on the practice of writing rather than the study of literature. Students may work on a part-time basis, taking up to five years to complete the degree.

My time in the Creative writing grad program at UBC has given me the discipline and focus I need to complete long-form writing pieces and larger poetry projects.

Kwaku Darko-Mensah Jnr.

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, program instructions.

The optional residency MFA (distance) program only has a July intake.

1) Check Eligibility

Minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

• Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writingm, Distance Education (MFA)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Options

Graduates of the MFA program have found success in varied fields related to writing and communication. The MFA qualifies graduates for teaching at the university level and many graduates have gone on to teach at colleges and universities in Canada, the United States and overseas as well as holding writing residencies. Many publish books and win literary awards. Others go on to work in publishing, and graduates have become book and magazine editors.

Although the MFA is a terminal degree, some graduates go on to further study in PhD programs in the US, UK and Australia.

The Optional-Residency MFA is particularly well suited to teachers: our teacher-students have been able to gain an advanced degree while continuing their careers.

• Research Supervisors

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Belcourt, Billy-Ray (Fiction; Nonfiction; Poetry)
• French, Whitney (memory, loss, technology, and nature)
• Hopkinson, Nalo (Creative writing, n.e.c.; Humanities and the arts; Creative Writing: Speculative Ficton, Fantasy, Science Fiction, especially Other Voices)
• Irani, Anosh
• Koncan, Frances
• Leavitt, Sarah (Autobiographical comics; Formal experimentation in comics; Comics pedagogy)
• Lee, Nancy (Fiction; Creative Writing)
• Lyon, Annabel (Novels, stories and news)
• Maillard, Keith (Fiction, poetry)
• Marzano-Lesnevich, Alex (Nonfiction)
• McGowan, Sharon (Planning of film productions from concept to completion)
• Medved, Maureen (Fiction, writing for screen)
• Nicholson, Cecily (Languages and literature; Poetry)
• Ohlin, Alix (Fiction; Screenwriting; Environmental writing)
• Pohl-Weary, Emily (Fiction; Writing for Youth)
• Svendsen, Linda (Script development; Novels, stories and news; Writing for Television; Fiction)
• Taylor, Timothy (fiction and nonfiction)
• Vigna, John (Novels, stories and news; Fiction, Literary Non-Fiction, Creative Writing)

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Same Academic Unit

• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Theatre (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Film Production and Creative Writing (MFA)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Further Information

Specialization.

Creative Writing combines the best of traditional workshop and leading-edge pedagogy. Literary cross-training offers opportunities in a broad range of genres including fiction, poetry, screenplay, podcasting, video game writing and graphic novel.

UBC Calendar

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Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

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Find out how Vancouver enhances your graduate student experience—from the beautiful mountains and city landscapes, to the arts and culture scene, we have it all. Study-life balance at its best!

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Thank you for your interest in this course. At this time, there are no upcoming classes scheduled. New offerings in future terms will appear below so you are encouraged to check back again throughout the year. To inquire about when upcoming classes might be planned, please fill in the form on this page and we will respond shortly.

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Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

15 Top Creative Writing Courses in Toronto

By Shikha Pandey

Are you a resident of the capital city of Ontario and are looking for a writing class?

Below you’ll find 15 top creative writing courses in Toronto.

1. Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing at Humber College

With over 300 alumni who have gone on to become published writers, Humber College is the go-to destination for aspiring authors in Toronto.  As a writer and author, there are different aspects one can need help or guidance with. Polishing your idea, finishing a manuscript, giving your characters the right voice and direction are some levels one can get stuck on. Getting practical, useful advice from experienced writers and professional authors can make a visible difference. If you have written a novel, fiction, non-fiction or poetry and need some encouragement, this course is perfect for you. Published, successful authors such as Margaret Atwood, Martin Amis, Hari Kunzru, Alistair McLeod and Peter Carey have mentored students and graduates in this course. You can access their knowledge, experience and wisdom right from your home! The faculty also includes impressive names like Kim Fu, Dennis Bock, Don Gillmor, and Joseph Kertes. There are intakes in September 2019, January 2020, and May 2020. The course lasts for 2 semesters. The fees for 2018 were $3,363.20 for two semesters. You can use this link to apply for admission.

2. Creative Writing: Introduction at University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

It can be difficult to know which genre or style to pick once you start writing. You need to find your tone, voice, writing style, and depth. A short or quick course can give you instincts, ideas, and suggestions to improve or hone your writing. The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies has one of the biggest Creative Writing programs and options available for students to choose from. There are almost 90 courses in Writing and Creative Writing! This course is a great starting point for amateurs or young writers trying to find their footing in the industry. While writing is a creative skill, practice and hard work can help improving it in a great way. The course has 32 sections to choose from and taught by different writers and teachers. You can select various sections or choose all the sections to get a comprehensive perspective. Kara Billey Thordarson, Ken Murray, Alexandra Leggat, and Michel Basilieres are some of the faculty members.  The sections start from $599 and you can select the ones suitable for your career or goals. They are listed here along with the respective faculty members.

3. Creative Writing: Getting Started at George Brown College

It’s not enough to have a good idea to write a novel. You need to grasp narrative, writing structure, style, characters, and voices to make it worth reading. An introductory course to Creative Writing can boost your confidence and push you in the right direction. Selecting this course will also benefit you by understanding your target audience and ensuring your book is tailored for the market in a favorable manner. Every writer has a distinctive touch and style they should be known for. This intensive yet compact course can provide you with an insight into finding your voice. The course begins on 1 st May 2019 and is on till 31 st July 2019. It costs $343 and you can register using this link on their website.

4. Creative Writing: Novel Writing Level I at The Chang School of Continuing Education

The Chang School of Continuing Education has an entire series of courses in Creative Writing for beginners, intermediate, and advanced writers. Students can choose up to 3 courses to receive a Professional Development Award. The Novel Writing Level I course is the ideal choice for authors to dip their toe into writing or beginning a novel. A lot of writers or students have no trouble beginning to write a novel. The trouble begins when they can’t carry the novel to the end or give it a reasonable middle. A supportive group of like minded students and sensible teacher is present here for you to receive feedback from. Understanding your weaknesses can make you a better writer and give you a new angle on the way you write. You can learn on how to make a novel outline, shape the story and pack a punch with your characters. The instructor is Sarah Sheard for the Spring 2019 term which begins on 29 th April 2019. Find the enrolment dates and instructions available here. The course costs $500 and you can select it by visiting this link.

5. Writers Bootcamp at Start Writing

An intensive 8-week writing workshop that can open your eyes and provide you to intense practice is a boon for writers. Writers of all levels and ages can consider joining this group of writers. A selective group of 10 writers take part in real time writing exercises. These exercises and tips will improve your writing skills, allow you to broaden your horizon and experiment with genres. Constructive and positive feedback is provided by fellow group members during these workshops. The goal of these workshops is to push you to write regularly and practice your craft. The workshops begin 16 th April 2019 and cost $390. You can visit this page to register for the course.

6. Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at York University

A degree program at an established university can do wonders for your professional career. Creative writing is not something that can be taught but it can be improved upon. Students will be encouraged and supported to build a portfolio of genres from short stories, novels, interactive media, plays, comic books to graphic novels and screenplays. Writing for a wide variety of genres will strengthen your writing and hone your imagination. You will have to choose 1 or 2 genres to specialize in. The 4 year course is available for undergraduate students and can be done full time or part time. Previous alumni and students have gone on to become successful writers and authors and recognized internationally for their work. Admissions are open for Fall 2019 intake. You can visit this link to learn about fees, admission requirements, and how to apply.

7. Creative Writing at Centennial College

A lot of writers and authors are their own fiercest critics. A supportive environment, like the one at Centennial can allow you to be kind and know your limits. It will also provide you with a real sense of where your writing stands currently. Positive reinforcement and ideas are provided to students so they can improve their craft and push themselves to be better. There are multiple options for interested writers to pick from. You can do a course in Script to Screen writing or Journalism should you prefer a particular genre or medium. The course is open to admissions for 2019. You can use this link to learn more about fees and admission requirements.

8. Creative Writing Certificate at University of Guelph

Having a particular milestone and somebody to push you towards it makes a vast difference to a writer. An external motivator and guide can allow you to experiment and take risks without diluting your originality. The Creative Writing Certificate at University of Guelph is a brilliant way to learn from experienced writers and teachers. 6 classroom based courses, two required courses, and a final capstone project are included for you to gain experience. Activities and writing exercises are offered for students to polish their writing and improve their skills. The course is open to writers of 18 years or older and having completed high school. You can use their Student Portal to register for information and learn about fees.

9. Creative Writing at Seneca College

Being part of an exclusive class of writers gives you a platform to shine and receive complete attention. The 3 month Creative Writing course at Seneca College is meant for writers to read, review and critique works of their fellow students. Works by previously published authors and compelling novels are read and evaluated to gain insights from. The faculty members push you to take on genres or styles that you shy away from. Moving out of your comfort zone makes you a better writer and artist. It also strengthens your belief in your capacity and tells you what you can achieve. This class is held at the Newnham campus and costs $313.20. You can add this course to cart and it will guide you to the registration page.

10. Writers’ Co-operative at Toronto Public Library

Writing is a solitary job. It can get exhausting trying to research ideas, write, edit, and then critique on your own. That’s why joining a close knit group of writers or attending workshops can be so beneficial. Toronto Public Library holds regular seminars and workshops for writers of all ages. From trying to help you find inspiration to holding open mics, they manage it all. The Toronto Writers’ Co-operative is held weekly where members can read their works, receive feedback and interact with published authors. The atmosphere and nature of these workshops are informal compared to traditional courses. This can make writers feel comfortable and let them approach authors with ease instead of relying on the teacher-student dynamic. There is no formal structure or approach but a pure focus on the craft and art of writing. You can also join this group if you have writer’s block and need some inspiration or material. The dates are available here and you don’t need to register.

11. Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing and Publishing at Sheridan College

One of the only degree programs in Canada to blend writing and publishing, this course is a must for writers and authors. It makes complete sense that any writer should have awareness and knowledge of the publishing world. This degree will teach you practical and real life things that can be applicable in your professional life. In today’s age, writers have to market and sell their books and ideas. Through this course you will learn how to project your book and idea in the right way to your audience. Literary workshops, events, and meetings are held for budding authors to network and create a supportive community.  Students are asked to edit, write, review, and publish work so they can experience what goes in publishing and printing a novel. The faculty includes published authors, writers who have won awards for writing, editing, and playwriting. The course lasts for 8 semesters and will include electives. The approximate fees for 2 semesters for international students are $16,587 (Canadian dollars). International students can use this link to apply for admission while Canadian students can check this page .

12. Introductory Creative Writing by Quick Brown Fox

Brian Henry is an accomplished editor, blogger, and teacher. He has been in the publishing industry for almost 25 years.  A Creative Writing teacher at Ryerson University , he also runs the popular literary blog Quick Brown Fox. Through his blog, he provides resources, ideas, and tips for writers all over the world. Brian has started an intensive 9 week course to give beginners a glimpse in creative writing. You can be an absolute amateur or somebody struggling with the basics or just wanting to review your skills, this workshop and course will refresh your mind. You can expect to write engaging dialogue, change your tone, and improve your skill. Students offer positive and encouraging feedback to each other and boost their confidence. At $199, the course is worth every penny. Batches begin April 18 th and April 26 th . You can email Brian to reserve a spot and learn more details.

13. Creative Writing at Roxanne Snider’s Creative Writing Workshop

An instructor and writer, Roxanne Snider started her Creative Writing workshops in 2004. Since then they have become a respite for writer and authors in need of inspiration or reassurance. Writing is a very personal and subjective craft. One can never really learn or teach it from courses and textbooks. That’s why this workshop is so essentially because it is tailored for every person. They take the pressure away from the writer and instead ask them to commit to writing. Exercises, prompts, tips, and suggestions are offered for the students and they are expected to engage in discussion and activities. The best writers are often great readers and Roxanne will introduce you to stunning literary talent that you may not have been aware of. The admissions for Spring 2019 are open and the workshop begins on April 11 th . It costs $400. You can email Roxanne for further details and information.

14. Writing for Film & TV at Toronto Film School

A lot of creative writing courses and workshops are heavily skewed towards print and publishing. If you are interested in writing scripts for film or television, you should consider Toronto Film School . The country’s premier media school, it has a course for writers interested in working on scripts and screenplays. Writing for Film & TV will enable you to experience the world behind the screen, the technical knowhow and the difference between print and media. Film and TV writers will attend events and mentor you during the course. Students can be expected to create their shows, films, edit, write, and produce it for projects and credits. Pitches, drafts, screenplays, scripts, and outlines are some of the formats you can hope to learn here. The faculty includes prominent names in the industry such as Adam Till, Ken Chubb, Fern Levitt, and Jonas Chernick. The program fees for each term are $5,745. You can visit their application page to apply for admission for 2019.

15. English: Writing and Communication Concentration at Tyndale University

The combination of English, writing, and communication will completely prepare you for a career as a writer, editor, novelist, and film-maker. You can analyze, edit, review, and critique content while creating it. The course will immerse you in all aspects of creating, writing, and communicating. This allows you to select the profile or role you prefer or are skilled at. You can visit their application page to learn about dates, fees, and requirements.

Are there any other creative writing courses in Toronto you know of? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!

Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.

Creative and Professional Writing

CPW Home  |  Program  |  Faculty  |  Courses  |  Declaring your English major

Whether you want to write a novel, a poem, a technical document, a marketing proposal, a feature news story, or a blog, UWaterloo English's Creative and Professional Writing (CPW) major will give you the tools you need to realize your writing ambitions. This unique degree provides you with instruction and practice in a variety of writing fields, allowing you to pursue or combine a broad range of writing-focussed careers. Your development as a writer will be given a solid foundation in the department's other offerings in literature, language, and rhetoric.

Degree Options

Students can pursue their Creative and Professional Writing major via a four-year honours degree, a four-year general degree, or a three-year general degree. See the Creative and Professional Writing Program page for more information on the degrees and their requirements.

Elements of the degree

Your Creative and Profession Writing degree will develop your knowledge and skills in two key areas:

Creative Writing

Your CPW degree will give you the opportunity to practice writing in a broad range of creative genres, including fiction, poetry, screenplays, literary nonfiction, and drama. You'll deepen your skill in the areas you already have an interest in and develop new skills and interests in other areas of creative writing.

Professional Writing

Your CPW degree will also give you practice in professional communication, allowing you develop skills in business communication, technical communication, writing for the media, editing, copywriting, and information and digital design. The dual focus on creative and professional communication will give you more flexibility as you pursue your career ambitions.

You can enrich your Creative and Professional Writing degree through co-op experiences. UWaterloo has the world’s largest co-op program. In their study terms, English co-op students can pursue their interests and develop their skills; on their co-op terms, they can gain employment experience that will make them stand out in the job market.

Want more information?

Contact our undergraduate administrator,  Jenny Conroy , or our undergraduate chair, Heather Smyth . The English undergraduate office is located in Hagey Hall room 222.

See the Creative Writing posts on the our department's blog, Words in Place, for news on UWaterloo English faculty and students who have published creative works and on writing events held in the department.