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Creative Writing

About this program.

Have you longed to explore your creative potential?

Embrace the unknown and start your journey here. As part of one of the largest Creative Writing programs in Canada, you can learn the essentials of excellent writing and put them into practice. Whether you aspire to write a novel or short story, explore poetry, pen a script or screenplay, or explore other writing styles, we have the courses you need to improve your skills.

Class sizes and writers workshops are kept small to ensure you receive the individual attention you need to help your writing thrive, whether you take your class in-class or online. 

Courses in the genres listed below can be applied to the Certificate in Creative Writing

  • Creative Non-Fiction
  • Escritura Creativa en Español
  • Literary Fiction
  • Multi-genre
  • Poetry and Songwriting
  • Popular Fiction
  • Stage and Screenwriting
  • U of T Summer Writing School
  • Writing for Children

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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

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2. University of British Columbia

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3. University of Alberta

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4. McGill University

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5. York University

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6. University of Calgary

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7. University of Victoria

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8. Simon Fraser University

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9. Western University

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10. Queen's University

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11. University of Ottawa

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12. McMaster University

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13. University of Waterloo

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14. Carleton University

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15. University of Montreal

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16. University of Manitoba

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17. Memorial University of Newfoundland

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18. Wilfrid Laurier University

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19. Dalhousie University

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20. University of Saskatchewan

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21. Brock University

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22. Ryerson University

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23. Concordia University

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24. University of Windsor

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25. University of Guelph

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26. University of Regina

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27. Trent University

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28. University of Quebec in Montreal

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29. Laval University

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30. Laurentian University

Laurentian University logo

31. St. Francis Xavier University

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32. University of Lethbridge

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33. University of New Brunswick

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34. University of Winnipeg

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35. Lakehead University

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36. Mount Saint Vincent University

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37. University of Sherbrooke

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38. University of Northern British Columbia

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39. Saint Mary's University

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40. Acadia University

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41. University of Prince Edward Island

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42. Nipissing University

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43. Ontario Tech University

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44. Thompson Rivers University

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45. Brandon University

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46. Mount Royal University

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47. MacEwan University

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48. Mount Allison University

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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

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 .

Karen White

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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The University of Calgary is committed to protecting the privacy of its students.

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From: Monday, 15 July 2024

To: Unknown

Updated: about 1 months ago

Hazel McCallion

From: Tuesday, 02 July 2024

From: Thursday, 27 June 2024

Updated: about 2 months ago

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Honours Baccalaureate Degree

Honours bachelor of creative writing and publishing.

4 years (8 semesters)

Hazel McCallion Campus

( Mississauga )

Admission Requirements

  • Fees & Financial Aid

Learning Outcomes

  • Writer-in-Residence

There's more to the world of writing than you think.

Program overview, prepare for a career in both writing and publishing.

In this unique program, you'll gain experience in a variety of writing genres and media platforms — and be ready for a career in today's publishing industry. You'll graduate with a broad skill set that gives you the opportunity to choose a variety of career paths.

Focus on your interests

This flexible program allows you to focus on your interests and career goals. In addition to core courses in creative writing, publishing and literary studies, your program electives let you tailor your education in these three disciplines. You'll have the opportunity to take courses from Sheridan's arts and business degrees and collaborate with students in other programs.

Connect with communities

Relationships with audiences, writers and the publishing community are integral parts of being an author. In this program, you're encouraged to develop these relationships through internships, connecting with literary communities, editing and publishing literary journals, writing reviews and more. You'll have the chance to make an impact in your community of practice — and community at large.

Learn from expert faculty

With experience in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama and new media, our faculty have collectively written and edited in nearly every genre. Their work includes historical novels, creative non-fiction and criticism, sci-fi, comedy, children's lit and beyond. You'll benefit from their expertise — and gain a solid foundation for your writing or publishing career.

Our faculty are successful industry professionals who have, to date:

  • Authored 17 books, with more in progress
  • Authored more than 220 shorter works, published in national and international journals, literary magazines and anthologies
  • Authored 56 journalistic articles and counting
  • Edited 123 books, with more in progress
  • Been shortlisted for 35 writing awards
  • Won four awards for writing and 13 awards for editing
  • Had seven plays produced

Be a part of Sheridan's emerging literary culture

As a student in this program, you'll be part of Sheridan's emerging literary culture. Events like Sheridan Reads bring together students, faculty and staff, community groups, libraries and public service organizations to discuss and celebrate the works of local and international writers (most recently Lawrence Hill and Thomas King).

Other initiatives such as the 905 Road Show: Creativity Cabaret, using the power of narrative to forge connections between individuals and communities, have also helped bring creative writers to Sheridan — and foster a culture of literary appreciation on campus.

Sheridan has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a seven-year term starting October 18, 2022 and subject to renewal thereafter. Application to the Ministry for renewal of the consent is a prescribed and cyclical requirement for degree programs at all Ontario Colleges. Sheridan will ensure that all students admitted to the Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing and Publishing program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame. Credentials earned during the period of consent remain valid, even if Ministry consent to offer the program is withdrawn in the future. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g. acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

Designation

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,  Mississauga

Helpful links

Program Summary

Program information session

Learn more about this program and get answers to any questions you have!

Degree Entrance Scholarship Available

Once you’ve applied for admission to this program, we’ll automatically consider you for this award.

Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.

CODE TITLE CREDITS
Introduction to Creative Writing 3
Professional Writing and Copyediting 3
Fundamentals of Publishing 3
Literature Elective (1000 Level) 3
Degree Breadth Elective 3

Total credits: 15

CODE TITLE CREDITS
Narrative & New Media 3
Reading Like a Writer 3
Fundamentals of Editing 3
Composition & Rhetoric 3
Degree Breadth Elective 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
The Business of Publishing 3
Program Elective 3
Degree Breadth Elective 3

And one of the following courses:

CODE TITLE CREDITS
Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop – Drama 3
Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop – Fiction 3
Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop – Poetry 3
Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop – Creative Nonfiction 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Reading to the Restoration (Pre-1660) 3
Reading After the Restoration (1660 to the Present) 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Substantive Editing 3
Research for Writing and Publishing 3
Program Elective 3
Degree Breadth Elective 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Self-Publishing 3
Program Elective 3
Literature Elective (2000 or 3000 Level) 3
Degree Breadth Elective 3

Plus one of the following:

CODE TITLE CREDITS
Publishing: Audience, Markets & Media Platforms 3
Creative Writing: Advanced Creative Writing Workshop 1: 2 Genres 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Copyright and Contracts 3
Program Elective 3
Degree Breadth Elective 3

And one of the following:

CODE TITLE CREDITS
  Publishing Elective 3
  Creative Writing Elective 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Publishing: Advanced Copy Editing 3
Advanced Creative Writing Workshop: Single Genre 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Professional Practices for Writers 3
Degree Breadth Elective 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Publishing: Sheridan Community Reads Project 3
Creative Writing: Literary Journals and Zines 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Master Class – Publishing 3
Master Class – Creative Writing 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Publishing: Acquisitions and Imprint Identity 3
Creative Writing: Literature Elective (4000 Level) 3

Internship/Placement

CODE TITLE CREDITS
Internship/Placement (420 Credit Hours) 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Portfolio 3
Degree Breadth Elective 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Honours Publishing Project 3
Honours Writing Project 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Program Elective (2000, 3000 or 4000 Level) 3
Emergent Issues in Writing 3
Emergent Issues in Publishing 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS
Creative Writing: Literature Elective (4000 Level) 3
Program Elective (2000, 3000 or 4000 Level) 3
Emergent Issues in Writing 3
Emergent Issues in Publishing 3

Program Electives may include courses such as:*

  • Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop – Drama
  • Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop – Fiction
  • Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop – Poetry
  • Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop – Creative Non-Fiction
  • Reviewing Culture
  • Interactive Fiction
  • Emergent Issues in Writing (Managing Literary Celebrity)
  • Emergent Issues in Publishing (The Prize Economy)
  • Writing for Children
  • Principles of Creative Writing Pedagogy

Literature Electives may include courses such as:*

  • Introduction to Popular Literature
  • Understanding Narrative
  • Gender and Sexuality in Literature
  • The Twenty-First Century Novel
  • Children’s Literature: A Primer
  • Adaptation: From Text to Film
  • Life Writing: Personal Narrative and the Construction of Self
  • Censorship and Literature: Critical Approaches
  • American Road Narratives
  • Topics in Eco-Criticism

*Please note that not all courses will be available every semester.

Courses subject to change.

Current students should refer to their ⁠ Academic Requirements in myStudentCentre to track their academic progress and outstanding course requirements.

Find course details for electives:

  • Degree Breadth Elective Courses

Program Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • English, Grade 12 ENG4U, or EWC4U (Writer’s Craft) with a minimum grade of 70%
  • Five other Grade 12 credits at U or M level
  • Minimum 65% overall average
  • Two semesters of postsecondary education, including required courses, with a minimum of 65% overall average.

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program may be advised individually regarding other related programs.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements .

Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship

Sheridan is pleased to provide an Entrance Scholarship to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.

Career Opportunities

Here are some jobs you might find:

  • Copy/Substantive/Acquisitions Editor
  • Marketing/Sales Rep
  • Literary Agent

Degree Completion

Advanced entry challenge exams, get credit for what you know.

Sheridan recognizes and appreciates that advanced learning doesn’t always require standard classroom instruction, and that opportunities to advance skills and learn new technologies are everywhere.

If you have significant knowledge and experience in programming, web development, database and/or networking, you may choose to complete Advanced Entry Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (AEPLAR) Challenge Exams for academic credit towards your Sheridan Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma.

How do Challenge Exams work?

AEPLAR Challenge Exams are administered by and through the Sheridan College Assessment Centre or through an approved Test Centre. There are fees to write each exam (an Assessment Centre fee and a Challenge Exam fee).

Your completed Challenge Exam(s) will be evaluated to determine whether you’re eligible for credit in one or more courses within the identified program streams.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Advanced Standing credits are subject to Sheridan’s policies and procedures. Learn more about Sheridan’s Credit Transfer policies and procedures .

I have previous postsecondary education. Should I write a Challenge Exam?

No. Challenge Exams are designed for applicants with knowledge and experience gained outside of formal education. If you have previous postsecondary education, we encourage you to apply for Advanced Standing instead — you may be eligible to apply your previously earned credits towards your new program at Sheridan .

What subjects can I complete Challenge Exams for?

Challenge Exams for applicants to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program are designed to test skills in specific knowledge streams within this program:

  • Programming – Introductory
  • Programming – .NET
  • Programming – Advanced Java
  • Web Development
  • Operating Systems
  • Software Design
  • Mobile App Development – Android
  • Mobile App Development – iOS
  • Game Development – UNITY

You can also choose to complete Challenge Exams for specific individual courses within the Computer Systems Technology program.

Complete a free self-assessment test to help you determine whether Challenge Exams are a good option for you.

How do I apply to complete a Challenge Exam?

Step 1: make sure you meet the program admission requirements.

You must meet the program admission requirements to be eligible for admission and PLAR.

Step 2: Complete a free self-assessment

Complete a free self-assessment test for each knowledge stream you wish to challenge. This will help you determine whether your current skills will enable you to succeed in the Challenge Exam(s).

Step 3: Apply to Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma program

Apply to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program .

To be eligible to complete Challenge Exams for this program, you must select "Advanced Entry" as the level of the program on your application.

Step 4: Follow the instructions to complete your Challenge Exam(s)

Once Sheridan receives your application, we’ll send you an email with instructions on how to register and pay for your Challenge Exam(s). Follow those instructions.

Once you’ve completed your Challenge Exam(s), subject matter experts in Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Science and Technology will evaluate them within 10 business days. The Faculty will forward your results to the Office of the Registrar, and any approved credit transfers will be posted in your Credit Transfer centre. Exam feedback will not be provided.

Step 5: Accept your offer of admission and pay your program fees

If you receive an offer of admission to Sheridan, please follow the instructions to confirm your offer and pay your fees by the due dates indicated in order to reserve your spot in the program.

We wish you success in this process and look forward to seeing you at Sheridan!

Program Fees

Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.

The fees shown here are for the 2024–2025 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic semesters of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent semesters are not reflected on this website.

Fees for Canadian students

Fees for international students, financial aid & awards.

Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:

  • Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
  • Scholarships, awards and bursaries
  • Work Study Assistance Program

International Entrance Scholarship

All new international students* beginning their full-time postsecondary studies (Year 1, Semester 1) in Spring 2024, Fall 2024 or Winter 2025 semesters will receive an entrance scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

*ESL and programs with tuition reduction are excluded

Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to select applicants in this degree program. A minimum GPA of 75% is required in order to be considered. Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for additional eligibility criteria and more.

  • Produce creative writing in at least three genres and forms drawn from the areas of poetry, fiction, drama, creative non-fiction, children's literature, graphic novels, film and review.
  • Apply specialized knowledge in a specific genre and medium.
  • Evaluate your own work and that of others with a view to providing and receiving peer criticism for the purposes of revision.
  • Interpret texts critically and analytically from a range of literary, cultural and historical traditions and precedents.
  • Compile a professional manuscript ready for publication in select genres.
  • Apply knowledge and skills specific to the (self-)publishing industry, including editing and the editorial process, production, formatting, design, marketing and supply chain management.
  • Model a professional attitude with a willingness to collaborate and to listen and respond to constructive criticism.
  • Implement the appropriate technological, applied and creative problem-solving tools to create and publish your own works.
  • Foster and support a literary community by developing a presence in emergent media and across a variety of platforms.
  • Articulate how socially constructed views and identities contribute to the production of diverse voices in yourself and other writers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Labs & technology, financial planning certification, professional sales certificate, program transition, earn your masters degree, transfer opportunities, clinical placements, articulation agreements, educational philosophy.

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design curriculum and its delivery are designed to address current social issues pertinent to the design industry. This enables students to broaden their understanding of their place within the world.

Fundamental to the vision of the program is the balance of creative and conceptual thinking with the technical and business aspects of the profession. Courses follow a logical sequence with the degree of difficulty building vertically from first year to fourth year.

The various streams provide a range of design problems building in size and scope, from simple to complex in various design sectors. The curriculum builds on fundamental introductions that ensures a strong foundation for students to apply additional more complex learning and skills developed later in the program.

Studio projects are designed to mimic professional practice and require applied theory, creativity and strong technical knowledge. Curriculum is also connected horizontally across each semester to help support the learning in courses happening simultaneously. This demonstrates the inter-connected knowledge and skills required to practice in the industry.

The program provides many opportunities that expose students to practicing professionals and professional practice. Industry leaders and representatives from professional associations like ARIDO and IDC are invited into the classroom as jurors and guest speakers throughout the four years. The internship also provides professional design work experience for students before they enter their final year of study.

The curriculum is student-centric and designed to equip students with the skills that are required for entry-level design positions and advanced study. Manual skills such as drafting, drawing and model making are developed alongside digital skills using current software. Students are also well-versed in the applicable building codes and regulations required to practice in Ontario. Students are exposed to valuable research skills and encouraged to continue their learning past graduation.

Program goals

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design program aspires to:

  • Develop confident, creative and critical thinkers that can solve a variety of problems thoughtfully, improving the quality of the built environment and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.
  • Equip students with the tools to think independently and ethically to ensure technically, environmentally, and socially responsible decision-making.
  • Deliver current and relevant curriculum that incorporates equity, diversity and inclusion. This encourages students to create spaces that foster inclusivity and look at design from various perspectives within diverse communities, involving numerous stakeholders.
  • Inform students regarding the various facets of the profession, engaging them with designers and industry affiliates.
  • Encourage continuous professional and personal growth, instilling a desire to contribute to the profession and society at large. The program encourages students to become active participants in the design community, become members of their local Association, write their NCIDQ exams, give back to the community and become progressive leaders in the profession.
  • Prepare graduates for entry-level design positions, equipped with the required knowledge and skills for employment in the diverse design industry, ensuring they possess the body of knowledge necessary to respond to social and environmental issues, while designing interior spaces that are technically proficient, code-compliant, conceptually strong, sustainable and all-inclusive.
  • Provide enhanced opportunities for students to pursue post-graduate studies, employment, research and/or further their academic studies and/or credentials.

Pathways from Athletic Therapy and Kinesiology

If you've graduated from a health-science degree other than athletic therapy or kinesiology, your application will be assessed on an individual basis.

Get your Osteopathy degree in less time

If you're a graduate of Sheridan's Athletic Therapy or Kinesiology degree program, you may be eligible to start in the second year of this program after completing three bridging courses.

This bridging program will be available in Spring/Summer 2024.

How to apply: Submit an application using the program code PBHSB .

Bridging courses (Spring/Summer Semester)

  • OSTP 17927D: The Science of Osteopathy (3 credits)
  • OSTP 14859: Theoretical Pathways to Osteopathy (5 credits)
  • OSTP 16333: Practical Pathways to Osteopathy (1 credit)

Course exceptions

After successfully completing the assigned bridging courses, you'll be admitted into Year 2 (Semester 3) of our Osteopathy degree. In order to earn your Osteopathy degree, you'll need to complete all courses in the remaining three years of the program , with the following exceptions.

You will additionally take:

  • Year 2: OSTP 11271D: Clinical Methodology (3 credits)
  • Year 2: SCIE 22437D: Human Physiology for Allied Health (2 credits)
  • Year 3: SCIE 31116D: Pathophysiology for Allied Health (3 credits)

You will not need to take:*

  • SCIE 26661D: Pathophysiology 1 (3 credits)
  • OSTP 24645D: Structure & Function 2 – Lower Cervicals, Thorax & Upper Extremity (3 credits)
  • OSTP 22482D: Applied Clinical Practice 2 (1 credit)
  • FLPL 21839D: Internship Prep (1 credit)
  • SCIE 39622D: Pathophysiology 2 – Systemic Interactions (3 credits)
  • RESE 37626D: Statistical Methods in Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • RESE 42279D: Applied Research Methods for Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • BUSM 44956D: Business Entrepreneurship for Clinical Practitioners (3 credits)
  • 6 Degree Breadth Electives (3 credits each)

*Athletic Therapy graduates are also exempt from the following course:

  • OSTP 20782D: Clinical Experience 2 (0.5 credits)

Program Mission

Our mission is to utilize harmonious, comprehensive and specialized training to empower our learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to demonstrate the Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.

Program Vision

Our vision is to graduate highly-skilled life-long learners who uphold professional integrity and promote quality and safety in practice.

Critical Performance Statement

Upon graduation, students in Sheridan’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program will have demonstrated the ability to pursue the career of pharmacy technician and to practice safely in a community or hospital while adhering to the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.

Field Placements

Writer-in-residence program.

Each year, Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing (CW&P) program hosts a Writer-in-Residence. The 8-month residency is awarded to a writer who embodies the distinctiveness and dynamism of the & in our program name.

In addition to working on at least one specific writing project of their own during their tenure, the Writer-in-Residence is responsible for creative leadership, mentoring and public outreach in the area of creative writing and/or publishing.

How our Writer-in-Residence supports Sheridan students

Students in our CW&P program benefit from the work and mentorship of our Writer-in-Residence, who:

  • shares their expertise and experience as a creative professional and working writer;
  • performs public readings from their recently published work and/or current work-in-progress;
  • organizes public lectures and/or workshops; and
  • works with faculty to augment existing curriculum in the area of creative writing, publishing and/or creativity.

2024–25 Writer-in-Residence

Cassidy McFadzean

Fiction writer, editor and poet Cassidy McFadzean is joining Sheridan as the 2024–25 CW&P Writer-in-Residence.

McFadzean was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she earned an MA from the University of Regina. She went on to earn an MFA in poetry from the University of Iowa, and an MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College, where she was co-Editor-in-Chief and Fiction Editor of The Brooklyn Review .

McFadzean is the author of three books of poetry: Crying Dress (House of Anansi, 2024), Drolleries (McClelland & Stewart, 2019), and Hacker Packer (M&S, 2015). Her poetry has appeared in magazines across Canada and the U.S., has been anthologized in The Best Canadian Poetry , In Fine Form 2 , and The New Wascana Anthology . Her fiction has appeared in Joyland , EVENT , Maisonneuve , and The Best Canadian Stories , and is forthcoming in Hazlitt , The Walrus , and Invisible Publishing's collaborative anthology Dead Writers .

In welcoming her to the post, CW&P's Associate Dean Morgan Dennis highlights McFadzean’s expertise in both poetry and fiction, as well as her editorial work at The Brooklyn Review : “McFadzean is such a well-rounded talent, which is exactly what our students are looking for. Plus, her experience in the literary journal market will be of great value to our in-house magazine— The Ampersand Review of Writing & Publishing ."

Free professional development opportunities

Are you a business lead who's looking to level up your company's culture of creativity and entrepreneurship?

Sheridan offers FREE, one-hour PD sessions on topics such as:

  • Creative Strategies for an EDI-driven World
  • The Science of Creativity and Innovation
  • Intra- and Entrepreneurial Thinking, and
  • Creative Team Leadership

These workshops will catalyze your climate of innovation and give your team an exclusive look into Sheridan's one-of-a-kind graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation.*

Register your team for a FREE online one-hour masterclass!

*Advance further with our Applied Creativity and Innovation graduate certificate

Our new graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation is a great professional development (PD) opportunity for many company teams. The program teaches complex problem-solving, creativity, innovation and negotiation skills — competencies that make companies  more resilient and adaptable as they face the unique challenges presented by the future of work.

Why this program is a great choice for PD:

  • Flexible hours — your employees can complete their graduate certificate online, at their own pace.
  • Relevant coursework – they can choose electives that are most applicable to their position at your company.
  • Award-winning faculty – they’ll learn from instructors who are on the cutting-edge of creativity and innovation research.
  • Practicum project – they’ll work alongside our team of experts to resolve an issue that your business is facing today — whether it’s how to leverage artificial intelligence technology, advance your sustainability efforts, update your marketing strategies, address supply chain inefficiencies or another challenge.

Apprenticeship Exemption Test

The Apprenticeship Exemption Test (AET) provides a chance for students who are learning a skilled trade to bypass in-class studies.

In most cases, you need to score 70% or higher to pass the AET. If you score lower than 70%, you'll need to wait three months before you can try again (with some exceptions for certain exams).

Apprenticeship Exemption Tests are administered at the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga, through Sheridan's Assessment Centre.

Learn more about the AET, including eligibility criteria, available tests and how to register.

Sheridan is a Ministry-approved Apprenticeship Exemption Test centre, authorized through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development (MLITSD), for both apprentices and non-apprentices.

Program availability

Full-time 4 years Program code: PBCWP

Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Start date Campus Delivery Status
Sep 2024 Hazel McCallion Campus (Mississauga) Domestic Available International Available

Featured stories

News release, cassidy mcfadzean joins sheridan as creative writing & publishing's 2024-25 writer-in-residence.

A head shot of poet, writer and editor Cassidy McFadzean

Connected through story: Sheridan's 'Everybody's Got a Story' project

creative writing degree online canada

Sheridan’s Tamara Thompson launched a literary press

Tamara Thompson

The power of story and the ampersand: Creative Writing & Publishing students share their inspirations and successes

In an increasingly digital world dominated by quick-hitting news, social media scrolls and click-bait content, Brianna Wodabek still marvels at the persistent powers of storytelling

Row of textbooks

Bringing poetic licence into the classroom

On the night that Cherie Dimaline received a 2017 Governor General’s Literary Award for her young adult novel The Marrow...

Bringing Poetic Licence into the Classroom

Explore your future campus with a 360° virtual tour

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Get a feel for your future

Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!

Check out our Digital Viewbook 2024–25

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Join us for a webinar and get answers to those questions on your list.

Book a Campus Tour

In-person tours are offered at all three of Sheridan's campuses. Book your campus tour today!

Have a question? Contact us.

We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga) 905-459-7533 (Brampton)

Contact Centre hours of operation:

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Major in Creative Writing

Daniel Tysdal teaches a creative writing class

Does your love of literature go beyond scholarship? Are you an aspiring author who wants to add a practical, hands-on component to your university education? Then you've come to the right place: UTSC is the only campus at UofT where you can earn a Major in Creative Writing. Our dedicated faculty take a workshop-based, experiential approach to the study and practice of the literary arts. This means that while you learn how classic and contemporary authors pursue their craft, you also take the exciting first steps towards building your own writing practice.

Our Major program places a particular emphasis on professionalization and how to make your way as a writer in the real world. Our teaching faculty are active and award-winning writers themselves, and the program stream culminates in a practical seminar on "Creative Writing as a Profession." You will also benefit from working each year with a new  Writer-in-Residence , and you will have the opportunity to connect with our close-knit and active creative writing alumni network, including recent graduates who have already had their work published.

As a creative writing student you will be part of a vibrant undergraduate community, and have access to a jam-packed calendar of readings, talks, festivals, and other events (just scan  our Events page  to see what's happened in the past and coming up in the future). You can also participate in C.O.W. (our creative writing club), enter contests, and get published in the UTSC arts journal  Scarborough Fair.

There is no better place to immerse yourself in the literary arts than Toronto, the heart of Canada's publishing industry. Join UTSC's growing community of creative writers, and learn how to make your own literary mark on the world.

Here is a route map for navigating the Creative Writing Major (you can expand the map by right-clicking or option-clicking):

route map for navigating the Creative Writing Major

How to Apply to the Major in Creative Writing

Students may apply to the Major in Creative Writing after they have completed  ENGA03H3  and have accumulated a minimum of 4.0 credits. Students typically apply at the end of their first year.

To apply, applicants must complete two steps:

1. Applicants must request entry to the program on ACORN during the application period as outlined below.

2. Applicants must submit a portfolio for adjudication during the application period as outlined below.

The Portfolio:

The portfolio must be 15-20 pages of the applicant’s best writing in poetry, fiction (either short stories or selections from a longer work), and/or creative non-fiction. Portfolios may include work completed in ENGA03H3 and/or work completed prior to admission to UTSC. The portfolio must be accompanied by a brief letter of application (1–2 pages) addressed to the Program Advisor in Creative Writing. The letter should discuss the applicant’s experience as a writer, their future goals in the creative writing program, and a work of literature that has inspired them.

Application Periods:

There are two application periods for the Creative Writing Program, one in March/April for students applying at the end of the Winter session (Round 1), and one in June/July for students applying at the end of the Summer session (Round 2). Students should visit the  Office of the Registrar website  for the exact dates of these periods, and make sure to apply on ACORN and submit their portfolios by the end of these periods. (Please note: Creative Writing is considered a “limited enrolment program.”)

How to Submit Portfolios:

Portfolios and letters should be submitted as one document to  [email protected]  by the end of the chosen application period. (Don’t forget: applicants also need to request entry to the program on ACORN by this deadline.) Students who are not successful in their first attempt are eligible to apply again. These students must submit a new portfolio and letter of application by the deadlines outlined above.

A Note on Creative Writing Course Enrolments:

Creative Writing courses at UTSC are usually workshop-based and capped at 20 students. Enrolment is prioritized for students who have taken the prerequisites and are already enrolled in either the Minor or Major in Creative Writing. That said, there is occasionally room in our courses for students who are not studying creative writing intensively. If you are a non-first year student who is not enrolled in the program but would like to apply for a B-level Creative Writing course, please submit a course-specific portfolio (including your student number). Here are the details and contacts:

-  ENGB60 Creative Writing: Poetry I : Email 5-10 pages of poetry to  [email protected] . Please note if you are applying for the F or S term.

-  ENGB61 Creative Writing: Fiction I : Email 5-10 pages of fiction or other prose writing to  [email protected] .  Please note if you are applying for the F or S term.

-  ENGB63 Creative Writing: Non-Fiction I : Email 5-10 pages of non-fiction, fiction, or other prose writing to  [email protected] .

To start your creative writing journey at UTSC:

If you are a first-year student and/or new to Creative Writing, your first step should be to enrol in  ENGA03H3 Introduction to Creative Writing . This is the prerequisite for entry into the Creative Writing program. Most students take this course in their first year, and then apply for entry to the program once they’ve completed it.

If you have any questions, please email:  [email protected] . We are happy to help and look forward to receiving and reading your work!  

Program Requirements

Students in the Major must complete  7.5 credits  as follows: 

1. 3.0 credits:

ENGA03H3  Introduction to Creative Writing ENGB60H3  Creative Writing: Poetry I ENGB61H3  Creative Writing: Fiction I ENGB63H3  Creative Non-Fiction I ENGD95H3  Creative Writing as a Profession ENGC86H3  Creative Writing: Poetry II or  ENGC87H3  Creative Writing: Fiction II or  ENGC88H3  Creative Non-Fiction II

2. 2.0 credits to be selected from: 

ENGC04H3  Creative Writing: Screenwriting ENGC05H3  Creative Writing: Poetry and New Media ENGC06H3  Creative Writing: Writing for Comics ENGC08H3  Special Topics in Creative Writing I ENGC24H3  Creative Writing: The Art of the Personal Essay ENGC86H3  Creative Writing: Poetry II (if not already counted as a required course) ENGC87H3  Creative Writing: Fiction II (if not already counted as a required course) ENGC88H3  Creative Non-Fiction II (if not already counted as a required course) ENGC89H3  Creative Writing and Performance ENGD22H3  Special Topics in Creative Writing II ENGD26Y3  Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Poetry ENGD27Y3  Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Prose ENGD28Y3  Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Special Topics

3. 2.5 Additional credits in English

Note:  A maximum of 1.0 credit in creative writing courses may be taken at another campus.

For more details on program requirements, visit the  UTSC Calendar . Questions about the program should be directed to Professor Andrew Westoll ( [email protected] ). 

Interested in learning more about how our courses are structured and how you might develop your own path through your Minor in Creative Writing? Visit our  Routes and Threads  page.


Browse through the list of Canadian Creative Writing bachelor, masters, and doctorate courses, programs and degrees offered by universities in Canada.

Creative writing programs seek to produce professional writers by teaching the various techniques involved in the art, and by encouraging aspiring writers to find and develop their natural talents.

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Study and Work in Creative Writing in Canada

Creative Writing Admission Requirements The prequisites required to become accepted in an undergraduate program in Creative Writing.

What Creative Writing Students Learn Topics and concepts that are covered and the overall approach or focus taken in studying Creative Writing.

Career and Employment Opportunities in Creative Writing Professions or occupations available to graduates in Creative Writing and links to employment resources.







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Capilano University

Western university (ontario).

THE World Ranking: 201

Trent University

York University

York University

THE World Ranking: 351

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University of Newfoundland

THE World Ranking: 501

OCAD University

OCAD University

University of Guelph

University of Guelph

THE World Ranking: 401

University of New Brunswick

University of New Brunswick

THE World Ranking: 601

Langara College

Langara College

Sheridan College (Ontario)

Sheridan College (Ontario)

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University

THE World Ranking: 251

Douglas College

Douglas College

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Creative Writing (BA)

Program overview Program structure Admission criteria After your degree

Why study Creative Writing?

Our Creative Writing program, one of the first of its kind in Canada, immerses you in every aspect of the writing life, from the development of ideas to the publication of finished works. As a Creative Writing student, you’ll learn to approach literature from a writer’s point of view as you develop your own craft under the guidance of published writers and fellow students.

Whether it’s through prose, poetry, or drama, our workshops help you find your voice and your subject. Creative writing students also have the opportunity to supplement their regular courses with master classes conducted by internationally renowned writers during the Writers Read at Concordia series. Concordia has hosted writers such as Julian Barnes, Dionne Brand, CAConrad, Roxane Gay, Renee Gladman, Jorie Graham, Ben Lerner, Daniel David Moses, Fred Moten, Claudia Rankine, George Saunders, A.E. Stallings, and Colm Tóibín.

Montreal’s vibrant English-language literary scene offers a showcase for the work of student writers as well as published authors. The skills acquired in our Creative Writing program can help prepare you for a professional life as a writer, editor, or publisher in print or in electronic media. The Honours in English and Creative Writing is a gateway to graduate study in literature or to further study in creative writing.

Program highlights

  • Small class sizes enable students to workshop their writing as a group
  • Opportunities to develop your writing across numerous genres

Special funding for out-of-province students

Up to  $4000  for undergraduate programs.

Program structure

A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background .

Program options

  • Honours in English and Creative Writing (66 credits)*
  • Major in Creative Writing (42 credits)
  • Minor in Creative Writing (24 credits)

*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major or specialization.

United States students : A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.

Admission criteria

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements.

  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required 
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:  26
  • Baccalauréat français:  11
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
  • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
  • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
  • University Transfers (internal/external):  C

Additional requirements for admission

  • Letter of Intent

English proficiency Some applicants may be required to write an English language proficiency test with the following minimum scores:

  • TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) – a minimum score of 100 with 22 in the writing component
  • IELTS – 7.0 overall with a 6.5 in the writing component
  • DET score of 120 and above with no subscore under 90

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Application deadlines

Fall term

March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Winter term

November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.

We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.

After your degree

Graduates of the program have the knowledge and skill for any career that values critical thinking and superior communication skills, including a professional life as a writer, editor or publisher. You will also be prepared to undertake graduate studies in either English or Creative Writing.

Many graduates have fulfilling writing careers.

Student story

Justino Donovan

Major in Creative Writing Minor in Professional Writing

How Concordia’s creative writing program helped Jade Adams find her own path.

Other programs of interest

English and creative writing (ba) honours.

English and Creative Writing (BA)

Immerse yourself in the writing life – and develop a cultural vocabulary – by looking at the human condition through many literary modes, while studying works which include aspects of psychology, history, and philosophy.

Department of English

Faculty of Arts & Science

English Literature (BA) Major Minor Honours Specialization

English Literature (BA)

Immerse yourself in the words of past poets or contemporary thinkers. With every turn of the page you have the opportunity to imagine and reflect on lives and worlds different from your own experience, and challenge your assumptions about the meaning of morality and the world from new and unanticipated perspectives.

English and History (BA) Specialization

English and History (BA)

Take on the narrative of the human story, through analysis and the re-interpretation of historical events.

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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

 
Location Vancouver or Online Various
Cost $5,500 $20,000 - $40,000
Full-time/Part-time Part-time Full-time
Duration 10 months 2 years
Total hours 141 Varies
Student’s work published at the end of the program Yes No

Jan-Dec 2025 mentors

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

JJ Lee

Creative Non-Fiction

Claudia Casper

Claudia Casper

Literary and Speculative Fiction

Leanne Dunic

Leanne Dunic

Fiction and Hybrid Forms

Kevin Spenst

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.

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Student stories

creative writing degree online canada

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

creative writing degree online canada

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

creative writing degree online canada

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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Creative Writing Major

Creative Writing

Why creative writing.

In this program, you will learn how to craft stories, create characters, and connect emotionally with your readers. You’ll write fiction stories that take you to new worlds, heartfelt poetry that captures emotions, scripts for plays or shows that bring stories to life, and personal essays that share your unique experience.

You’ll also be part of our creative writing community. You can meet Canadian authors through Gryphons Read or share stories with inmates in the Walls to Bridges program.  

As you improve your writing skills, you’ll learn more about yourself. You’ll ask questions like: Who am I? What do I care about? Where do I want to go? What matters most to me? It’s a chance to explore and express yourself through writing, in all kinds of genres! 

To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our Academic Calendar .

  Write about Big Ideas 

Get inspired to write about important topics like social justice and the environment. Use your voice to make a positive impact on society and help shape a better world for everyone.  

  Meet Famous Writers

Meet our amazing professors who are famous writers, playwrights, directors, and screenwriters, with decades of experience: 

  • Lawrence Hill (The Book of Negroes)
  • Catherine Bush (Blaze Island)
  • Judith Thompson (Watching Glory Die)

  Build Your Writing Skills

In class, you’ll explore two of your favourite types of writing, like stories or poetry. By the end, you’ll have a strong portfolio of your work. It’ll be perfect for applying to graduate programs or starting a career in writing! 

Regardless of your career path, the skills and experience derived from the Creative Writing program will prepare you for the future.   

You could become a published author, or dive into screenwriting by crafting scripts for the big screen or TV. There’s also journalism, where your knack for storytelling and research can shine in reporting news and features. Marketing and advertising firms seek writers to create compelling campaigns, while nonprofits and NGOs need writers to advocate for causes. Regardless, a creative writing degree opens doors to careers where your words can inspire, inform, and entertain audiences across industries.  

Graduates can go on to the Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing (MFA).   

Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:  

Playwright Novelist  

Book/content editor  

Journalist  

Publisher  

And many more

Discover More Options

Students considering the Creative Writing program may also be interested in studying English , Theatre Studies , History , Psychology , Music and Studio Art , or other programs .  

Hear From A Current Student

Laila Mugammar

Studying creative writing at the University of Guelph taught me the importance of storytelling, and bearing witness to the stories of others. I learned how to craft my own experiences and present them persuasively, write with intention, and build a world with my words. These are skills I carry with me everywhere I go.

Laila El Mugammar Creative Writing

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Explore admission requirements for Canadian , international , transfer , and mature students. Start your journey today!

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Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Go to programs search

Creative Writers are at the heart of our cultural industries. Poets, novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, graphic novelists, magazine writers: they entertain, inform and inspire. For more than 50 years, UBC’s Creative Writing program has been producing writers who’ve shaped Canadian and international culture. A studio program with the writing workshop at its heart, the MFA focuses on the work created by students as the primary text. Through intensive peer critique and craft discussion, faculty and students work together with the same goal: literary excellence. 

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

UBC’s Creative Writing program was the first writing program in Canada, and is the largest and most comprehensive in the country. It is highly ranked internationally, and draws students from around the world 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.

Small, intensive workshops characterize the program, as does our breadth of offerings: with 12 genres of writing available for study there are more opportunities for learning than at any other writing program in the world.

Faculty are distinguished, working writers. We have 12 professors, an additional 9 permanent instructors and regularly bring in a wide variety of writers in residence and adjunct instructors from the writing community.

The School of Creative Writing’s quality of professors was the biggest draw for me. I also want the teaching experience TA’ing for undergraduate students can bring me. I want to ultimately teach creative writing at a post-secondary level and learning how to do so at UBC will be rigorous and rewarding.

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Brandi Bird

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, program instructions.

The residency MFA program only has a September 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 Writing (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

FeesCanadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / DiplomatInternational
$114.00$168.25
Tuition *
Installments per year33
Tuition $1,838.57$3,230.06
Tuition
(plus annual increase, usually 2%-5%)
$5,515.71$9,690.18
Int. Tuition Award (ITA) per year ( ) $3,200.00 (-)
Other Fees and Costs
(yearly)$1,116.60 (approx.)
Estimate your with our interactive tool in order to start developing a financial plan for your graduate studies.

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. 

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

 20232022202120202019
Applications264302368233248
Offers3941434452
New Registrations2924272931
Total Enrolment118131140160175

Completion Rates & Times

  • 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 Writingm, Distance Education (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

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

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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Vivian (Xiao Wen) Li

I really liked what the program would be offering, and I love the mountains as well as nature—I find a lot of peace and inspiration from water, wind, and clouds. While I was at an Explore Program for a month at the University of Victoria (I wanted to explore the West Coast), I managed to visit UBC...

creative writing degree online canada

Fiona Revill

I have studied abroad in Australia, and at several local post-secondary institutions, but UBC has always felt like my academic home. The Creative Writing program is one of the best programs in the country, and I was really honoured to be accepted, as the competition is rigorous.

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Undergraduate Creative Writing

Your writing career begins here

Colleagues in the English department chat in the lounge.

Why study writing at UCalgary?

Unleashing your imagination with us could be the start of something transformative.

Our program, bolstered by our connection to Calgary Distinguished Writers Program, has garnered both national and international recognition, making it one of the most dynamic and vibrant areas on our campus.

It's not just about honing your craft here

It's about becoming a part of a literary movement that's making waves.

Ignite your creativity with guidance from masters of the craft

Our Creative Writing instructors at the University of Calgary aren't just teachers; they are accomplished writers who have left their mark on a diverse range of writing genres, styles, and aesthetics.

Our faculty are constantly pushing boundaries, learning from experiences, and exchanging knowledge across disciplines.

Each year, the vibrancy of our program is showcased through a myriad of readings and performances. Our courses include instruction in creativity, publication, editorial work, and journalism.

Here, you won't just learn about writing; you'll live it, breathe it, and start something extraordinary with it.

Suzette Mayr holding her Scotiabank Giller Prize. Picture by Ryan Emberley Photography.

Creative Writing faculty member Suzette Mayr won the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize for her novel, The Sleeping Car Porter.

Ryan Emberley Photography

What you'll learn

Emphasis on craft.

Our courses encourage diverse approaches to writing, but they're not courses in how to get published. They are intended to help you become a better writer.

Study language, structure, form and all the elements of poetry, fiction and creative writing in general. 

Anyone can take courses

You don't have to be an ENGL major to take Creative Writing courses. They are open to any student or community member who wants to apply, and they are all credit courses.

View courses

Enhance your degree with a creative writing honours project

Engage in a creative writing project as part of your Honours degree.

Contact us to learn more about your options.

Email our undergraduate program director

Earn an Embedded Certificate in Creative Writing

If you complete 18 units from the field of Creative Writing, you are eligible to earn an Embedded Certificate. 

View certificate details

How to enrol

Portfolio classes require permission to enrol.

Because you cannot register in portfolio admission courses until you receive permission from the department, you should register in a second-choice course if you are an undergraduate student.

View current course listings.

Open to all students.

Open to all senior students.

400- and 500- level Creative Writing courses

  • Submit a writing portfolio to the instructor
  • See specific details for each course, below
  • The material you submit should match the genre of the course

Note on portfolio courses

The highly competitive nature of admission to Creative Writing courses means that  not all students get in . If you are not accepted when you first apply, we encourage you to try again another year, and to make an appointment with the Canadian Writer-in-Residence , who is available to provide feedback on your work.

Portfolio-based creative writing courses

Descriptions and application instructions for 2024/25 portfolio-based courses.

Fall 2024 | ENGL 436.04 Fiction: Long Short Stories and the Novella

Instructor: Suzette Mayr

Application Requirements:

To be considered for a place in this course, students must email an application form to [email protected]   by July 1, 2024

IMPORTANT:  Please include "ENGL 436.04 Application Portfolio" in the subject line of the email

BLOCK WEEK | Fall 2024 | ENGL 436.05 Popular Genre Writing

Instructor: Amy LeBlanc

To be considered for a place in this course, please email [email protected]  

Fall 2024 | ENGL 595 Creative Non-Fiction Writing

Instructor: Clara A.B. Joseph 

To be considered for a place in this course, students must email an application form to  [email protected]   by July 1, 2024

IMPORTANT:  Please include "ENGL 595.04 Application Portfolio" in the subject line of the email

Winter 2025 | ENGL 593 Studies in Creative Writing: Poetry

Instructor: Anna Veprinska 

To be considered for a place in this course, students must email an application form to  [email protected]   by November 1, 2024

IMPORTANT:  Please include "ENGL 593 Application Portfolio" in the subject line of the email

Tips for creating a portfolio

In addition to reading carefully the specific details concerning portfolio submissions for individual courses, you should keep in mind the following general advice:

Try to demonstrate as wide a range of your writing abilities as possible. 

  • For instance, in fiction a range of narrative possibilities (even if they are fragments) will demonstrate your abilities (a good descriptive scene, a good action scene, a good scene that employs dialogue) better than one or two “complete” short stories that might fail. 
  • With poetry, instead of submitting a portfolio of 20 rhymed-stanza “hurtin’” poems about a love relationship you had that turned sour, include poems on other subjects and in other formats. Variety in the form and content of your submission alerts the instructor to the breadth and depth of your engagement with writing to date.

Your acceptance into the class (or not) is not necessarily an absolute judgment of your writing ability at this point. 

  • We receive many more portfolios than there are places in Creative Writing classes, and if you do not get into one class, you may get into another in another year, or you may gain admission to a class in another genre. 
  • If you are not accepted, please don’t be discouraged. Just keep writing (sign up for a  Continuing Education  Creative Writing class, if you can) and try again.

The questions asked on portfolio submission forms regarding your background (previous writing courses taken, which recent literary titles you have read, etc.) have no right or wrong answers. 

  • They are intended to give the instructor a sense of what level of previous writing or reading experience the members of the class possess. This is useful information for the instructor in fine-tuning their course curriculum. 

Creative Writing faculty

Kit Dobson

View profile

Clara Joseph

Clara A.B. Joseph

Clem Martini UCalgary Creative Writing faculty

Clem Martini

Suzette Mayr UCalgary Creative Writing

Suzette Mayr

L. Rain Prud'homme-Cranford Creative Writing Faculty

L. Rain Prud'homme-Cranford

Uchechukwu Umezurike

Uchechukwu Umezurike

Aritha van Herk UCalgary Creative Writing

Aritha Van Herk

View profile  

Anna Veprinska

Anna Veprinska

Joshua Whitehead

Joshua Whitehead

Francine Cunningham and Leah Horlick smile at the camera.

The Calgary Distinguished Writers Program launches the careers of Canadian writers, bridging the university and the wider Calgary community. The program offers free events, manuscript evaluations, and community connection.

Start something literary today

Planning your graduate studies? We offer MA and PhD degrees with a creative writing option. Learn more about our Graduate Creative Writing

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Ready to start your application? Get all the information you need to apply today.

Start your application

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  • Creative Writing Programs
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The UBC Creative Writing Major program is unique, offering undergraduate apprentice writers in their third year or beyond the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in an advanced, self-contained studio program.

We take a limited number of students each year, basing admissions primarily on evaluation of a portfolio of original writing.

Program Outcomes

As a Major in Creative Writing, you will cover a range of writing genres in depth. You work and learn in small genre-based writing workshops, guided by faculty who are themselves published and working writers, alongside peers who are as committed and engaged as you in the process of becoming a writer. This active, collaborative and highly participatory learning environment builds skills and confidence, equipping you for a writing future, and beyond.

While building your own identity, personality and skills as a writer and adding strong new material to your portfolio, you will also develop invaluable skills in peer-working, collaborative communication and creative problem solving, skills employers love.

You will graduate with a grounding in the professional standards and expectations for your chosen genres – screen, stage, fiction, comics, and more – equipping you to work in those fields.

Program Requirements

All CRWR 400 courses are dedicated to the Major, allowing us to offer a focused and closed studio program. The studio is the writing workshop; your original writing and that of your peers will comprise the principal text and subject for discussion in all workshop courses. Our expectation is that this material will be of high quality and interest, showing exemplary and new directions in technique that can be shared and studied.

To earn this degree, you must complete 36 credits in 400 level CRWR workshop courses, across at least four genres, plus completing the other elective courses and credits needed to meet your specific UBC degree requirements. This takes a minimum of two years; the demands of the workshop limit students to 9 workshop credits per term, and all 36 credits must be earned within the Major.

We welcome applications from current UBC students and from others; however, external applicants must have applied to UBC for admission to be considered for the BFA program. The deadline for UBC application is in mid-January each year.

Admission to the Major is by application only, and restricted to students about to enter at least their third undergraduate year, as formally determined by UBC Vancouver. Only those with formal third year standing can be enrolled into the Major. This is an official policy requirement and can’t be set aside.

If you are eligible to apply, you will submit a portfolio-based application to the program, through an online form. The application window is only open for a short period, beginning in January, and admits students to our Major for the subsequent Winter Session – for instance, students who applied in early 2023 were admitted as Majors for the 23W academic year, and started their studies in September 2023.  There is only one application cycle per year.

As there are limited places available, this is a highly competitive process, and one with unique and distinct criteria and requirements. If you are interested in applying, or learning more, you should carefully read the Guidelines for Prospective CRWR Majors , which gives the most up-to-date, detailed and precise information.

The Guidelines explain how standing is determined, and give details for those outside UBC interested in applying, as well as anyone interested in applying this Major to a Double Major program. It also contains detailed information on how to put together your portfolio for submission.

External applicants, please note – you must apply to UBC as well as directly to the program, and UBC admission deadlines precede our programs deadline.

The program cannot make exceptions for students who fail to follow the guidelines, and all applications are covered by the terms set out in those guidelines.

Ready to launch your writing career?

Gain the necessary tools, knowledge and resources to entertain, inform and inspire..

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    Sheridan's Creative Writing & Publishing degree provides extensive training in writing, editing, publishing and literary studies to prepare you for a career in this exciting industry. Apply today!

  8. Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Theatre (MFA)

    We are Canada's oldest and most respected MFA Program in Creative Writing. Offering an unprecedented 11 genres for potential study, students work in a learner-centered, workshop-driven program which offers an exciting breadth of choices, award-winning faculty and a setting in one of the world's most beautiful and livable cities.

  9. English

    An MA in English prepares you for careers that require strength in research, writing, and communication. You'll also be qualified to teach in Quebec's CEGEP system. are well-placed to take on advanced study in a PhD program, in either English or Creative Writing. Others have become icons of the Canadian literary scene.

  10. Major in Creative Writing

    Major in Creative Writing Does your love of literature go beyond scholarship? Are you an aspiring author who wants to add a practical, hands-on component to your university education? Then you've come to the right place: UTSC is the only campus at UofT where you can earn a Major in Creative Writing. Our dedicated faculty take a workshop-based, experiential approach to the study and practice of ...

  11. Canada Creative Writing University Programs

    Canada Creative Writing University Programs Browse through the list of Canadian Creative Writing bachelor, masters, and doctorate courses, programs and degrees offered by universities in Canada.

  12. 26 Institutions offering Creative Writing Courses In Canada

    26 Universities in Canada offering Creative Writing degrees and courses. Plan your studies abroad now.

  13. Creative Writing Degree Program (Bachelor of Arts

    Our Creative Writing program, one of the first of its kind in Canada, immerses you in every aspect of the writing life, from the development of ideas to the publication of finished works.

  14. The Writer's Studio: Creative Writing Certificate

    The Writer's Studio: Creative Writing Certificate 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.

  15. Courses

    Discover undergraduate and graduate courses offered within the Creative Writing program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

  16. Creative Writing

    Learn more about how the Creative Writing degree at the University of Guelph focuses on writing that explores issues of social justice and the environment, from Lawrence Hill to Catherine Bush; from Black History in Canada to climate fiction to critically acclaimed plays and more.

  17. Undergraduate Programs

    Free your writing potential while developing a solid base of professional craft and skill through UBC's Creative Writing undergraduate programs.

  18. Creative Writing

    UBC's Creative Writing program was the first writing program in Canada, and is the largest and most comprehensive in the country. It is highly ranked internationally, and draws students from around the world for its multi-genre approach to writing instruction. Students are required to work in multiple genres during the course of the degree.

  19. Creative Writing in Canada: 2024 Bachelor's Guide

    Creative Writing degrees teach ways of building stories by expressing thoughts, feelings, and emotions using the written medium, as opposed to simply presenting written facts. Future creative writers learn to use elements of fiction, character creation, and plot development. Upon graduation, you'll have the opportunity to work as a play ...

  20. Continuing Education

    Further your writing skills, career opportunities and personal development through UBC's flexible, accessible and inclusive online creative writing courses.

  21. Undergraduate Creative Writing Programs

    Gain an unparalleled richness and diversity of creative writing courses through UBC's Creative Writing undergraduate programs. Our comprehensive undergraduate curriculum makes the range of our teaching available to all students. In our programs, you will free your writing potential while developing a solid base of professional craft and skill.

  22. Undergraduate Creative Writing

    Emphasis on craft Our courses encourage diverse approaches to writing, but they're not courses in how to get published. They are intended to help you become a better writer. Study language, structure, form and all the elements of poetry, fiction and creative writing in general.

  23. Undergraduate Major (BFA)

    Major The UBC Creative Writing Major program is unique, offering undergraduate apprentice writers in their third year or beyond the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in an advanced, self-contained studio program.