The Best Creative Writing Courses in Canada

Updated on 24 September, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Creative writing is a style of written content that focuses on the creativity you bring to the table. What makes a huge difference is the writer’s vibe and imagination, which adds a spark to the content. 

Well, you’ll be amused to know that one can gain these skills over a period of time because not everyone is a born writer. On this account, you can pursue several creative writing courses in Canada to hone the writer in you and gain significant skills to express yourself in language. You can learn this course at the master’s or bachelor’s level. Moreover, you can get a PG Certificate in Professional Writing and Communications from Canada. 

The demand for creative writers is burgeoning globally. As per Indeed, the average annual salary of a copywriter is $52,960. 

Top Colleges

Since you are interested in studying creative writing courses, let us quickly look into Canada’s best universities for creative writing. We have added some colleges to the list for your reference – although these colleges offer diploma courses and graduate certificates. In contrast, universities provide bachelor’s and master’s in creative writing in Canada.

University or college name  Name of Program
University of Windsor Master of Arts in English – Creative Writing and Language and Literature
Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning  A graduate certificate in Creative writing
University of Toronto Master of Arts in English – Creative Writing
University of Fraser Valley Bachelor of Arts in English in Creative Writing
Capilano University Associate of Arts – Creative Writing
The University of Winnipeg Bachelor of Arts in English in Creative Writing
The University of Waterloo Bachelor of Arts in English – Literature (Creative Writing)

Top Programs

The top creative writing courses in Canada are broadly divided into two main categories – degrees and diplomas. The degree could be either undergraduate or postgraduate.

On the other hand, if you wish to gain job-ready skills to enhance your writing and be done with it in a short period, you could opt for an undergraduate or postgraduate diploma. 

  • Bachelor of Arts in English literature – Creative Writing
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Writing 
  • Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program
  • Bachelor of Creative and Professional Writing (honors) 
  • Diploma in Creative Writing 

Specialization

You would find many bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English honors that allow you to specialize further and take extra courses for creative writing.

When we look into the creative writing courses in Canada specifically – there could be subdivisions in genres of creative writing. Common specializations under creative writing could be:

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

Seeking to study in Canada – Apply Now

Duration

The duration of creative writing courses in Canada depends mainly on the type of course and university you choose. If you go for a bachelor’s degree in the domain, the duration would be four years, whereas a master’s degree could be over in a year or two at max.

On the contrary, a graduate certificate could also be for just eight months to twelve months, while an undergraduate diploma can last up to three years.

Eligibility Criteria

While most colleges and universities have their own set of eligibility criteria for courses and degrees, what separates creative writing courses in Canada is that you must also submit a writing portfolio in your application. We shall discuss both the generic and the specific requirements here. 

  • You would need to create an impressive portfolio of your writings
  • Some universities might require a minimum score of 75% or B+
  • You have to submit IELTS TRF (minimum score of 6.5-7.5), TOEFL (minimum score 90), or Duolingo score
  • SOP or motivation letter expressing your interests and future goals is a must

Moreover, the application package must also include your resume or professional CV. 

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Fee

The fees for creative writing courses in Canada would vary as per the level of education and the university of college you choose for your studies. Before applying to any university, look at a few popular universities’ average tuition fees.

Tuition Fee for Popular Canadian Universities 

University  Course Offered  Average Tuition Fee 
University of Windsor Master of Arts in English – Creative Writing and Language and Literature CAD 15,330
University of Toronto Master of Arts in English – Creative Writing CAD 39,315
The University of British Columbia BA in Creative Writing CAD 38,052
Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning  Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing – Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Poetry  CAD 17,618
York University BA in Creative Writing CAD 31,470
University of New Brunswick BA in Creative Writing CAD 17,534

Source: University’s Website 

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FAQ

Which are the best universities in Canada for creative writing?

Some of the best universities in Canada for creative writing are – the University of Toronto, the University of Western Ontario, the University of Winnipeg, and the University of Waterloo.

Which course would be more beneficial in gaining writing skills?

Whether you take up a degree or diploma, a course will provide you with the skills to write effectively. The significant difference is that a diploma focuses only on delivering job-ready skills, whereas a degree equips you with all-around knowledge of the English language.

Did you find this article helpful?

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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