Creative Writing Graduate Programs in Canada

Earn a Canadian Master’s Degree in Writing

May 1, 2009 Bonnie Way

Three Canadian universities offer graduate studies in creative writing, each with their own focus and approach to studying writing.

While a Google search for institutions offering a master’s degree in creative writing will show hundreds of results in the States, Canada has fewer options. Those wishing to study creative writing at the graduate level in Canada may choose between the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and the University of Guelph.

Creative Writing Graduate Programs in Canada

UBC was the first university in Canada to offer a master’s degree in creative writing; their program was established in 1946. Guelph’s program began in September of 2006 and just graduated the first class in the fall of 2008. UVic’s first graduate studies creative writing class commenced in September of 2008, building on the undergraduate creative writing program offered there.

Focus of the Creative Writing Master’s Degrees

All three degrees are designed to help students produce a publishable body of work (thesis). Guelph explains that this “thesis might be a novel, a book-length manuscript of poems, a collection of short stories, a full-length play or screenplay, or a memoir.”

UVic also seeks to “train students in the teaching of writing at the post-secondary level.” Students will take one course focusing on teacher training and may work as teaching assistants in undergraduate writing classes. UBC allows students to work with high school writing classes through their New Shoots program.

Students at UVic and UBC may also learn about editing. UVic offers the chance of an internship with a BC publisher or literary magazine as well as the chance to participate in the Co-operative Education Program, which involves two work terms. UBC offers an elective course in “Editing & Managing a Small Magazine” and the opportunity to volunteer and/or work for their literary magazine, PRISM International.

Genres of Study

UBC offers the most genres of study and expects students to study at least three genres (part of their cross-training component). All three offer fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. UBC also offers radio, screenwriting, song lyric and libretto, stage play, translation, and writing for children. Guelph offers drama and screenwriting and UVic offers film and playwriting.

Students at UBC and Guelph are expected to pursue studies in three genres. Guelph explains that study in “at least two genres is important because sustained exposure to and practice in a second or third genre may reveal or develop new creative strengths

Length and Format of the Programs

Students are expected to study full-time and to complete their degrees in two years. Students involved in the Co-operative Education Program at UVic will spend an extra year completing their degrees.

The programs are based on workshops which focus on one genre of writing. UVic expects students to complete one course from the Department of Education to learn teaching skills. Guelph’s program also includes two plenary courses and an independent study course.

UVic expects to admit one student per year per genre, while Guelph and UBC admit about twenty students. Guelph explains that “A very important part of the workshops is the interaction between students and the responses they will provide to one another’s work.” Students in creative writing courses tend to learn as much from each other and from peer critiques as from the professor.

For admission requirements and application information, see How to Apply to a Writing Graduate Program: Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing.

For more information on why to enroll in a creative writing graduate program, see Why Take an MFA in Creative Writing: Reasons to Pursue Graduate Studies as a Writer.

The copyright of the article Creative Writing Graduate Programs in Canada in Academic Writing is owned by Bonnie Way. Permission to republish Creative Writing Graduate Programs in Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Creative Writing Graduate Student