university of british columbia creative writing online

• Creative Writing Programs
• Opportunities
• Prospective Students
• MFA Program Options
• Optional Summer Residency
• How to Write a Novel
• Writing for Video Games
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• Indigenous Engagement
• Prize for Best New Fiction
• Job Opportunities

Please ensure you select the correct term when you are looking for course information. S designates summer courses while W designates fall and winter courses. We also provide PDF documents for our undergraduate and graduate winter term courses for download.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Techniques of and practice in multiple genres of writing, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenplay, stageplay, graphic forms, lyric forms, children's literature, and writing for new media. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Introduction to Writing Poetry

An exploration of and practice in the writing of poetry, focusing on how a writer employs the technical elements of the craft of poetry. Manuscript submission not required for admission.

Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults

Techniques of and practice in creating, developing and writing for children and young adults. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Introduction to Writing Creative Nonfiction

An exploration of and practice in the writing of creative nonfiction, focusing on how a writer employs the technical elements of the craft of creative nonfiction. Manuscript submission not required for admission.

Introduction to Writing for the Screen

Techniques of and practice in creating, developing, and writing a screenplay. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Introduction to Writing for Graphic Forms

Techniques of and practice in creating, developing, and writing the graphic novel, manga, and other forms of illustrated writing. The ability to draw is not required. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Introduction to Writing Fiction

An exploration of the writing of fiction, focusing on how a writer employs the technical elements of the craft of fiction. Manuscript submission not required for admission.

Introduction to Writing for the New Media

An exploration of and practice in writing for new media, including podcasting, blogging, and writing for websites, games, and online environments. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Introduction to Creative Writing with an Indigenous Focus

Covers three genres from fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, radio drama, radio feature, or stageplay.

Introduction to Creative Writing with an Indigenous Focus - Introduction to Creative Writing with an Indigenous Focus

Introduction to writing for comedic forms.

An examination of and practice in creative writing in comedic forms, including stand-up, sketch, film, new media, and text. Manuscript submission not required for admission.

Intermediate Writing Poetry

The writing of poetry in various forms using a combination of workshopping and online modules. Manuscript submission not required for admission.

The writing of poetry in various forms using a combination of workshopping and online modules. Manuscript submission not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 201.

Writing for Podcast

Exploration of and practice in writing for podcast.

Exploration of and practice in writing for podcast. Prerequisite: CRWR 213.

Intermediate Writing for Children and Young Adults

The writing of work for children and young adults in various forms using a combination of workshopping and online modules. Manuscript submission not required for admission.

The writing of work for children and young adults in various forms using a combination of workshopping and online modules. Manuscript submission not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 203.

Intermediate Writing of Creative Nonfiction

An exploration of and practice in the writing of creative non-fiction, covering four of the more basic forms of this genre: memoir, profile, commentary, and exposition. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

An exploration of and practice in the writing of creative non-fiction, covering four of the more basic forms of this genre: memoir, profile, commentary, and exposition. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 205.

Intermediate Writing for the Screen

An exploration of and practice in writing for the screen, focusing on how a writer employs the technical elements of the craft of screenwriting. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

An exploration of and practice in writing for the screen, focusing on how a writer employs the technical elements of the craft of screenwriting. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 206.

Intermediate Writing for the Stage

An exploration of practice in the writing of the one-act stage play, focusing on how a writer employs the technical elements of the craft of this genre. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

An exploration of practice in the writing of the one-act stage play, focusing on how a writer employs the technical elements of the craft of this genre. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 200.

Intermediate Writing for Graphic Forms

The writing of graphica (comics, manga and graphic novels), using a combination of workshopping and online modules. Manuscript submission not required for admission.

The writing of graphica (comics, manga and graphic novels), using a combination of workshopping and online modules. Manuscript submission not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 208.

Intermediate Writing Fiction

An exploration of the writing of fiction, focusing on how a writer employs the technical elements of the craft of fiction. Manuscript submission not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 209.

Video Game Writing and Narrative

Narrative design and writing for video games.

Narrative design and writing for video games. Prerequisite: CRWR 200.

Intermediate Writing for Lyric Forms

Techniques of and practice in writing for lyric forms, including song lyrics, lyrical narratives, and libretti. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Techniques of and practice in writing for lyric forms, including song lyrics, lyrical narratives, and libretti. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: One of CRWR 200, CRWR 202.

Interactive Storytelling

Origin, theory and practice of interactive story forms. Exploring structural links between interactive theatre, gaming, and extended (virtual, mixed, and augmented) reality.

Origin, theory and practice of interactive story forms. Exploring structural links between interactive theatre, gaming, and extended (virtual, mixed, and augmented) reality. Prerequisite: One of CRWR 213 or B.M.S. student with 3rd year standing or higher.

Intermediate Writing for Television

Elements of episodic and serialized comedic and dramatic television writing with writing practice applied to primary formats and genres.

Elements of episodic and serialized comedic and dramatic television writing with writing practice applied to primary formats and genres. Prerequisite: CRWR 206.

Writing Genre Fiction

Exploration and practice in writing major genres of genre fiction, including fantasy, science fiction, romance, crime, horror, and historical fiction.

Exploration and practice in writing major genres of genre fiction, including fantasy, science fiction, romance, crime, horror, and historical fiction. Prerequisite: All of CRWR 200, CRWR 209.

Intermediate Comedic Forms

Contemporary and historical comedic writing in a variety of forms. Emphasis on critical analysis and creative writing of comedic works, and changes in the comedic landscape. Recommended: CRWR 200

Contemporary and historical comedic writing in a variety of forms. Emphasis on critical analysis and creative writing of comedic works, and changes in the comedic landscape. Recommended: CRWR 200 Prerequisite: CRWR 230.

Intermediate Poetry Workshop - INTRMD POETRY

An intermediate level workshop class in writing poetry. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Intermediate Poetry Workshop - Intermediate Poetry Workshop

An intermediate level workshop class in writing poetry. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 301.

Intermediate Children and Young Adult Writing Workshop - INTRMD CHLDRN

An intermediate level workshop class in writing for children and young adults. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Intermediate Children and Young Adult Writing Workshop - Intermediate Children and Young Adult Writing Workshop

An intermediate level workshop class in writing for children and young adults. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 303.

Intermediate Screenplay Workshop - INTRMD SCRNPLAY

An intermediate level workshop class in writing for the screen. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Intermediate Screenplay Workshop - Intermediate Screenplay Workshop

An intermediate level workshop class in writing for the screen. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 306.

Intermediate Graphic Forms Workshop - Intermediate Graphic Forms Workshop

An intermediate level workshop class in writing for graphic forms. The ability to draw is not required. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 308.

Intermediate Fiction Workshop - INTRMD FICTION

An intermediate level workshop class in writing of fiction. Manuscript submission is not required for admission.

Intermediate Fiction Workshop - Intermediate Fiction Workshop

An intermediate level workshop class in writing of fiction. Manuscript submission is not required for admission. Prerequisite: CRWR 309.

Writing Poetry I - WRITING POETRY I

A workshop class in the writing of poetry.

Writing Poetry I - Writing Poetry I

A workshop class in the writing of poetry. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing for New Media I - WRT NEW MEDIA 1

An advanced workshop class in writing for new media. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing for New Media I - Writing for New Media I

Writing for children and young adults i - child & young i.

A workshop class in writing for Children and Young Adults.

Writing for Children and Young Adults I - Writing for Children and Young Adults I

A workshop class in writing for Children and Young Adults. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing Creative Nonfiction I - CREATIV NONFIC I

A workshop class in writing creative nonfiction, focused on some of the more popular forms of creative nonfiction: autobiography, rhetoric (commentary), literary journalism, and the personal essay.

Writing Creative Nonfiction I - Writing Creative Nonfiction I

A workshop class in writing creative nonfiction, focused on some of the more popular forms of creative nonfiction: autobiography, rhetoric (commentary), literary journalism, and the personal essay. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing for the Screen I - WRT FOR SCREEN I

A workshop class in writing for the screen.

Writing for the Screen I - Writing for the Screen I

A workshop class in writing for the screen. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing of Drama for the Stage I - STAGE DRAMA I

A workshop class in writing of drama for the stage. Studio work is required, and some plays may be given a live stage production in Brave New Play Rites (adjudication process involved).

Writing of Drama for the Stage I - Writing of Drama for the Stage I

A workshop class in writing of drama for the stage. Studio work is required, and some plays may be given a live stage production in Brave New Play Rites (adjudication process involved). Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing for Graphic Forms I - GRAPHIC FORMS 1

A workshop class in the writing of graphic novel, manga, and other forms of illustrated writing. The ability to draw is not required.

Writing for Graphic Forms I - Writing for Graphic Forms I

A workshop class in the writing of graphic novel, manga, and other forms of illustrated writing. The ability to draw is not required. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing Fiction I - WRITING FIC I

A workshop class in the writing of fiction.

Writing Fiction I - Writing Fiction I

A workshop class in the writing of fiction. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Video Game Writing - VDEO GM WRT

A workshop class on writing for video games. Restricted to Creative Writing majors.

Video Game Writing - Video Game Writing

Writing for lyric forms i - lyric forms 1.

A workshop class exploring the words that accompany music in varied forms including pop, art, musical theatre, and opera.

Workshop in Literary Translation I - WK LIT TRANS I

A workshop class in literary translation. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing for Television I - WRT TELEVISION 1

A workshop class in writing for television.

Writing for Television I - Writing for Television I

A workshop class in writing for television. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing Speculative Fiction - WRT SPEC FIC

Workshop-based class focused on writing speculative fiction, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror; emphasis on reading various genres and peer feedback. Restricted to Creative Writing majors.

Writing Speculative Fiction - Writing Speculative Fiction

Indigenous writing - indigenous wrtng.

Advanced study of contemporary Indigenous writing in North America across genres focusing on the production of critical and creative writing about coloniality, race, history, and identity.

Indigenous Writing - Indigenous Writing

Advanced study of contemporary Indigenous writing in North America across genres focusing on the production of critical and creative writing about coloniality, race, history, and identity. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Experimental Forms - Experimental Forms

Interdisciplinary perspectives on non-traditional forms of writing. Emphasis on combinations of poetry with prose, extra-literary structures, and visuals. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Climate Writing - CLIMATE WRITING

Workshop-based class focused on writing related to climate change and environmental issues; emphasis on reading various genres and peer feedback. Restricted to Creative Writing majors. A maximum of 6 credits is permitted between CRWR 425 and 525.

Preparation for a Career in Writing

Credit will be granted for only one of CRWR 430 or CRWR 530.

Pass/Fail. Credit will be granted for only one of CRWR 430 or CRWR 530. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Advanced Comedic Forms

A workshop class exploring comedic writing in varied forms including film and television, prose and poetry, non-fiction, and new media. This course is restricted to students in the CRWR BFA program.

Interdisciplinary Projects - INTRDIS PROJECTS

Group projects and workshops with students majoring in other creative arts.

Interdisciplinary Projects - Interdisciplinary Projects

Group projects and workshops with students majoring in other creative arts. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit will be granted for only one of CRWR 440, THTR 469, VISA 469, MUSC 469. Equivalency: THTR 469, VISA 469, MUSC 469

Writing Poetry II - WRITING POETRY 2

An advanced workshop class in writing poetry. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing Poetry II - Writing Poetry II

An advanced workshop class in writing poetry. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing. Prerequisite: CRWR 401.

Writing for Children and Young Adults II - CHILD & YOUNG 2

An advanced workshop class in writing for children and young adults. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing for Children and Young Adults II - Writing for Children and Young Adults II

An advanced workshop class in writing for children and young adults. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing. Prerequisite: CRWR 403.

Writing Creative Nonfiction II - Writing Creative Nonfiction II

An advanced workshop class focusing on memoir, biography, rhetoric, literary journalism, the personal essay, and some hybrid forms of creative nonfiction. Includes instruction in researching and interviewing techniques. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing. Prerequisite: CRWR 405.

Writing for the Screen II - Writing for the Screen II

An advanced workshop class in writing for the screen. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing. Prerequisite: CRWR 406.

Writing of Drama for the Stage II - DRAM FOR STAGE 2

An advanced workshop class in writing drama for the stage. Studio work is required. Assumes a greater level of experience in writing drama for the stage than CRWR 407.

Writing of Drama for the Stage II - Writing of Drama for the Stage II

An advanced workshop class in writing drama for the stage. Studio work is required. Assumes a greater level of experience in writing drama for the stage than CRWR 407. Prerequisite: Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing for Graphic Forms II - WRIT GRAPHIC 2

An advanced workshop class in writing for graphic forms. The ability to draw is not required. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing for Graphic Forms II - Writing for Graphic Forms II

An advanced workshop class in writing for graphic forms. The ability to draw is not required. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing. Prerequisite: CRWR 408.

Writing Fiction II - WRIT FICTION 2

An advanced workshop class in writing fiction. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing.

Writing Fiction II - Writing Fiction II

An advanced workshop class in writing fiction. Restricted to Majors in Creative Writing. Prerequisite: CRWR 409.

Directed Reading - Directed Reading

The course will emphasize current trends and techniques rather than critical evaluation. Not offered every year.

Advanced Writing of Poetry I - Advanced Writing of Poetry I

This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

Advanced Writing of Poetry I - ADV POETRY I

Advanced writing for new media i - advwr newmedia i, advanced writing for children i - adv writ child i, advanced writing for children i - advanced writing for children i, advanced writing of creative non-fiction i - adv crtv n-fic i, advanced writing of creative non-fiction i - advanced writing of creative non-fiction i, advanced writing of drama for screen i - adv dram scrn i, advanced writing of drama for screen i - advanced writing of drama for screen i, advanced writing of drama for the stage i - adv drma stg i, advanced writing of drama for the stage i - advanced writing of drama for the stage i, advanced writing for graphic forms i - adv graphc frm i, advanced writing for graphic forms i - advanced writing for graphic forms i, advanced writing of fiction i - advanced writing of fiction i, advanced writing of fiction i - adv wrt fictn i, advanced writing for lyric forms i - adv lyric form i, advanced writing for lyric forms i - advanced writing for lyric forms i, advanced writing for television i - adv writ tv i, advanced writing for television i - advanced writing for television i.

Advanced writing of speculative fiction, including fantasy, science fiction, magical realism, horror, folk tales, and weird stories. Emphasis on reading examples from the subgenres and peer feedback.

Advanced writing of speculative fiction, including fantasy, science fiction, magical realism, horror, folk tales, and weird stories. Emphasis on reading examples from the subgenres and peer feedback. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

Advanced study of contemporary Indigenous writing in North America across genres focusing on the production of critical and creative writing about coloniality, race, history, and identity. A maximum of 6 credits is permitted from CRWR 420, CRWR 521.

Advanced study of contemporary Indigenous writing in North America across genres focusing on the production of critical and creative writing about coloniality, race, history, and identity. A maximum of 6 credits is permitted from CRWR 420, CRWR 521. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

Thinking and Writing Through Art - Thinking and Writing Through Art

Interdisciplinary perspectives on non-traditional forms of writing. Emphasis on poets working at the intersection of writing and art practices and rigorous experimentation in hybrid works. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

Advanced workshop-based class focused on writing related to climate change and environmental issues; emphasis on reading various genres and peer feedback. Restricted to graduate students in the MFA Program in Creative Writing. A maximum of 6 credits is permitted between CRWR 425 and 525.

Advanced workshop-based class focused on writing related to climate change and environmental issues; emphasis on reading various genres and peer feedback. Restricted to graduate students in the MFA Program in Creative Writing. A maximum of 6 credits is permitted between CRWR 425 and 525. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

Pass/Fail. Credit will be granted for only one of CRWR 430 or CRWR 530.

Teaching Creative Writing - TEACH CR WRIT

Teaching creative writing - teaching creative writing, advanced writing for graphic forms ii - adv graphc frmii, advanced writing for graphic forms ii - advanced writing for graphic forms ii, advanced special projects in creative writing - adv projcts crwr, advanced special projects in creative writing - advanced special projects in creative writing, directed reading - directed reading.

• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Theatre (MFA)
• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Canadian Immigration Updates

Review details about the recently announced changes to study and work permits that apply to master’s and doctoral degree students. Read more

Go to programs search

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.

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

What makes the program unique?

A Focus on Writing We emphasize the creation and critical discussion of original writing rather than the study of literature or literary criticism. Readings are assigned or suggested by instructors where appropriate, but there is not a significant reading or criticism component to the degree.

Eleven Genres of Study More than any other Creative Writing Program in the world. Study fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, radio drama, writing for children, lyric & libretto, graphic novel, new media writing and translation. Students work in at least three separate genres during the course of their degree – literary cross-training that makes our graduates more well-rounded writers and opens more doors for teaching and publication.

Award-winning Faculty Our faculty members are all working writers, with multiple awards, international publication and production records to their names.

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 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

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

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 and Theatre (MFA)

Citizenship verification.

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

4) Apply Online

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

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

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

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

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

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

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

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

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

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

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

Financial aid (need-based funding)

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

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

Foreign government scholarships

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

Working while studying

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

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

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

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

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

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

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

Cost Estimator

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

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

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

ENROLMENT DATA

• 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.

• Heatley, Stephen (Theatre, acting, directing, new play development, comedy, commedia dell’arte, solo performance, play producing, Canadian theatre, Canadian plays, Literature, gender/sexuality)
• Scholte, Tom (Theatre, film, and television)

Related Programs

Same academic unit.

• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Distance Education (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 and Theatre focuses on fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, radio drama, writing for children, lyric & libretto, graphic novel, new media writing and translation.

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 .

The city and the sea

Take a break from studying with opportunities at your fingertips. Whether you want to settle down in a café or take your research outdoors, we have a place for you.

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• Your degree

Your degree in Creative Writing

• Skills you’ll develop

While studying Creative Writing , you’ll learn the craft and process of writing through workshops led by experienced, working writers that make up the faculty. You’ll develop important skills while writing in multiple genres.

These skills may include:

• Creating original works such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, screenplays, lyric and graphic forms, and translations
• Using effective planning, time management, problem solving, and leadership skills on various creative projects
• Working knowledge and application of the professional standards and expectations for your chosen genres
• Researching, understanding, and assessing various types of creative works
• Analyzing artistic works clearly and concisely
• Adapting content to a variety of forms or mediums
• Providing and receiving constructive feedback on opinions and works
• Crafting and telling compelling and creative stories
• Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including publishing, communications, marketing, public relations, social media, non-profit, government, tourism, education, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

• Arts administrator
• Book publishing manager
• Communications manager
• Communications policy researcher
• Community centre coordinator
• Community organizer
• Festival/Event planner
• Fiction/Non-fiction writer
• Film/TV editor
• Fundraiser/Grant writer
• Human resources specialist
• Literacy program coordinator
• Literary agent
• Literary editor
• Literary translator
• Magazine editor
• Market researcher
• Marketing specialist
• Media relations coordinator
• News analyst
• Non-profit administrator
• Project manager
• Public relations specialist
• Recreation programs manager
• Screen writer
• Social media community manager
• Social policy advisor/analyst
• Special education assistant
• Speech writer
• Teacher/Professor
• Technical writer
• Tourism development officer
• Travel writer
• Web communications manager
• Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.

• UBC Creative Writing Program events Meet other students at readings, info sessions, and other programs. 
• Creative Writing BFA group Join fellow creative writers for various events and make new friends.
• Departmental research opportunities Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• Preparation for a Career in Writing Check out UBC courses on how to build a career in writing, such as CRWR 430 or CRWR 530.
• Creative Writing co-op success stories Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.
• Nineteen Questions online magazine Read or contribute profiles about the career trajectories, challenges, and the writing lives of established writers.
• PRISM international Inquire about volunteer opportunities to support an online magazine focused on modern and contemporary literature.
• Brave New Play Rites Festival Attend the festival in Term 2 or collaborate with theatre students for an opportunity to produce your short play.
• The Garden Statuary Showcase your essays, poetry, photographs, and other work in UBC’s English Undergraduate Journal.
• The Ubyssey Volunteer to write articles for this weekly student paper. No previous experience required.
• Vancouver Writers Fest Check out the works of local and international writers or volunteer at a literary event.
• Growing Room Festival Celebrate diverse Canadian writers and artists in Term 2 at this feminist literary festival.
• Writers’ Exchange Volunteer to support literacy programs for kids in Vancouver.
• Resources for writers Find local writing groups, contests, festivals and other resources for writers.
• BC Alliance for Arts + Culture job board Search for part-time and full-time opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts.
• Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can  build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and accessing job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• Access Copyright
• Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia
• Association of Canadian Publishers
• Canada Council for the Arts
• Canadian Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies
• Canadian Association of Broadcasters
• Canadian Association of Journalists
• Canadian Communication Association
• Canadian Media Producers Association
• Canadian Public Relations Society
• Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers
• Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC Society
• Crime Writers of Canada
• Editors Canada
• Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
• Federation of BC Writers
• First Peoples’ Cultural Council
• League of Canadian Poets
• Magazines Canada
• Modern Language Association
• Playwrights Guild of Canada
• Canadian Freelance Guild
• Society for Technical Communication
• Speculative Fiction Canada
• WorkInCulture
• Writers Guild of Canada
• Writers’ Union of Canada
• Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Creative Writing graduates on LinkedIn  to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

• More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree .

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