English Creative Writing

The study of literature enhances your ability to write your own prose, poetry or drama, and the creative eye you bring to your own work enhances your critical understanding of the literary achievements of others. This program combines the advantages of the training in literary study offered in the Major in English literature with the workshop experiences of the Major in Creative Writing.

Honours in English and Creative Writing — 66 credits*

Students in this program are well prepared for graduate study either in literature or creative writing. A high level of performance is required to enter and remain in the program.

*Portfolio for Creative Writing

Applicants must submit a portfolio of a maximum of 15 pages of their best writing in poetry, drama and/or fiction (short stories or novel excerpts). The portfolio must be accompanied by a brief letter of intent (1–2 pages) addressed to the Coordinator of Creative Writing and written with attention to spelling and grammar. The letter should outline the applicant’s goals for study in creative writing, and a response to one or more literary works that have shaped him/her.

The portfolio and letter of intent must be submitted to the English Department. For precise instructions, please refer to the Creative Writing Portfolio Instructions on the department’s website.

See the BA degree description for information on the core and elective requirements.

Sample courses include:

Creative Writing: Poetry/Prose Fiction/Drama, Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry/Prose Fiction/Drama, Creative Non-fiction Writing, Script Writing for Radio, Screen, and Television, Publishing and Editing, Writing of Children’s Literature, Advanced Studies in Creative Writing

Department of English

The Department of English offers a unique combination of creative writing and academic courses and provides a remarkably stimulating milieu in which to learn and grow as readers and writers. Whether in an intimate workshop or in a classroom setting small enough to feature lectures as well as discussion, students read literature of the English-speaking world from the past through to experimental and popular works of the present as a means to develop skills as insightful and resourceful readers or writers. Concordia students benefit from the lively cultural and literary life of Montreal, including a variety of international literary festivals such as Blue Metropolis and Voix d'Ameriques.

Admission Requirements

English and Creative Writing (BA - Honours) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.

Undergraduate admissions guidelines: For information on international admission, required documents, proof of language proficiency, the university admissions timetable, selection and notification process.