Creative Writing (BA)
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Offered by:Department of English, Faculty of Arts & Science
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 Colm Tóibín, Julian Barnes, Jorrie Graham, Mark Strand, Miriam Toews and George Saunders.
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 Details
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.
Concentrations
- Major in Creative Writing (42 credits)
- Minor in Creative Writing (24 credits)
Degree requirements
Some applicants may be required to write an English language proficiency test, whereby a minimum TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) score of 100 with a minimum of 22 in the writing component must be obtained.
Cegep students
No specific courses are required beyond a DEC
Additional Requirements
- Letter of intent
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. - Portfolio of personal work
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.
Minimum Cut-off Averages
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.
- Quebec Cegep (CRC): DEC
- Canadian High Schools: 70%
- U.S. High Schools: C+
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
- International Bacc. (IB): 26
- Bacc. Français: 11
(excluding diplôme professionnelle)
Make sure you also meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
November 1 Not all programs are available for this term. Please check program availability. |
| Outside Canada (International) | February 1 | September 1 |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Sample classes include:
- Workshops in Fiction, Poetry and Playwriting
- Literary Publishing and Editing
- Creative Non-Fiction
- Specialty courses such as Experimental Writing, Memoir, and Writing the Fantastic
Consult the undergraduate calendar for a complete list of current English courses or view class schedules at the class schedule and registration web site.
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 leave to successful writing careers. Read our alumni pages for inspiration.
United States students
A US Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all US regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
