Creative Writing (BA)

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.

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.

Program options

• Honours in English and Creative Writing (66 credits)
• Major in Creative Writing (42 credits)
• Minor in Creative Writing (24 credits)

Courses

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec Cegep: DEC
  • Additional information for Cegep applicants
• High School: C+
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required 
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• University Transfers (internal/external): C
• Baccalauréat français: 11
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26  

Additional requirements for admission

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.

• 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.
• English proficiency
  Some applicants may be required to write an English language proficiency test with the following minimum scores: TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) – a minimum score of 100 with 22 in the writing component or IELTS – 7.0 overall with a 6.5 in the writing component.

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.

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 have fulfilling writing careers.