English and Creative Writing
What can I do with my degree in English and Creative Writing?
About the program
Concordia’s Department of English offers a selection of undergraduate degrees that will allow students to combine literature, creative writing, history, and professional writing. The combined English and Creative Writing degree allows you to both work on your craft as a creative writer, and develop a broad context in which to see your own writing through the academic study of English Literature.
Studying literature will sharpen your abilities as a critical reader, thinker and writer, and invite you to imagine alternative worlds and perspectives. Our Students benefit from a unique combination of outstanding academic and creative writing faculty in a remarkably stimulating milieu for learning and growing as thinkers, writers, and communicators.
For the latest information on programs, visit the Department of English page
Skills developed
As a student in the Department of English, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, some of which are listed below. Your transferrable skills can be applied to many different jobs and situations that go beyond your field of study.
- Compare Interpretations
- Computer Skills
- Conduct research to establish factual content and to obtain other necessary information
- Creative Writing
- High proficiency in reading, writing, speaking
- Knowledge of the structure and function of language
- Read and analyze written materials, extract important points and summarize ideas
- Rhetorical Skills
- Strong grammar and vocabulary
- Understanding of literature / literary criticism
- Conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation
- Analyze material, write manuals, user guides and other documents to explain clearly and concisely the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical and other equipment
- Study and determine selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials
- Communicate ideas clearly by listening carefully and responding
- comprehensively
- Read critically and write persuasively
- Explain complex concepts and ideas to others effectively
- Write reports and essay
- Explain complex concepts and theories to others
- Interact with others and build professional relationships
- Manage tasks and meet deadlines
- Work under pressure
- Influence and persuade
- Make decisions and use sound judgement
- Delegate
- Manage conflict
- Give and receive feedback
- Lead and follow
- Negotiate
- Observe and interpret data
- Analyze and evaluate conflicting information to make a good judgement or conclusion
- Understand complex problems and identify solutions
- Advertising and Marketing Agencies
- Art Galleries and Museums
- Banks
- Bookstores
- Community and Non-Profit Organizations
- Cultural and Historical Societies
- Educational Institutions
- Film Industry
- Government (Municipal, Provincial, Federal)
- Insurance Companies
- International Development Agencies
- Law Firms
- Libraries
- Magazines / Newspapers
- Public Relations Firms
- Publishing Companies
- Radio / Television Networks
- Real Estate Firms
- Scientific Publication
- Theatres
- Travel and Tourism Agencies
What jobs can a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing lead to?
Please note that many positions listed below may require related extra-curricular activities, volunteer or work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Assistant Publisher
- Author
- Copy Editor
- Copywriter
- Editorial Assistant
- Grant Writer
- Journalist
- Junior Editor
- Library Assistant
- Proof reader
- Reporter
- Script Writer
- Speech Writer
- Technical Writer
- Travel Writer
- Web Editor
- Webpage Writer
- Writer
- Academic Advisor
- Alumni Relations Officer
- ESL Teacher
- Program Administrator / Coordinator
- Research Assistant
- Translator
- Tutor
- Account Executive
- Advertising Assistant
- Blogger
- Copy Writer / Copy Editor
- Executive/ Management Assistant
- Insurance Agent
- Public Relations Representative / Coordinator
- Publicist
- Sales Analyst
- Social Media Coordinator/Manager
- Public Relations Officer
- Public Affair Officer / Coordinator
- Publications Researcher
- Campaign organizer
- Cultural event coordinator
- Cultural projects coordinator
- Facilitator
- Fundraiser
- Grant Writer
Jobs and career possibilities with a Master's and PhD in English and Creative Writing
The job titles listed below are examples of careers requiring further education such as an MA or PhD degree, a second bachelor degree, a certificate or a graduate diploma and relevant work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Book Critic
- Bookstore Manager
- College Teacher
- Crossword Puzzle Maker
- Curator
- Foreign Correspondent
- Indexer
- Lawyer
- Linguist
- Lyricist
- Narrator
- Playwright
- Poet
- Politician
- Public Speaking Consultant
- Teacher
- Television Producer
- University Professor
Start your job search
Explore career options
Explore the types of jobs for each industry and find out about required skills, education level and salary ranges in Canada:
Occupation - Government of Canada Job Bank: Find out about job prospects, wages and skills for specific job titles. You can use the job titles listed in the Career Possibilities – Bachelor degree and Career Possibilities – Beyond the bachelor degree for your search.
Field of study – Government of Canada Job Bank : Find out about employment rates, wages and the types of jobs related to a specific field of study.
Search job titles or companies - LinkedIn: Search by job title or field of study. You can also find out what type of positions individuals with the same degree as you have occupied.
Career Cruising
Explore your interests, learn about careers and find jobs on the Career Cruising website. Find the link and login information in the Student Hub's My CU Account.
Search for jobs
Browse the websites below to find jobs available in Quebec and Canada related to your field of study. You can also search the CAPS online job bank or find employers in Canada that hire new graduates in your field.
Book an appointment
To get help with your career exploration and goal setting, book an appointment with a career counsellor. For job search tips on finding the job you want, book an appointment with a career advisor.
To book an appointment with either professional, please call 514-848-2424 ext. 7345
*Only current Concordia students and recent alumni can access this service
Networking and professional associations
Connect with professionals in the field and professional associations to find out what a day in your career of choice looks like. Professional associations websites also provide useful career descriptions and job hunting tips, and sometimes list job openings and potential employers. You can also attend one of our career workshops, career fairs or career panels to get a head start.
Here are a few recommended sites:
- Association des traducteurs et traductrices littéraires du Canada
- Association of Canadian College and University Teachers of English
- Association of Canadian Publishers
- Canadian Authors Association
- Canadian Magazine Publishers Association
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF)
- Editors’ Association of Canada (EAC)
- L’Union des écrivaines et des écrivains québécois
- Magazines Canada
- The Writers’ Union of Canada
