Creative Writing

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Draw on the imagination to convey meaning through the use of imagery, narrative and drama in a variety of literary forms including poetry, fiction, plays, new media, screenwriting and non-fiction.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

Why study Creative Writing at UBC Okanagan?

The creative writing program is designed to build students’ range and confidence to the professional level, while familiarizing them with practical aspects of the writing life.

Classes are taught by professional writers with a wealth of knowledge and experience they share with students at intimate workshops. Students are encouraged to share their work and hone their skills with faculty who are actively involved in the editing process.

Students participate in writing projects, chapbook production, magazine editing, student anthology production, public readings and community learning projects.

 

Degree Options

BA undergraduates have the opportunity to major or minor in creative writing.

Students can also combine their major in Creative Writing and the requirements of another BA program that offers a combined major (currently art history and visual culture, cultural studies and English).

Students can choose to major in creative writing at any time during their degree, starting in first-year.

Sample Courses

The Creative Writing program offers  courses in poetry, creative non-fiction, short fiction, novel, playwriting, screenplay, writing with media, editing and publishing, spoken word, and writing and community learning.

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. View course descriptions for the current academic year. Browse Creative Writing courses and descriptions in the academic calendar.

CRWR 150: Introduction to Writing Poetry and Creative Non-Fiction
CRWR 160: Introduction to Writing Fiction and Drama

CRWR 205: Popular Fiction
CRWR 216: Intermediate Workshop in Creative Writing: Poetry
CRWR 250: Screenwriting
CRWR 260: Theory and Practice of Creative Writing

CRWR 310 | The Power of Metaphor
CRWR 380: Writing of the Short Story
CRWR 381: Writing of Poetry
CRWR 384 | Spoken Word

CRWR 471: Writing of the Novel
CRWR 472: Editing and Publishing
CRWR 473: Writing and Community Learning
CRWR 475: Preparing for a Career as a Writer

Plan your academic journey by exploring the undergraduate academic planning guide designed for BA students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Abstract writer
  • Advertising copywriter
  • Arts administrator
  • Arts journalist
  • Author/writer
  • Bibliographer
  • Communications/public relations professional
  • Copy editor
  • Editor
  • Fundraising/grant writer
  • Video game writer
  • Historical museum assistant
  • Literary agent
  • Manuscript reader
  • Market research analyst
  • Media planner
  • Newspaper/magazine journalist
  • Novelist
  • Office manager
  • Playwright
  • Poet
  • Proofreader
  • Publisher
  • Radio/TV program assistant
  • Reporter
  • Reviewer for newspapers and magazines
  • Screen/television script writer
  • Script consultant
  • Song writer
  • Speech writer
  • Technical writer
  • Writing instructor
  • Web writer
  • Writing centre director

Students work to create a varied body of work and build a portfolio during hands-on projects. Job opportunities range from arts journalist and web writer, to novelist and publisher.

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

Students have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions with fellow writers and faculty, and share their own writing at community events, readings, and workshops, such as with the Inspired Word Café.

A visiting author series and Writer-in-Residence program provide additional opportunities to meet, and learn from, accomplished writers.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.