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• MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing

The Department of English at the University of Toronto launched the MA Program in English in the Field of Creative Writing (MA CRW) in 2004-05. The program draws both on the expertise of faculty at the University of Toronto and on the extraordinary vitality of Toronto’s writing community. Internationally acclaimed writers, a multiplicity of cultural traditions, and an energetic publishing industry provide the environment for nurturing new talent. Students have at their disposal the academic and creative resources of the English Department, including its strengths in historical research and traditional scholarship, numerous interdisciplinary collaborations, its acknowledged expertise in world literature, and a faculty engaged in new theoretical studies in culture, race, and gender. Students also have access to one of the world’s great library systems, including the manuscript collections at the Fisher Rare Book library. While the program is designed to prepare participants for careers as professional writers, it will also qualify those wishing to pursue further graduate studies.

Admission Requirements

The MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing requires students to attend graduate-level English courses. The degree can lead to a PhD in English. Therefore, students must have at least seven full-year undergraduate courses in English or the equivalent in half-year courses (i.e., fourteen), or any combination of full- and half-year courses that add up to the equivalent of seven full-year courses .  It is not necessary to have an English major, as long as you have the seven undergraduate English courses. Students who do not meet this requirement cannot be admitted into the program.

A B+ average (GPA of 3.3) is the minimum requirement for entry into the program. Once this is met, the primary basis for the selection of candidates is the quality of the portfolio submission. It is not expected that students will have publication credits. Applicants do not need to provide GRE results.

Applications must be submitted online and are considered complete only when the following documentation has been received by the Department of English:

• Two academic letters of reference submitted online by academic referees/recommenders, each addressing your performance in university English and/or Creative Writing coursework. At least one letter must discuss your performance in English coursework. Do not use editors, publishers, employers, or fellow writers as referees.
• A statement of purpose, submitted electronically
• Digital Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended (in pdf format), uploaded to the application, and UPON REQUEST ONLY official paper transcripts mailed directly to the Department. For more detailed information and instructions regarding submitting transcripts, please visit  "Checklist for a Complete GradAPP Package" in the section entitled Academic Transcripts  on our  APPLICATION INFORMATION page.
• Do not submit academic essays.
• To view the application details and requirements, please visit the SGS website here  SGS Admissions & SGS Application Requirements  and the application instructions on the SGS  How to apply  page. Additionally, here is the link to the School of Graduate Studies pages for Future Students .

Program Requirements

The MA program in English in the Field of Creative Writing usually requires 18-24 months to complete. Applicants must have an overall average of B+ or better and evidence of first-class work in English for admission to the program. The program requires the completion of two FCE’s (full course equivalents) in English; ENG6950Y Writing Workshop; and a supervised Writing Project (the equivalent of a thesis) completed under the direction of a mentor.

All candidates must complete the Writing Workshop in the first year of their program. Some sessions may feature on-campus visits from editors, publishers, professional archivists, researchers, and agents so that students can learn the pragmatics of the publishing industry. In their second year, students undertake a book-length Writing Project in a genre of choice – poetry, drama, fiction, or creative non-fiction. Each student is assigned a faculty member or adjunct faculty member with whom to consult on a regular basis about the Project. All advisors are published writers.

Writing Workshop

ENG6950YY: All candidates for the MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing must complete this workshop in the first year of their program. Students will also submit creative work in order to receive feedback from the instructor and fellow students, and this will allow them to develop their portfolios.

Writing Project

In the second year of the program, students will undertake a book-length Writing Project in a genre of choice (poetry, drama, fiction, or creative non-fiction). Each student will be assigned a faculty member or adjunct faculty member with whom to consult on a regular basis about the Project. All mentors will be published writers. The completed Project should normally be submitted before the beginning of April of the second year. The Department will then arrange an oral defense, to be chaired by the Director of the MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing. The Writing Project can be designated as Pass, Fail, or Distinction.

Student Funding

Students accepted into the MA Program in English in the Field of Creative Writing are eligible for teaching assistantships, including a number in Creative Writing courses. All incoming students are considered for incoming scholarships.

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for external funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. For more information visit the Department of English Finances & Awards  webpage.

Faculty, Mentors, and Alumni

• MA CRW Program Adjunct Faculty (Mentor) Biographies
• MA CRW Faculty Biographies
• MA CRW Alumni Biographies

How many students are admitted each year?

We admit seven students each year.

I do not have 7 full-year (or equivalent) undergraduate courses in English. Can I still apply?

Because the program is an MA in English, students must have a strong background in English literature. Students who do not have sufficient undergraduate training may wish to take additional courses in English in order to qualify for admission.

My average is less than a B+. Can I still apply?

The academic requirements for admission to the MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing are very strict. The B+ minimum must be met or a student’s portfolio will not be considered. Students who do not have an adequate GPA may wish to take additional courses in order to improve their academic standing and qualify for admission.

I have taken courses in literature in a language other than English. Can I apply?

Unless the texts were studied in English translation, courses in literature in a language other than English do not qualify students for admission to the program.

How should I choose what to submit?

Choose your best writing.

Can I apply to enrol in January?

There is only one entry point for students in the MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing, which is September. Students may not begin the program in January.

Can I enrol in the MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing part-time?

Students must enrol full-time.

How much Financial Support can I expect?

Currently we are able to offer students in the Creative Writing program a TAship each year (number of hours TBA at the start of the program), to a maximum of two years. Successful applicants for the SSHRC CGS-M award can expect $17,500. OGS award holders can expect up to $15,000. All incoming students are considered for incoming scholarships.

For more information please contact us by e-mail, phone or by mail.

[email protected]  Director, MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing Department of English 170 St. George Street University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario Canada M5R 2M8

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Creative Writing

Whether you're a practicing poet or an up-and-coming screenwriter, creative writing at UTSC offers you the freedom to develop your craft in a practical way. You'll be able to learn from award-winning authors, discover opportunities for publishing, and focus on building your own writing practice.

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Courses and programs, new for 2023-2024, pdf and archive, course description by course code, minor in creative writing (arts program) - asmin1646.

The Minor in Creative Writing allows students to exercise their creativity and to improve as writers through the practice-based and reflective study of genres, strategies, and techniques. The program includes lecture courses on forms including short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction; form-specific workshops focused on the discussion of students’ work; opportunities to write in longer forms such as the novella and the poetry collection; and seminars on subjects such as the publishing industry and literary culture. Through these courses, students will develop their writing and editorial skills while gaining a better understanding of literary craft and of writing beyond the university.

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Variable Minimum Grade Average A minimum grade average in required courses is needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. The following courses must be completed:

For students who have completed 4.0 to 8.5 credits:

• ENG110Y1 , ENG140Y1 , or ENG150Y1 with a final grade of at least 77%

For students who have completed 9.0 or more credits:

• 2.0 credits in 200-level ENG courses, each with a final grade of at least 77%

(4.0 credits as follows, including at least 1.5 credits at the 300 level or above)

• 1.5 credits from: ENG110Y1 , ENG140Y1 , ENG150Y1 , ENG201Y1 , ENG205H1 , ENG210H1 , ENG213H1 , ENG215H1 , ENG234H1 , ENG235H1 , ENG237H1 , ENG239H1 , ENG285H1 , ENG287H1
• 2.0 credits from the following: ENG387H1 /​ CRE279H1 , ENG388H1 /​ CRE280H1 , ENG389H1 /​ CRE275H1 /​ WRR311Y1 , ENG394H1 , ENG497H1 , ENG498H1 ; approved courses offered by other departments and programs (see list of Cognate Courses below).

Accepted Cognate Courses:

• Writing and Rhetoric: WRR211H1 , WRR311Y1
• Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies: DRM228H1 , DRM328H1 , DRM428H1
• Creative Expression and Society: CRE275H1 , CRE276H1 , CRE279H1 , CRE280H1 , CRE282H1 , CRE350Y1 , CRE479H1 , CRE479Y1 , CRE480H1
• We do not accept any CR/NCR courses toward our program.
• 200-level English courses in the program are open to students who have obtained standing in 1.0 ENG credit or in any 4.0 credits. Students without these prerequisites may enrol in a 200-level course if they are concurrently enrolled in ENG110Y1 , ENG140Y1 , or ENG150Y1 .
• ENG387H1 , ENG388H1 , ENG389H1 , and ENG394H1 are open to students who have obtained standing in ENG289H1 and any further 3.5 credits.
• ENG497H1 and ENG498H1 are open to students who have obtained standing in 9.0 credits, including ENG289H1 and any additional 1.5 ENG credits.
• ENG387H1 , ENG388H1 , ENG389H1 , ENG394H1 , ENG497H1 , and ENG498H1 may not be counted toward fulfilling the requirements for the Specialist, Major, or Minor programs in English.
• Please note that prerequisites and exclusions will be strictly enforced.
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Writing at the University of Toronto

The University of Toronto expects its students to write well, and it provides a number of resources to help them. To find what you need investigate Writing Centres and Writing Courses, consider attending one of the workshops in our Writing Plus series, look at our Writing Advice pages, and read the most recent news about writing support and initiatives at U of T. The Books pages describe self-instruction resources for learning academic writing.

Instructors and TAs can refer to Teaching Resources for ideas on integrating writing instruction into courses. If you teach writing as a subject, see the page on Information for Writing Instructors.

Teachers from across the web are welcome to create links to any of the Writing Advice pages and to copy our printer-friendly Student PDF files. If you use our material, however, please follow the guidelines laid out in our Fair-Use Policy.

Students and writers of all varieties are welcome to read and benefit from our Advice pages.

Creative Writing

About the Program

Minor in Creative Writing is designed to allow students to focus on either the literary or dramatic arts, or to integrate their work in both these areas of creative expression.

Honours Bachelor of Arts

After completing your first year, you'll be asked to confirm what program(s) you wish to study – your Programs of Study. They can be integrated in unique ways to obtain your U of T degree, but must be one of the following three combinations: one Specialist; or two Majors; or one Major and two Minors. You don't need to worry about that now, but if you'd like to learn more about this process, watch our handy video (7 min).

Admission Requirements

You apply to an admission category , which is a collection of similar programs. Once you've accepted an offer of admission to our campus, we go into greater detail about specific program and course selection options.

At the end of your first year, you will choose your program(s) , which means that your first year is an excellent opportunity to explore the full breadth of offerings.

Regardless of what you study, remember that you will receive a prestigious University of Toronto degree when you graduate that tells everyone that you are ranked among the best in the world!

The admission average is calculated with English (ENG4U) plus the next best five Grade 12 U or M courses. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee you admission to the University. Admission is subject to space availability and competition.

The content in this section is based on requirements in the Ontario curriculum.

Find requirements to other common curricula:

• Canadian High School
• International Baccalaureate
• U.S.-Patterned Education
• British-Patterned Education
• French Baccalaureate
• Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)

Please visit the Admissions section of our site for full requirements.

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Like many university students Minal Ghayur felt scared and shy when she first came to UTM in 2016. She quickly identified a solution to overcome some of that initial apprehension and timidity: engage in extra-curricular activities.

Amna Adnan isn’t graduating with the highest grade point average. She changed her major six times between first and third year, discovering more about herself along the way. During her journey at UTM – best defined by determination and resilience – Adnan was also a role model.

Initially Professor Liza Blake had ambitions to be Agent Dana Scully from the X-files. However an intro Biology class during the first year of her undergrad program at The George Washington University in DC had her questioning if this path was the right fit.

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The course will cover the work of some famous writers, such as Toni Morrison or J.M. Coetzee, and also new and emerging authors, from Canada to New Zealand to Nigeria.

An introductory survey of the forms and history of world drama from the classical period to the nineteenth century in its performance context. May include later works influenced by historical forms. 

Students will study a wide variety of digital texts, e.g., fanfiction, webcomics, viral Tumblr posts and tweets, and video games. Students may design of a narrative game, curate a digital exhibit, or develop text using visualization software. 

• English and Drama Student Society (EDSS)
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Liza Blake: Modern Early Modern

On this edition of the podcast, Professor Liza Blake, an Assistant Professor in the Department of English & Drama at U of T Mississauga, spins us through her work, exploring her current research program at UTM that includes two books in the works focused on medieval and Renaissance literature, poetics, literature and science, and literature and philosophy.

Learn More About this Program

Other Programs to Consider

This program specifically focuses on how literature in English has developed through the centuries, all over the world, and in a rich variety of different forms and modes, from oral recitations to digital media. Students will be introduced to the full range of literary genres and traditions.

Dramaturgy and Drama Studies

Dramaturgy and Drama Studies (DDS) integrates creative and scholarly approaches to theatre through a common emphasis on dramaturgy. The DDS program includes courses that examine theatre history, dramatic literature, critical theory, playwriting, devising, and intermedial performance, among others.

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General information, registrar links, major program in creative writing (arts).

For more information, contact [email protected]

Program email: [email protected] The Major in Creative Writing offers students the opportunity to deepen their development as literary artists, and to gain a comprehensive historical and critical understanding of literary and creative practice. Benefiting from workshop-based courses and feedback from award-winning faculty and visiting writers, as well as from peer review, students will produce original work in a range of genres, encompassing poetry, fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, and comics. Students will graduate with the confidence and tools they need to continue developing as writers. They will also emerge from this program with the practical knowledge and experience to professionalize their creative skills into fields as diverse as publishing, editing, communications, public relations, marketing, and advertising.

Enrolment Requirements: Enrolment is limited and admission is by portfolio. Students will be able to apply to the program after they have completed a minimum of 4.0 credits, including ENGA03H3 . Applicants must submit a portfolio of 15-20 pages representing their best writing in poetry, fiction (either short stories or selections from a longer work), and/or creative non-fiction; portfolios may include work completed prior to admission to UTSC. The portfolio must be accompanied by a brief letter of application (1-2 pages) addressed to the Program Advisor in Creative Writing. The letter should discuss the applicant's experience as a writer, their future goals in the creative writing program, and a work of literature that has inspired them. Portfolios should be submitted to [email protected] by the application deadlines for limited enrolment programs - normally March/April for students applying at the end of the Winter session and June/July for students applying at the end of the Summer session. Students should visit the Office of the Registrar website for exact dates. Students who are not successful in their first attempt at applying for the program will be eligible to apply again. By the deadlines outlined above, these students must submit a new portfolio of 15-20 pages representing their best work in poetry, fiction (either short stories or selections from a longer work), and/or creative non-fiction. The portfolio must be accompanied by a brief letter of application (1-2 pages) addressed to the Program Advisor in Creative Writing at the email address above. The letter should discuss the applicant's experience as a writer, their future goals in the creative writing program, and a work of literature that has inspired them.

Program Requirements: Students must complete a total of 7.5 credits, of which at least 2.0 credits must be at the C- or D-level. 1. 3.0 credits as follows: ENGA03H3 Introduction to Creative Writing ENGB60H3 Creative Writing: Poetry I ENGB61H3 Creative Writing: Fiction I ENGB63H3 Creative Writing: Non-Fiction I [ ENGC86H3 Creative Writing: Poetry II or ENGC87H3 Creative Writing: Fiction II or ENGC88H3 Creative Writing: Creative Non-Fiction II] ENGD95H3 Creative Writing as a Profession 2. 2.0 credits to be selected from the following: ENGC04H3 Creative Writing: Screenwriting ENGC05H3 Creative Writing: Poetry and New Media ENGC06H3 Creative Writing: Writing for Comics ENGC08H3 Special Topics in Creative Writing I ENGC24H3 Creative Writing: The Art of the Personal Essay ENGC86H3 Creative Writing: Poetry II (if not already selected as a required course) ENGC87H3 Creative Writing: Fiction II (if not already selected as a required course) ENGC88H3 Creative Writing: Creative Non-Fiction II (if not already selected as a required course) ENGC89H3 Creative Writing and Performance ENGD22H3 Special Topics in Creative Writing II ENGD26Y3 Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Poetry ENGD27Y3 Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Prose ENGD28Y3 Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Open Genre 3. 2.5 additional credits in ENG courses

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CRWR 199. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable up to six times.

CRWR 225. Kidd Workshop I. 4 Credits.

Introduction to an intensive, yearlong sequence devoted to the study and practice of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

CRWR 230. Introduction to Poetry Writing. 4 Credits.

Introduction to forms and techniques of writing poetry.

CRWR 235. Kidd Workshop II Poetry. 4 Credits.

Second in a yearlong sequence devoted to the studying and practicing poetry and fiction, with an emphasis on poetry. Projects include beginning to develop an individual line of inquiry as well as workshopping original poetry. Prereq: CRWR 225 with a grade of B- or better.

CRWR 240. Introduction to Fiction Writing. 4 Credits.

Introduction to forms and techniques of writing fiction.

CRWR 244. Introduction to Literary Nonfiction. 4 Credits.

Introduction to techniques of writing creative nonfiction (the literary essay). Development of a critical appreciation of the art of writing.

CRWR 245. Kidd Workshop II: Fiction. 4 Credits.

Second class in a yearlong sequence devoted to studying and practicing poetry and fiction, with an emphasis on fiction. Projects include beginning to develop an individual line of inquiry as well as workshopping original fiction. Prereq: CRWR 225 with a grade of B- or better.

CRWR 330. Intermediate Poetry Writing. 4 Credits.

Intermediate-level study of poetry writing. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: one from CRWR 230 , CRWR 235 with a grade of B– or better.

CRWR 335. Kidd Workshop III: Poetry. 4 Credits.

Third class in a yearlong sequence devoted to studying and practicing poetry and fiction, with a special emphasis on poetry. Projects include completing the individual line of inquiry, an original portfolio, and the Kidd Workshops student anthology. Prereq: CRWR 235 with a Grade of B- or better.

CRWR 336. Intermediate Creative Writing: Literary Nonfiction. 4 Credits.

Intermediate-level study of literary nonfiction writing. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: one from CRWR 240 , CRWR 244 , CRWR 245 with a grade of B– or better.

CRWR 340. Intermediate Fiction Writing. 4 Credits.

Intermediate-level study of fiction writing. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: one from CRWR 240 , CRWR 244 , CRWR 245 with a grade of B– or better.

CRWR 345. Kidd Workshop III: Fiction. 4 Credits.

Third class in a yearlong sequence devoted to studying and practicing poetry and fiction, with a special emphasis on fiction. Projects include completing the individual line of inquiry, an original portfolio, and the Kidd Workshops student anthology. Prereq: CRWR 245 with a Grade of B- or better.

CRWR 399. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

CRWR 405. Writing and Conference: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

Repeatable.

CRWR 407. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

CRWR 410. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

CRWR 413. Literature for Poets. 4 Credits.

Advanced discourse on issues and principles related to the craft of poetry. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: one from CRWR 330 , CRWR 335 with a grade of B– or better. Students majoring in English, journalism, or comparative literature may also enroll with instructor approval.

CRWR 414. Literature for Fiction Writers. 4 Credits.

Advanced discourse on issues and principles related to the craft of fiction. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: One from CRWR 336 , CRWR 340 , CRWR 345 with a grade of B– or better. Students majoring in English, journalism, or comparative literature may also enroll with instructor approval.

CRWR 435. Advanced Poetry Writing. 4 Credits.

Advanced workshop in the writing of poetry. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: One from CRWR 330 , CRWR 335 with a grade of B– or better.

CRWR 445. Advanced Fiction Writing. 4 Credits.

Advanced workshop in the writing of fiction. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: One from CRWR 336 , CRWR 340 , CRWR 345 with a grade of B– or better.

CRWR 503. Thesis. 1-16 Credits.

CRWR 507. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

CRWR 601. Research: [Topic]. 1-16 Credits.

CRWR 605. Writing and Conference: [Topic]. 1-16 Credits.

CRWR 607. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Selected seminars offered each year. Repeatable when topic changes.

CRWR 608. Workshop: [Topic]. 1-16 Credits.

CRWR 609. Terminal Project. 1-16 Credits.

CRWR 610. Experimental Course [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable when topic changes.

CRWR 635. MFA Poetry Workshop. 6 Credits.

Concentration on student writing in a workshop setting. Open only to students admitted to creative writing master of fine arts program in poetry. Repeatable five times for a maximum of 36 credits.

CRWR 645. MFA Fiction Workshop. 6 Credits.

Concentration on student writing in a workshop setting. Open only to students admitted to creative writing master of fine arts program in fiction. Repeatable five times for a maximum of 36 credits.

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Creative writing news.

The University of Washington English Department's Creative Writing Program offers a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a two-year Master of Fine Arts  degrees in Poetry and Prose. 

Founded in 1947 by Theodore Roethke, the Creative Writing Program's tradition of transformative workshops continues with our current faculty:  David Bosworth , Nikki David Crouse ,  Rae Paris ,  David Shields,  and  Maya Sonenberg  (Prose), and  Linda Bierds (part-time) ,  Andrew Feld ,  Richard Kenney,  and  Pimone Triplett  (Poetry).  They include among their many honors fellowships from the MacArthur Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as prizes such as the Flannery O’Connor Award in Short Fiction and the McCarthy Prize. The list of our alumni publications represents a significant chapter in the history of American literature. 

The MFA Program remains purposely small, admitting only ten students per year. The relatively small size of our program (20 students at most at any given time) allows for close associations to develop among students and faculty. The first year is devoted to participation in workshops and literary seminars, and the second year allows for concentrated work on a creative manuscript and critical essay under the supervision of two creative writing faculty members. 

The BA in English with a Creative Writing Concentration prepares students not only to be more effective communicators and artists, but also creative problem solvers and more nuanced critical thinkers. By situating small, student-oriented writing workshops alongside literary models, Creative Writing classes enhance the broader study of literature and critical theory, helping students gain a greater understanding of the social and cultural forces informing their work. A student completing the program is more able to situate themselves in a larger aesthetic and social context and make more meaningful, informed decisions about their own artistic practice. In addition, through the intense practice of creative writing, students are able to see the world more clearly, in a more nuanced and meaningful manner, and apply these skills to a wide variety of work and life situations.

Director:  Nikki David Crouse

Program Coordinator: Shannon Mitchell 

Graduate Program Advisor: Tim Cosgrove

Undergraduate Program Advising: Humanities Academic Services

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Writers' Workshop

Creative writing for undergraduate students.

Undergraduate Creative Writing

The University of Iowa ranks among the top universities in the U.S. for undergraduate writing across the curriculum.

The Undergraduate Creative Writing Major

The English Department houses the undergraduate major in English and Creative Writing, with a growing faculty that has counted multiple Writers' Workshop alumni among its ranks. The Magid Center for Writing, established in 2011 with the support of a generous donor, offers undergraduates the opportunity to integrate writing into other disciplines and bring a love for the written word to projects like student literary magazines and hosting workshops at local schools.

The Writers' Workshop offers a range of classes for both majors an non-majors taught by a diverse group of graduate students and recent graduates, all terrific up-and-coming writers in their own right. We host undergraduate events in the Frank Conroy Reading Room and organize a reading series that brings some of today's most distinguished writers to campus.

Writers' Workshop Undergraduate Courses

Introductory writing classes courses.

CW:1800 Creative Writing Studio Workshop

CW:2100 Creative Writing

CW:2870 Fiction Writing

CW:2875 Poetry Writing

Introductory classes are designed to give students the experience of thinking as writers. Students will engage with writing exercise and with published literary works, then try their hand at longer pieces of writing. These classes are open to writers of all levels and serve as an introduction to one or more genres and forms.

Special Topics in Creative Writing

CW:2600 Special Topic Workshops

CW:3002 Writing and Reading Young Adult Fiction

CW:3003 Writing and Reading Science Fiction

CW:3004 Writing and Reading Fantasy Fiction

CW:3107 Creative Writing for the Health Professions

CW:3400 Working Writers in Conversation

CW:4751 Creative Writing for the Musician

Topic-specific creative writing classes introduce and develop foundational writing skills in a more specific context or genre. Students can expect to do writing exercise and produce longer creative works, while getting a lens into a more specific branch of writing.

Writing Form and Formats

CW:3215 Creative Writing and Popular Culture

CW:3218 Creative Writing for New Media

CW:4745 The Sentence: Strategies for Writing

CW:4760 The Art of Revision: Writing for Clarity

These creative writing classes approach writing from the point of view of form, whether focusing on the meaty parts of sentences, zeroing in on areas for improvement, or thinking about media and audiences. Students can expect to produce and revise work through the additional lens of technical skill and media format.

Undergraduate Writers' Workshop in Fiction and Poetry

CW:4870 Undergraduate Writers' Workshop: Fiction

CW:4875 Undergraduate Writers' Workshop: Poetry

Undergraduate Writers' Workshops in Fiction and Poetry are smaller classes for writers with some experience. Students are admitted on the merit of their manuscripts and the class strives to create as much as possible the experience of a graduate-level workshop. Students can expect to receive feedback from the instructor and to read and engage deeply with both published work and the work of their peers.

Create your academic path

Learn more about the English and Creative Writing major academic requirements and possible course plans

Majors Course Catalog

The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.

Upcoming Events

Mission creek festival | critical hits: writers playing video games with carmen maria machado, larissa pham, and j robert lennon, live from prairie lights | dan beachy-quick, live from prairie lights | sarah braunstein in conversation with rachel yoder.

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Creative Writing for Media

08 July 2024–11 July 2024, 10:00 am–4:00 pm

Creative Writing for Media is a short course designed to enable participants to practice creative writing skills and apply these to a range of media.

Event Information

Availability.

This course will help you gain a basic introduction to key concepts in narrative theory. By the end of the course, you will have developed a main character, central theme, and the beginning of a narrative, as well as core story concept. You will be equipped with the tools to pursue you ambitions further and understand the differences and similarities in how narrative works in multiple media formats.  

Course content

Each day will feature a combination of teaching and practical exercises:

Day 1: Intro and character 

• Introduce tutor 
• Set expectations for the course 
• Think about memorable characters 
• Inspiration session 
• Character as the seed of the story 
• Defining a main character 
• Getting to know your characters  
• Ticks, mannerisms, traits, flaws, ideals 
• Identifying dramatic need 

Day 2: Structure and dialogue 

• Classic 3-part structure 
• Story arc and beats 
• Plot points and devices 
• Themes as pivots and anchors 
• Creating a logline and synopsis 
• Show don’t tell 
• Dialogue and movement 
• Expository dialogue vs action dialogue 

Day 3: Writing technique and script formats 

• Transitions, Reveals, Pacing 
• Controlling the audience’s eye 
• Writing a script 
• Looking at different script-based media examples 

Day 4: Self editing and next steps 

• Refining the opening chapter and synopsis 
• Editing prose 
• Creating a proposal pack 
• Writer support networks 

Learning outcomes

This course will help you to:

• Build a foundational understanding of narrative theory 
• Have a practical demonstrable understanding of creative writing processes 
• Get a taster experience of approaches to writing for different media. 

Course structure

The course is delivered mainly as a practical workshop with some lectures/discussion.

Certificates

You'll get a certificate of attendance on completing the course.

Costs and booking

Price per participant is £925 and it includes course materials.

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