Are you motivated to put pen to paper? Do you have an idea or have you started a creative writing draft? If so, this focused, engaging and supportive program may be perfect for you. The program covers many aspects of the creative writer's world from writing development, copy editing, genre writing, time management, publishing, and promotion. The evaluative and interactive format will ensure you receive ample instructor feedback and supportive peer review throughout the program. In the final project course, a portion of your creative work will be evaluated by a published author who will mentor and encourage you in your writing journey.
This online, flexible and interactive program will allow you to learn the theory behind your writing and allow time to receive instructor and peer feedback about what you've written. All courses are taught by published authors, many who have received national and international awards.
To get started in the program you are required to provide a short writing sample. You will receive valuable expert feedback specific to character, setting, dialogue, point of view, and writing mechanics. The writing sample is your opportunity to share what you like to write about and how you write it. See details below under How to apply.
This is one of three writing certificate programs offered online through Continuing Education. The other programs are:
- Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing
- Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Marketing and Public Relations
This program is perfect if you...
- Write – or aspire to write – fiction, creative non-fiction or poetry
- Want to transition from or add to corporate or journalistic writing and explore creative writing
- Would like to learn from published authors
- Enjoy online learning in a supportive and interactive environment
What will I get?
Students who complete this program will receive a Professional Certificate.
Graduate: Karen White
Now a graduate of the Creative Writing Certificate, Karen says she finally feels comfortable calling herself a writer.
Program details
Online
Courses in this program are delivered online. Some courses may be occasionally offered in the classroom at the main campus. Courses are scheduled at convenient times, allowing you to complete the program at a pace that fits your life.
You should plan on studying and working approximately 6 hours per week per course.
Online learning fits into busy schedules by taking the learning experience out of the traditional classroom. Students have online access to instructors, fellow learners, and learning materials.
Before taking your first online course, we recommended taking our free course: Digital Skills for Learning Online
200 Hours
All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. The Creative Writing Certificate is a 200-hour program.
The length of time it takes to complete this program varies by student. If you take one course per term (four courses a year), you will likely complete the program in 12 to 18 months. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple courses per term.
$4,519
The approximate cost to complete the Creative Writing Certificate is $4,519.
This includes the $130 admission fee.
You do not require a degree or diploma to apply for admission to this program. You can take individual courses to start, and apply later.
The admission fee is $130.
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Grade 12 diploma (recommended)
- Relevant work experience (recommended)
- If English is not your first language, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements
Programs change from time to time, so we recommend that you apply for admission as early as possible. Once admitted, your requirements to complete the program will not change – even if the program changes. You can be confident that completed and eligible courses will apply to your program.
Writing Assessment and Certificate Admission
When you apply to the Creative Writing Certificate, you are required to submit a creative writing sample. The sample should be a total of 2 – 4 pages, double-spaced. If you wish to submit a poetry sample, an additional sample of prose is requested.
The writing sample is your opportunity to share what you like to write about and how you write it. Written feedback specific to character, setting, dialogue, point of view, and writing mechanics will be provided and will benefit your experience in the program. This review of your writing helps to ensure success in the creative writing process and certificate program by identifying strengths, genre selection and potential areas for improvement. In addition, writing the sample increases your confidence and expands your creative writing portfolio.
Please complete the certificate admission application and upload your creative writing sample using the link below. The non-refundable admission fee is $130.
Apply for AdmissionPrior learning from other post-secondary institutions
Advanced standing may be granted for equivalent, graded courses completed at other post-secondary institutions. Credit may be granted up to a maximum of 60 hours towards this program.
Apply for Advanced StandingTransferring credit from other Continuing Education programs
If you have completed requirements for another University of Calgary Continuing Education program, you may be able to transfer some credits to this program. For details, please review the "Credit towards other programs" information in the programs you have completed. To transfer credits, please contact a student advisor.
Maximum advanced standing and transferred credit
The combined total of advanced standing and transferred credits cannot exceed 100 hours for this program.
On completion of this program, you may wish to pursue studies in another.
Upon completing Program Title, up to 100 hours of equivalent courses may be transferred towards the Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing and the Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Marketing and Public Relations. The number of hours will vary based on certificate requirements and courses.
If you wish to pursue another program:
- Complete the Application for Admission for your next program
- Contact us to request transfer of the equivalent course credits
The transfer of course credits will not happen without your request.
Each year, scholarships and awards are given to deserving students not only for their academic achievement, but also for community involvement. Award sponsors include both corporate and private donors.
To apply, you must meet eligibility criteria and submission deadlines. Students in this program may be eligible for the following awards:
It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
See Graduation for details.
This program does not qualify students to apply for an international study permit.
International students who wish to live and work in Canada should consider our International Professional Programs.
Get a 5% discount
Receive a discount of 5% per course by registering for three or more courses at the same time.
Register online or by calling 403-220-2866 or 1-866-220-4992. Some restrictions may apply (i.e., all courses must take place within the current academic year).
Note: WRI 500 Creative Writing Final Project is not eligible for the discount.