creative writing classes ottawa

CREATIVE WRITING

A student sits on a stool, reading from a book into a microphone

Unlike any other creative writing program in Ontario, it enables students to hone their craft while exploring multiple art and design practices.

Collaborative by nature, our transdisciplinary and transcultural approach enriches imaginations, broadens perspectives and helps to develop each individual writer’s voice.

Our program includes the study of living literary culture and literary art practices and production, and emphasizes the practice, craft and production of spoken, written, visual and verbal texts as well as experimental language forms that exist both inside and outside established genres. We welcome ‘attitude’ translated on the page and off, through performance texts and other media.

This program combines written, performance and visual expression. You’ll participate in:

An online and print journal
Symposia, workshops
Showcasing and public performances
A book, zine and publications fair
Field trips to local readings, conferences and festivals
A digital and analog writing lab and access to sound studio
A reading series featuring established, emerging and student writers
Mentorships, as both mentees and later as mentors
University slam team
A nurturing and supportive emerging literary community
Mentorship by faculty

This program is for both new and emerging writers. You’ll become part of a nurturing and supportive literary community. By the end of your degree, you’ll complete a body of work aimed at publication or exhibition to launch your career.

Program Highlights

Admissions requirements.

For Ontario high school students, a minimum overall average of 70%
Statement of Intent
Official transcripts
Portfolio requirements here
see detailed academic requirements here

Internships & Experiential learning

OCAD U offers so much more than co-ops because creative careers take many forms. Our career services help you build a professional community, valuable experience and skills you need for a meaningful career. Get access to:

Short experiential learning placements from among hundreds of organizations
Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners
Exclusive summer internships
Gallery exhibitions of your work
Freelance creative opportunities
Jobs after graduation

At the End of this Program...

At the end of this four-year program, you will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree.

Jobs You Can Get

Graduates of this program can work in:

Professional writing
Artistic practice
Performance art

What You'll Do in the Program

In first year, you will take art or design studio courses based on your interest as well as:

Art history
English class of your choice
Introduction to History and Practice of Creative Writing
Research, Reading and Editing for Creative Writers
Writing in Community

In second year and third year, you will take art, design, social science and humanities courses based on your interest and:

Creative Writing: Introduction to Four Genres
Language and the Land
Nano Publishing: Independent Publications
Intro to Dub and Spoken Word

In third year you will have options to take classes in art and design that interest you but you’ll focus more on creative writing. Classes include:

Poetry and Spoken Word
Non-fiction
Short Fiction
Studies in Canadian Literature
Indigenous Literature
Publications: Editorial

In fourth year, all students will also have the opportunity to do an independent thesis project and showcase work at OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition , the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with over 40,000 visitors.

In all undergraduate programs you can choose to take a minor alongside your major to explore and expand your practice. Minors give you the opportunity to pursue a focused secondary field of study in addition to or sometimes instead of taking electives in your program and can help you look better for employers or in grants or grad school applications. You don’t need to choose a minor on your application – rather once you start at OCAD U, you’ll be able to choose from over 90 electives that can build towards one of our 25 focused minors. Learn more about Minor Programs here .

Program Creative Writing Degree earned Bachelors of Fine Arts (Honours) (BFA) Faculty Faculty of Arts & Science Duration 4 years Portfolio required Yes More link View tuition fees and funding

Take the Next Step

Meet Blaine Thornton

Students and faculty.

Follow the Creative Writing program on Instagram @ocaducreativewriters.

Meet Creative Writing student Chris Markland

Learn more about our OCAD U faculty

Programs and courses

Future students
Support uOttawa
Brightspace

Certificate Creative Writing

Do you have a way with words? A powerful imagination? The Certificate in Creative Writing is designed for individuals not currently enrolled in a full-time university program. It provides an excellent opportunity for you to develop and hone your writing while trying out new genres and styles. Guided by accomplished experts, you will learn to create, edit, and revise their creative writing in 3 of the following genres: poetry, fiction, creative-non-fiction, writing for stage and screen, and graphic fiction and comics.

This program is offered in English only.

Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2023-2024 calendars for the previous requirements.

ENG 2105 , ENG 2106 , ENG 2124 , ENG 2301 , ENG 2303 , ENG 2304 , ENG 2305 , ENG 2306 , and ENG 2307 cannot count towards this requirement.

ENG 3170 , ENG 3171 , ENG 3180 , ENG 3181 , ENG 3182 , ENG 3303 , ENG 3304 , ENG 3305 , ENG 3306 , ENG 3307 , ENG 4397 , ENG 4398 , and ENG 4399 cannot count towards this requirement.