Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing

The Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing program at the University of Winnipeg offers students a unique opportunity to hone their writing skills, explore diverse literary genres, and unleash their creativity. This program combines traditional English literature studies with specialized courses in creative writing, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the craft and artistry of writing. The Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing program at the University of Winnipeg offers aspiring writers a dynamic and supportive environment to develop their craft, explore their creativity, and pursue their passion for writing. Graduates of this program emerge as skilled and confident writers, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to succeed in the competitive world of creative writing.

Curriculum:

1. Literary Studies: Students in the program engage with a wide range of literary works, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and essays. They study literary techniques, themes, and genres, gaining insights into the rich traditions of English literature. Through close reading and analysis, students deepen their appreciation for literature and develop a critical understanding of literary forms and styles.

2. Creative Writing Workshops: The program offers hands-on creative writing workshops where students explore their own creative voices and experiment with different writing techniques and forms. Under the guidance of experienced writers and mentors, students receive constructive feedback on their work and learn how to revise and refine their writing.

3. Genres and Specializations: Students have the opportunity to specialize in specific genres of creative writing, such as fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, scriptwriting, or genre fiction (e.g., science fiction, fantasy, mystery). They develop expertise in their chosen genres through focused coursework and independent writing projects.

4. Craft and Technique: Courses in craft and technique provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to excel as writers. They learn about narrative structure, character development, dialogue, imagery, symbolism, and other elements of storytelling. Students also study literary techniques specific to their chosen genres.

5. Creative Writing Portfolio: Throughout the program, students build a portfolio of original creative writing pieces, showcasing their growth and development as writers. This portfolio may include short stories, poems, personal essays, excerpts from longer works, or scripts for stage or screen. The portfolio serves as a culmination of their creative achievements and a reflection of their unique voice as writers.

6. Literary Events and Community Engagement: The program fosters a vibrant literary community through participation in literary events, readings, and writing festivals. Students have opportunities to interact with established authors, attend workshops and readings, and showcase their own work to a wider audience. This community engagement enriches students' learning experience and fosters a sense of belonging within the literary community.

7. Professional Development: The program prepares students for careers in writing, publishing, editing, teaching, and other related fields. Students develop professional skills such as manuscript preparation, submission strategies, networking, and self-promotion. They learn about the publishing industry, literary markets, and opportunities for writers in the digital age.

8. Capstone Project: The program may culminate in a capstone project where students undertake a major writing project under the supervision of a faculty advisor. This project allows students to showcase their creative talents and demonstrate their mastery of the craft. Examples of capstone projects include a novella, a collection of poems, a screenplay, or a creative non-fiction essay.

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

Application Fees : CAD$ 120

Academic Qualifications: Students must have completed their secondary education (12th standard) from a recognized Indian educational board with a minimum overall 75%.  

English Language Proficiency: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall 6.5 with no band less than 6 is required, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) overall score of 86 with no band less than 20 is required. PTE score of 58 and DET score of 120 is required.

The University of Winnipeg offers a range of scholarships and awards to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the community. 

President's Scholarship for World Leaders: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to international students entering the University of Winnipeg's undergraduate programs. It covers full tuition fees for the duration of the program and includes a living allowance.

Entrance Scholarships: The University of Winnipeg offers several entrance scholarships for international students based on their academic achievements. These scholarships range from partial to full tuition fee waivers and are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Manitoba Graduate Scholarships (MGS): The MGS program provides scholarships to international students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree at the University of Winnipeg. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and research potential.

In-Course Scholarships: The University of Winnipeg also offers scholarships for international students who are already enrolled in a program. These scholarships recognize academic achievements and are available at various levels of study.

Indigenous Award of Excellence: This scholarship is specifically available for international students of Indigenous descent. It supports their academic journey at the University of Winnipeg and encourages their cultural engagement and leadership.

Donor-Funded Scholarships: The University of Winnipeg receives generous contributions from donors who establish scholarships for specific criteria. These scholarships may target international students based on their country of origin, field of study, or community involvement.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year. It is recommended that international students visit the official website of the University of Winnipeg and the scholarship-specific pages for the most up-to-date and detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines.

A Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing from the University of Winnipeg equips graduates with a versatile skill set that prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities in the fields of writing, publishing, media, education, and beyond. A Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing from the University of Winnipeg opens doors to diverse and rewarding career paths in writing, publishing, media, education, and beyond. Graduates emerge as skilled communicators, creative thinkers, and lifelong learners, ready to make their mark in the dynamic world of literature and storytelling.

1. Writer/Author: Graduates can pursue careers as writers or authors, producing novels, short stories, poetry collections, creative non-fiction, scripts, or other literary works. They may write for print publications, online platforms, or multimedia formats, sharing their stories and ideas with a wide audience.

2. Freelance Writer: Many graduates choose to work as freelance writers, offering their writing services to clients in various industries. They may write articles, blog posts, copywriting content, or marketing materials for businesses, organizations, or individuals. Freelancing offers flexibility and autonomy, allowing writers to work on diverse projects and manage their own schedules.

3. Editor/Proofreader: English: Creative Writing graduates may work as editors or proofreaders for publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, or online publications. They review and revise manuscripts, providing feedback on structure, style, grammar, and clarity. Editors ensure that written content meets quality standards and resonates with target audiences.

4. Content Creator/Content Manager: Graduates can pursue careers in content creation and management, developing written or multimedia content for websites, social media platforms, marketing campaigns, or corporate communications. They may write engaging blog posts, social media updates, email newsletters, or video scripts to attract and engage audiences.

5. Copywriter/Advertising Specialist: With their strong writing skills and creative flair, graduates can work as copywriters or advertising specialists in advertising agencies, marketing firms, or corporate marketing departments. They craft persuasive ad copy, slogans, or promotional content to communicate brand messages and drive customer engagement.

6. Journalist/Reporter: English: Creative Writing graduates may pursue careers in journalism, working as reporters, correspondents, or editors for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media outlets. They research and write news stories, features, or investigative reports on a wide range of topics, informing and enlightening the public.

7. Technical Writer: Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing may work as technical writers, creating user manuals, documentation, instructional guides, or online help systems for software, hardware, or technical products. They translate complex technical information into clear and accessible content for end-users.

8. Educator/Teacher: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in education as teachers, instructors, or educators. They may teach creative writing workshops, English language arts classes, or literature courses at the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary level. With additional certification or training, they can work as teachers or professors in schools, colleges, or universities.

9. Publishing Professional: Graduates can work in the publishing industry as literary agents, acquisitions editors, or publishing assistants. They evaluate manuscripts, negotiate publishing contracts, and oversee the editorial and production process. Publishing professionals play a key role in discovering new talent and bringing literary works to market.

10. Arts Administration: English: Creative Writing graduates may pursue careers in arts administration, working for literary organizations, cultural institutions, or arts nonprofits. They may plan literary events, manage writing workshops, coordinate author readings, or oversee literary festivals. Arts administrators help promote literary arts and support creative communities.