Program Overview

Your Degree in Creative Writing

The University of British Columbia offers a degree in Creative Writing, which provides students with the opportunity to develop their writing skills through workshops led by experienced, working writers.

Skills You'll Develop

While studying Creative Writing, you'll learn the craft and process of writing through workshops led by experienced, working writers that make up the faculty. You'll develop important skills while writing in multiple genres. These skills may include:

• Creating original works such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, screenplays, lyric and graphic forms, and translations
• Using effective planning, time management, problem solving, and leadership skills on various creative projects
• Working knowledge and application of the professional standards and expectations for your chosen genres
• Researching, understanding, and assessing various types of creative works
• Analyzing artistic works clearly and concisely
• Adapting content to a variety of forms or mediums
• Providing and receiving constructive feedback on opinions and works
• Crafting and telling compelling and creative stories

Explore Career Possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including publishing, communications, marketing, public relations, social media, non-profit, government, tourism, education, and others. There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Some career options may require further education or training.

• Arts administrator
• Author
• Book publishing manager
• Communications manager
• Communications policy researcher
• Community centre coordinator
• Community organizer
• Copywriter
• Editor
• Festival or Event planner
• Fiction or Non-fiction writer
• Film or TV editor
• Fundraiser or Grant writer
• Human resources specialist
• Journalist
• Librarian
• Literacy program coordinator
• Literary agent
• Literary editor
• Literary translator
• Magazine editor
• Market researcher
• Marketing specialist
• Media relations coordinator
• News analyst
• Non-profit administrator
• Project manager
• Public relations specialist
• Recreation programs manager
• Screenwriter
• Social media community manager
• Social policy advisor or analyst
• Special education assistant
• Speech writer
• Teacher or Professor
• Technical writer
• Tourism development officer
• Travel writer
• Web communications manager

Make the Most of Your Program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

• BC Alliance for Arts + Culture job board
• Brave New Play Rites Festival
• Creative Writing BFA group
• Creative Writing co-op success stories
• Departmental research opportunities
• Preparation for a Career in Writing
• PRISM international
• Resources for writers
• The Garden Statuary
• The Ubyssey
• The Whole Cloth
• UBC Creative Writing Program events
• Vancouver Writers Fest
• Writers’ Exchange
• Scripted Media Career Accelerator
• Young Adulting

Build Your Network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

• Access Copyright
• Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia
• Association of Canadian Publishers
• Canadian Authors
• Canada Council for the Arts
• Canadian Association of Broadcasters
• Canadian Association of Journalists
• Canadian Association for Post-Colonial Studies
• Canadian Communication Association
• Canadian Freelance Guild
• Canadian Media Producers Association
• Canadian Public Relations Society
• Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers
• Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC Society
• Crime Writers of Canada
• Editors Canada
• Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
• Federation of BC Writers
• First Peoples’ Cultural Council
• League of Canadian Poets
• Magazines Canada
• Modern Language Association
• Playwrights Guild of Canada
• Society for Technical Communication
• Speculative Fiction Canada
• WorkInCulture
• Writers Guild of Canada
• Writers’ Union of Canada

Connect with Alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Creative Writing graduates on LinkedIn. As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More Information

Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.

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