Writing
In this program you’ll learn the major genres of creative writing, including:
- fiction
- poetry
- creative nonfiction
- screen writing
- play writing
- journalism
You can also study:
- children's writing
- travel writing
- interactive media
- the graphic novel
Potential careers
What can you do with a writing degree? Here are a few jobs and fields that relate to the program:
- creative writer
- communications coordinator
- social media coordinator
- technical writer
- editor
- copywriter
- grant or proposal writer
- playwright
- screenwriter
- literary agent
- teacher or instructor
- fund development
- producer
- marketing
- film publicist
- publishing assistant
- entrepreneur
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the writing program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to writing:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the writing program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Creative or design project
WRIT 201B - Poetry Workshop
Write, edit and workshop poetry in a group setting
WRIT 202B - Fiction Workshop
Write, edit and workshop fiction in a group setting
WRIT 203B - Playwriting Workshop
Write, edit and workshop a stage play in a group setting
WRIT 204B - Creative Nonfiction Workshop
Write, edit and workshop creative non-fiction in a group setting
WRIT 218B - Screenwriting Workshop
Write, edit and workshop a screenplay in a group setting
WRIT 306 - Digital Publishing
Design and produce an original web or tablet-based digital publication
WRIT 320 - Writing and Film Production Workshop
Work with a group to develop a screenplay into a short digital motion picture
WRIT 323 - Writing for TV
Write, edit and workshop TV pilots and serialized dramas in a group setting
WRIT 325 - Writing for Theatrical Production Workshop
Develop a dramatic script from page to staged reading
WRIT 326 - Media Production for Writers
Design and produce a literary or journalistic work using digital multimedia tools
WRIT 328 - Humour Writing
Experiment with humour writing in a variety of genres and media
WRIT 401 - Advanced Poetry Workshop
Write and edit a portfolio of poems intended for book production
WRIT 402 - Advanced Fiction Workshop
Write and edit short stories for an anthology or chapters of a novel
WRIT 403 - Advanced Playwriting Workshop
Write and perform a monologue; write and edit a one-act stage drama
WRIT 416 - Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop
Write and edit nonfiction essays intended for publication in an anthology
WRIT 418 - Advanced Screenwriting Workshop
Write and edit a screenplay intended for TV, film or web-based distribution
WRIT 420 - Film Writing and Production
Produce a script intended for TV, web broadcast or a film festival
Professional and technical skill development
WRIT 336 - Forms and Techniques in Long Creative Nonfiction
Research and write a proposal for a nonfiction book manuscript
WRIT 440 - The Writing Business
Draft a project proposal or grant application; get career advice from visiting experts
WRIT 215 - Journalism
Attend meetings and events to write news stories for local publications or broadcasters
WRIT 315 - Advanced Journalism
Interview sources to produce a feature for a local print or online publication
WRIT 322 - Magazine Publishing
Develop a business model, write stories, design, publish and pitch a magazine
Research project
WRIT 315 - Advanced Journalism
Use investigative news-gathering skills to research and write a feature
WRIT 321 - Issues in Journalism
Prepare journalism stories under the mentorship of an industry professional
WRIT 390 - Directed Studies in Writing
WRIT 391 - Directed Studies in Writing
WRIT 490 - Directed Studies in Writing
WRIT 491 - Directed Studies in Writing
Complete research-based creative projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor
Work experience
Work experience terms
Take part in a modified co-op program requiring one or two work experiences
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the writing program.
Creative practice
- write and critique poetry, drama, creative nonfiction and fiction
- use the principles of grammatical analysis and the norms of standard written English
- understand structures and the use of stylistic elements in the different written genres
- understand the elements of narrative structure in the different written genres
- explore the nature of the creative process
Poetry
- write poetry and engage in critical discussion of the genre
- understand poetic techniques such as prosody, sound patterns, diction and figurative language
- understand formal structures in poetry such as poetic closure, sestina, villanelle and ghazal
- understand the influence of different poetic movements on contemporary poetic forms
Fiction
- write fiction and engage in critical discussion of the genre
- understand structural composition and the function of technique in fiction
- understand narrative techniques such as theme, voice, scenic structure and the role of the narrator
- understand character development, scene development, metaphor, diction, plot and dialogue
Creative nonfiction
- write original works of creative nonfiction
- engage in critical discussion of the genre
- understand the major forms of creative nonfiction
-
create compelling narratives shaped by factual research, fictive, poetic and dramatic technique, and a sense of purpose and audience
-
understand grammar, narrative structure, effective diction, syntax and figurative language
Drama
- write original works of stage and screen drama
- engage in critical discussion of the genre
- understand the major forms of drama such as the tragedy, farce, comedy and melodrama
- create dramatic works that are shaped by a respect for the cadence of language and an understanding of how the work will be interpreted by directors and performers
- understand the style and structure of film, radio and stage scripts
Professional writing
- write news articles and feature stories
- engage in critical discussion of journalism and mass media
- understand professional standards and ethics in print and digital journalism
- use investigative news-gathering techniques, interviewing, feature writing and fact-checking
- understand the craft and business of writing, editing and designing nonfiction stories