Creative Writing (BA)
Develop your voice and craft in creative writing.
Why choose this program?
Few things are more powerful than the written word. When you study Creative Writing at Dal, you'll be taught by published writers in workshops that encourage and expand your imaginative and original writing. Learn about the writer's craft by reading and critiquing your peers’ work — while getting feedback on your own.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
Dalhousie and King's students from any Faculty are able to combine Creative Writing with another subject to earn one of two combined degrees: a B.A. (120 credit-hour) Double Major program with Creative Writing as the secondary subject, or a B.A. (120 credit-hour) Combined Honours program with Creative Writing as a secondary subject.
The following Creative Writing program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Arts Double Major with Creative Writing as the secondary subject
Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours with Creative Writing as a secondary subject
Minor in Creative Writing
What you will learn
If you enjoy writing poetry, plays, fiction, or nonfiction, you’ll enjoy our Creative Writing courses. The program offers a range of courses that will encourage you explore your interests.
Most courses are workshop-based, meaning you’ll bring a piece of writing to class and get feedback from your peers. You might just get the encouragement and feedback you need to get it published!
Sample courses may include:
Reading and Writing Stories
Literature: A Global Perspective
Pulp Fiction: non-Writing Requirement
The Creative Process
The Personal Essay
Introduction to Creative Writing
Songwriting: Creative Writing for Lyric Forms
Advanced Narrative Non-Fiction
Writing for Children: Picture Books
Advanced Poetry I
Advanced Fiction I
Advanced Fiction II
Our Creative Writing graduates have excellent oral and written communication skills as well as lateral thinking. Workshops require you to edit and analyze peer work, so you’ll be familiar with leadership, group dynamics, critical analysis, and diplomacy.
Careers
You'll learn skills that will prepare you for any job requiring creative thinking and problem solving. You’ll be able to think on your feet and with your pen, creating tag lines for marketing campaigns or composing clear and compelling copy for websites.
The bottom line: you'll be prepared for any type of work that requires the ability to communicate clearly in writing.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in arts, social sciences, or your core area of study.
