Department of Writing

Pencil iconWhy choose UVic? Notebook iconPrograms featureApplying to UVic
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Undergraduate studies

Small workshops, renowned faculty and an environment that encourages collaboration support our students to develop and hone their skills. Undergraduate K.P Dennis was named 2016 Youth Poet Laureate of Victoria.

Undergraduate studies
Levi Binnema in the UVic Library

Graduate studies

Levi Binnema says the small graduate class sizes and strong mentorship is what drew him to study creative writing at UVic. He says the environment here is exciting and collaborative.

Graduate studies
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Study what you're passionate about

Our program allows students to develop their writing skills in the imaginative genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting and playwriting, so you can focus on what inspires you.

Our programs
Writing alumna Esi Edugyan in front a building wall covered in vines and flowers

Careers in writing

Learn how to communicate clearly and embody complex themes and ideas through human stories and vivid language—skills that can be applied to a wide variety of careers. Photo: Chad Hipolito/Globe and Mail.

Career possibilities
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Minor in professional writing and journalism

Develop the skills required to succeed as a professional writer in journalism, publishing, government or industry in the minor in Professional Writing & Journalism. Cormac O'Brien is co-editor of UVic's student newspaper, the Martlet.

Minor
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Community and events

The Undergrad Writing Union hosts readings and events throughout the year. They also publish This Side of West, an annual literary journal that is edited and run entirely by students and publishes only student work.

News & events

Distinguished Alumni

Writing MFA & Governor General’s Award-winner Kim Senklip Harvey is now one of UVic’s acclaimed Distinguished Alumni. “I hope my continued work supports the next generation in the ongoing practice of making a more equitable and peaceful future,” she says.

Read more

Experience makes the difference

In UVic's Department of Writing, small classes and intimate workshops with nationally and internationally renowned faculty encourage the best in emerging writers.

I studied with so many great teachers at UVic. The caliber of guidance was amazing.
—Esi Edugyan, Giller Prize-winning author of Half-Blood Blues

We mentor students in the major genres of creative writing, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting and playwriting, and offer a Professional Writing Minor in Journalism and Publishing.

You can also study new fields, such as children's writing, travel writing, interactive media, the graphic novel and other special topics.

Write away

For over a decade, many world-class writing programs have delivered their programs online. Now, we are poised to provide a dynamic learning experience this year with a mix of weekly workshops and live sessions via Zoom, plus online materials you'll work on at home.

Check out some of these special offerings coming up this academic year:

  • WRIT 109 (fall 2021): The Pixar Story
  • WRIT 345 (fall 2021): Environmental and Climate Journalism
  • WRIT 323 (fall 2021): Writing for TV
  • WRIT 345 (fall 2021): Environmental and Climate Journalism
  • WRIT 353 (fall 2021): Theory and Practice of Literary Creation - Memory and Creativity (with David Leach)
  • WRIT 412 (fall 2021): Check the Technique: Hip Hop Culture on Screen (with Shane Book)
  • WRIT 410 (spring 2022): Special Genres Lecture - Podcasting
  • WRIT 420 (spring 2022): Film Writing and Production
  • WRIT 440 (spring 2022): The Writing Business (with Marita Dachsel)

Find your edge in UVic's Department of Writing

Undergraduate

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Undergraduate studies

Graduate

Student reading a book

Graduate studies

Resources

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Contact us

Territory and acknowledgements

We acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.