Writing
Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Fine Arts (BFA)
Why choose Writing at UVic?
Write in small, serious workshops. Learn from award-winning writers. Graduate with a strong voice and adaptable skills.
At UVic, writing is taught the way writers actually work. You’ll learn in intimate workshops of 15 students or fewer, guided by nationally and internationally renowned professors who provide close mentorship and rigorous feedback as you develop your craft.
Areas of focus
- Creative non-fiction
- Fiction
- Playwriting
- Poetry
- Screenwriting
Sample courses
- The Writer’s World in Books and Film
- Writing for the Arts
- Issues in Journalism
- Writing Interactive Narratives
- Writing for Children and Young Adults
Careers
- Communications coordinator
- Creative writer
- Editor
- Playwright or screenwriter
- Producer
- Publicist
Which degree is right for you?
Co-operative study
- Through UVic’s co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
- Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
- On average, 70 percent of UVic co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
Giller Prize-winning alumnus
"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
Student life & community
- The Martlet: Work as a journalist or editor for UVic’s student newspaper. Gain real-world writing and editing experience, build a portfolio and connect with other student writers.
- Writing Students Union: Attend readings and events throughout the year. Meet students who share your interests and submit your work to This Side of West, the student literary journal.
- Student Alternative Theatre Company (SATCo): Student playwrights can see their work staged through SATCo, which produces multiple shows each year featuring diverse voices and themes.
- Live alongside other creative students in the Arts Collective, a themed residence for students interested in the arts. All first year students are welcome to apply to the Arts Collective, regardless of their field of study.
Admission requirements
Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.
Select your education system
Choose your current or most recent high school, college or university to see your admission requirements.
British Columbia & Yukon
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- Approved English 11
- Three courses from:
- Foundations of Math 11 or Pre‑calculus 11
- Approved science 11
- Approved language 11
- Approved fine arts 11
- Approved social studies 11/12
Grade 12 courses
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (minimum 73%)
- Two approved academic 12 courses
- One additional approved academic 12 or approved fine arts 12
See all approved high school courses for BC and Yukon.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 20‑1
- Three courses from:
- Math 20‑1 or 20‑2
- Approved science 20
- Approved language 20
- Approved fine arts 20
- Approved social studies 20
Grade 12 courses
- English Language Arts 30‑1 (minimum 73%)
- Two approved academic 30/31 courses
- One additional approved academic 30/31 or approved fine arts 30
See all approved high school courses for Alberta and Nunavut.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Full IB diploma with at least three subjects at the Higher Level
- English HL or SL (minimum score of 3)
Estimated IB score
Estimated scores are based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual score required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated IB score: 27 points (excluding additional points)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 30S
- Three courses from:
- Applied Math 30S or Pre‑calculus 30S
- Approved science 30S
- Approved language 30S
- Approved fine arts 30S
- Approved social studies 30S
Grade 12 courses
- English Language 40S (minimum 73%)
- Two approved academic 40S courses
- One additional approved academic 40S or approved fine arts 40S
See all approved high school courses for Manitoba.
All versions of English Language Arts 30S and English Language Arts 40S are acceptable as the required English courses, except for ELA: English Language & Technical Communication.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 111 or 112
- Three courses from:
- Foundations of Math 110 or Pre‑calculus 110
- Approved science 111/112
- Approved language 111/112
- Approved fine arts 110
- Approved social studies 110/111/112
Grade 12 courses
- English 121 or 122 (minimum 73%)
- Two approved academic 120/121/122 courses
- One additional approved academic 120/121/122 or approved fine arts 120/121/122
See all approved high school courses for New Brunswick.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 2201
- Three courses from:
- Math 2200 (advanced) or 2201 (academic)
- Approved science 2200
- Approved language 2200
- Approved fine arts 2200
- Approved social studies 2200
Grade 12 courses
- English Language Arts 3201 (minimum 73%)
- Three approved academic 3200/4200 courses
- One additional approved academic 3200/4200 or approved fine arts 3200
See all approved high school courses for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Curriculum change
High schools in the Northwest Territories are changing from the Alberta curriculum to the BC curriculum.
- If you graduate in 2027 (or after), your admission requirements are based on the BC curriculum.
- If you graduated in 2026 (or before), your admission requirements are based on the Alberta curriculum.
Learn more about the JK-12 Curriculum Renewal.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 11 (academic)
- Three courses from:
- Math 11 (academic) or Advanced Math 11
- Approved science 11
- Approved language 11
- Approved fine arts 11
- Approved social studies 11
Grade 12 courses
- English 12 (academic) (minimum 73%)
- Two approved academic or advanced grade 12 courses
- One additional approved academic or advanced grade 12 or approved fine arts 12
See all approved high school courses for Nova Scotia.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- English 4U (minimum 73%)
- Five additional 4U/4M courses
See all approved high school courses for Ontario.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 521A (academic)
- Three courses from:
- Math 521A or 521B
- Approved science 521A
- Approved language 521
- Approved fine arts 521
- Approved social studies 521A
Grade 12 courses
- English 621A (academic) (minimum 73%)
- Two approved academic or advanced 621 courses
- One additional approved academic or advanced 621 or approved fine arts 621
See all approved high school courses for Prince Edward Island.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
The following admission requirements are for private high schools in Québec that follow the Ontario curriculum. If you're attending a CÉGEP, refer to the transfer requirements for CÉGEP students.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses (Ontario curriculum)
- English 4U (minimum 73%)
- Five additional 4U/4M courses
See all approved high school courses for Ontario.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 20
- Three courses from:
- Foundations of Math 20 or Pre‑calculus 20
- Approved science 20
- Approved language 20
- Approved fine arts 20
- Approved social studies 20/30
Grade 12 courses
-
English as required by your graduation program (minimum 73% for all courses):
- Regular English: both of English Language Arts A30 and B30
- New SK Regular or SK French Immersion: one English Language Arts course at level 30
- Two approved academic 30 courses
- One additional approved academic 30 or approved fine arts 30
See all approved high school courses for Saskatchewan.
The marks from English Language Arts A30 and B30 will be averaged to provide a single English mark that will be used in your admission average calculation.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 80% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Graduation from a recognized high school with 14 or more college preparatory courses
- 4 English (minimum C+ in senior-level English)
- 3 math
- 2 science
- 3 social studies
- 1 language
- 1 additional language or 1 fine arts
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 3.20 (cumulative unweighted GPA)
Standardized tests
Standardized tests are not required, but will be considered if submitted.
- SAT score: minimum 1250 (UVic code 0989)
- Composite ACT score: minimum 26 (UVic code 5327)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Level Examinations
- One of the following combinations (minimum grade of "C" in each exam):
- 3 A-level exams
- 2 A-level exams and 2 AS-level exams in distinct subjects
- 4 AS-level exams in distinct subjects
- English at the ordinary or advanced level
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
A-level grades: BBC (based on 3 exams)
If you haven't written three A-level exams, your application will be evaluated using a combination of 2 A-level and 2 AS-level exams, or on 4 AS-level exams.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Senior secondary school graduation showing grade results for Senior Years 1, 2 and 3 with a minimum overall average of 80%
- Huikao or Xuekao
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 83% (based on the average from years 10 to 12)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Twelve years of academic preparation and one of the following:
- Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE) or All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) with at least 75%.
- Year 12 State Board Exams: Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC); applicants with excellent academic results will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
- Estimated admission average for Class X board exam results: 78%
- Estimated admission average for Class XII board exam results: 75%
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Full IB diploma with at least three subjects at the Higher Level
- English HL or SL (minimum score of 3)
Estimated IB score
Estimated scores are based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual score required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated IB score: 27 points (excluding additional points)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Successful completion of Bachillerato
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 8.2 (based on the overall average of grades 10-12)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Completion of Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate and National High School Graduation Examination
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 7.6 (based on years 10-12 with good scores required on the Certificate of Examination Results)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Twelve years of academic preparation and graduation from a recognized senior secondary school or completion of a recognized diploma program.
- Applicants must satisfy the minimum admission requirements for international students.
- High school graduation examinations or university entrance examinations offered in the home country may also be required.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| Eight or more university-transfer courses (equivalent to 12 UVic units or 24 credits) | 3.50 on the UVic 9‑point scale, on the most recent 12 UVic units/24 credits |
| One full year of a diploma program | "A-" (7.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Completed diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Certificate program | Not eligible for admission |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Advanced Standing
- To be considered for Advanced Standing (upper-year entry), submit a cover letter and portfolio. This will enable you to register for second-year workshops.
- Requests for Advanced Standing are only available for transfer students, and must be received between January 15 and April 15.
- See the Writing website for instructions.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| One full year of a diploma program | "A-" (7.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) |
| Two or more years of a diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) |
| Three-year diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) |
| Certificate | Not eligible for admission |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Advanced Standing
- To be considered for Advanced Standing (upper-year entry), submit a cover letter and portfolio. This will enable you to register for second-year workshops.
- Requests for Advanced Standing are only available for transfer students, and must be received between January 15 and April 15.
- See the Writing website for instructions.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| Eight or more university-level courses within a degree program (equivalent to 12 UVic units or 24 credits) | 3.50 on the UVic 9‑point scale, on the most recent 12 UVic units/24 credits |
| One full year of a diploma program | "A-" (7.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| More than one full year of a diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Certificate program | Not eligible for admission |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Advanced Standing
- To be considered for Advanced Standing (upper-year entry), submit a cover letter and portfolio. This will enable you to register for second-year workshops.
- Requests for Advanced Standing are only available for transfer students, and must be received between January 15 and April 15.
- See the Writing website for instructions.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| Eight or more university-level courses (equivalent to 12 UVic units or 24 credits) | 3.50 on the UVic 9‑point scale, on the most recent 12 UVic units/24 credits |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Advanced Standing
- To be considered for Advanced Standing (upper-year entry), submit a cover letter and portfolio. This will enable you to register for second-year workshops.
- Requests for Advanced Standing are only available for transfer students, and must be received between January 15 and April 15.
- See the Writing website for instructions.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum requirements
- One or more years of an approved diploma program with a minimum average of 70% or "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9-point scale) on all courses attempted
- Two semesters of English
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| Eight or more university-transfer courses (equivalent to 12 UVic units or 24 credits) | 3.50 on the UVic 9‑point scale, on the most recent 12 UVic units/24 credits |
| One full year of a diploma program | "A-" (7.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Completed diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Certificate program | Not eligible for admission |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Advanced Standing
- To be considered for Advanced Standing (upper-year entry), submit a cover letter and portfolio. This will enable you to register for second-year workshops.
- Requests for Advanced Standing are only available for transfer students, and must be received between January 15 and April 15.
- See the Writing website for instructions.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| One full year of study in a bachelor degree program at a recognized university | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on the most recent 12 UVic units (24 credits) |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Advanced Standing
- To be considered for Advanced Standing (upper-year entry), submit a cover letter and portfolio. This will enable you to register for second-year workshops.
- Requests for Advanced Standing are only available for transfer students, and must be received between January 15 and April 15.
- See the Writing website for instructions.
English language proficiency
If English is not your primary language at home and school, you must demonstrate language proficiency to attend UVic.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates effective May 1, 2026 (please note some ancillary fees are subject to change for Fall 2026).
This is an estimate only and should be used to give students, parents, and/or sponsors an approximation of the tuition and ancillary fees. This estimate does not include housing, food, cost of books and supplies or other expenses that students can expect in a term.
Ready to apply?
We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.