Program type
Honours
English and Creative Writing (BA)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter
Virtual information sessions
Discover what makes Concordia's Faculty of Arts and Science stand out as a leader in the humanities and social and natural sciences, including academic opportunities, hands-on learning and how to achieve your goals.
Why study English and Creative Writing?
Immerse yourself in the writing life – and develop a cultural vocabulary – by looking at the human condition through many literary modes, while studying works which include aspects of psychology, history, and philosophy. The Honours in English and Creative Writing program allows you to both work on your craft as a creative writer, and develop a broad context in which to see your own writing through the academic study of English Literature.
The combined English and Creative Writing degree offers you a rare balance between creative and scholarly environments. Studying literature will sharpen your abilities as a critical reader, thinker and writer, and invite you to imagine alternative worlds and perspectives. As a writer, you can start to create those realms yourself.
Our writing program is one of the best and most established in the country. Students have the opportunity to supplement their regular courses with master classes conducted by internationally renowned writers and by participating in one of the department’s literary journals.
Program highlights
- Opportunity to develop your writing in a variety of genres while deepening your knowledge of literature and theory.
- A wide variety of faculty research groups and publications including the Centre for Expanded Poetics, SpokenWeb, and the Writers Read speaker series, connecting Concordia to scholars across the country and the world.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program option
- Honours in English and Creative Writing (66 credits)*
*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia.
Courses
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
This program is only available for internal degree transfer or concentration change. Students wishing to start an Honours program must typically first finish one year of classes at Concordia.
- University Transfers (internal): B+
Additional requirements for admission
English proficiency
Some applicants may be required to write an English language proficiency test with the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) – a minimum score of 100 with 22 in the writing component
- IELTS – 7.0 overall with a 6.5 in the writing component
- DET score of 120 and above with no subscore under 90
Portfolio & Letter of Intent
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL TERM
March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
WINTER
November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
After your degree
Honours graduates leave with the knowledge and skills required for graduate studies in literature and in creative writing. All our graduates receive training that prepares them for careers that include not only literary creation but teaching, law, journalism or any field where communication skills are necessary for success.
Many graduates have fulfilling writing careers.
Student story
Adèle Dumont-Bergeron
Honours English and Creative Writing Minor Professional Writing
Adele Dumont-Bergeron was drawn to the unique disciplinary combination offered by this program.
Other programs of interest
Our Creative Writing program, one of the first of its kind in Canada, immerses you in every aspect of the writing life, from the development of ideas to the publication of finished works.
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Faculty
Take on the narrative of the human story, through analysis and the re-interpretation of historical events.
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