Graduate Creative Writing
Our Creative Writing program attracts national and international acclaim. UCalgary faculty and students actively enhance the local and national arts communities.
Join us and be part of the journey!
MA with creative thesis
How it works
Apply to submit a substantial work of poetry or fiction as a creative project for the MA thesis in English.
Note: You'll need department permission for a creative MA. We can't guarantee permission to pursue a creative writing project, even if:
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You're admitted to an MA in English, and/or
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You've completed creative writing classes at UCalgary or another university.
Even if you're not accepted, we encourage you to continue writing and applying to creative writing graduate courses.
Application components
1. Portfolio
Submit a substantial portfolio of previous work during your graduate program application
This may include:
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published work
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five to eight short poems or one to two short stories
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chapters of a novel
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or a combination of poetry and prose).
2. Critical approach
Outline your critical awareness of the approach you expect to take.
Poetry
- Present a critical discussion of the proposed work
- Call attention to elements like:
- themes, verse-forms, groups of poems, experimental or traditional approaches, etc.
Fiction
- Present a critical discussion of possible approaches to:
- characterization, theme, point of view, narrative stance, experimental or traditional approaches.
Final product: Thesis
Your thesis must contain an introduction or afterword, normally of 20–30 pages, showing some critical awareness of the approach taken.
Average length
- Poetry project: About 50 pages.
- Fiction project: About 150 pages.
English prof spreads awareness about migrant challenges through poetry
PhD with creative dissertation
How it works
You may be permitted to submit a substantial book-length manuscript of poetry or fiction for the PhD thesis in English.
However, this is a highly competitive option with an expected high standard for your project.
While we would expect you to have writing and publishing experience, it will not guarantee admission to the doctoral program, or approval of a creative dissertation project.
Application components
1. Portfolio
Submit a portfolio of writing and published works during your graduate program application.
2. Critical approach
Your dissertation essay must show extensive critical awareness of the approach you expect to take. Expect, as part of your studies, to do research within the genre.
Final product: Dissertation
When you present your dissertation for examination, it must be previously unpublished. It must also be accompanied by a critical essay showing a sophisticated critical and/or theoretical awareness of your approach.
Expectations
Quantity and quality cannot be equated but you must present a substantial body of work.
As with the dissertation for a critical Ph.D., it should be original and publishable.
Creative Writing faculty
Kit Dobson
Clara A.B. Joseph
Clem Martini
Suzette Mayr
L. Rain Prud'homme-Cranford
Uchechukwu Umezurike
Aritha Van Herk
Anna Veprinska
Joshua Whitehead
Expand your writing career
Master of Arts (MA), thesis-based
Thesis-based programs require that you pursue independent and original research culminating in a thesis. You will work under the supervision of a faculty member whose expertise matches your research area.
Master of Arts (MA), course-based
In a course-based program, all degree requirements are fulfilled by completing courses. These may include courses that involve a project, such as a major research paper or group project.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Department of English offers a PhD degree with one specialization, Literature in English. The Creative Writing option is available within this specialization.
Ready to apply?
Have you made your final decision and you're ready to apply?
Graduate program contacts
Contact us for any questions you may have about the programs we offer in the Department of English.