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Creative Writing

391 results for "creative writing".

Skills you'll gain: Communication, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Research and Design, Writing

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Beginner · Specialization · 3-6 Months

Write Your First Novel

Skills you'll gain: Business Psychology, Communication, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management, Organizational Development, Research and Design, Storytelling, Writing

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Beginner · Course · 3-6 Months

Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself

Skills you'll gain: Business Psychology, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Human Learning, Leadership and Management, Marketing, Sales, Storytelling, Strategy, Strategy and Operations, Writing

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Good with Words: Writing and Editing

Skills you'll gain: Communication, Writing, Leadership and Management, Business Communication, Professional Development, Project Management, Strategy and Operations, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Sales, Strategy

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Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest

Skills you'll gain: Communication, Writing

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Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot

Skills you'll gain: Communication, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Writing

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Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

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Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description

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Introduction to Psychology

Skills you'll gain: Business Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Writing

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Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television

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Academic English: Writing

Skills you'll gain: Communication, Writing, Research and Design

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Searches related to creative writing

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular creative writing courses.

Skills you can learn in Business Essentials

Frequently asked questions about creative writing, what are the best free creative writing courses ‎.

Looking for an online free course on creative writing? Check out the range of Coursera courses on offer, such as the Write Your First Novel , Poetry Workshop , Writing for Children , Historical Fiction and Write a Feature Length Screenplay for Film or Television . Whatever genre you are interested in, there's something for everyone! ‎

What are the best creative writing courses for beginners? ‎

If you're just starting out in creative writing, then a few of the best beginner courses to get you started are Karl Gude: Creativity , English Composition , Writing Your World , Writing About Ourselves , and Writing English at the University Level . These courses will help you develop the skills, knowledge, and practice you need to become an effective creative writer. ‎

What are the best advanced creative writing courses? ‎

If you're looking to improve your writing skills and take your creativity to the next level, check out the Advanced Creative Writing course. Participants can gain a better understanding of themselves and their work through Know Thyself: The Unconscious and discover effective content marketing techniques. Additionally, those looking to have a better grasp of the English language can find help in the Advanced Grammar Project . ‎

What is creative writing? ‎

Creative writing involves the creation of original and imaginative texts. These texts tend to convey ideas through structured narratives. Creative writing takes on many forms, including novels, novellas, short stories, play scripts, and poems. The works can be fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of true events with fantasy elements. ‎

Why is it important to learn about creative writing? ‎

Studying creative writing will help you enhance your general linguistic skills and hone your unique writing voice. You'll learn new ways to express yourself clearly and creatively in various written forms. Those enhanced communication skills can be a powerful asset in the business world as well as your personal life.

Creative writing courses can also introduce you to famous works of literature. You'll learn how successful writers make stylistic decisions and develop engaging plots. ‎

What career opportunities can arise from learning creative writing? ‎

Many creative writing students aspire to be novelists, but creative writing skills can prepare you for various careers, including copywriting, screenwriting, and songwriting. Aim to combine your writing skills with knowledge of other subjects. For example, understanding music theory will help aspiring songwriters. Knowledge of marketing techniques can help a copywriter develop persuasive ads. Screenwriters will benefit from film theory and acting classes. Creative writing can also prepare you for a position as a social media manager, communications director, or public relations specialist. ‎

How can online courses help me learn creative writing? ‎

Online creative writing courses will help you brush up on the basics of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and you'll discover effective ways to structure a narrative and pace the story. Some lessons will focus on developing characters and settings. A comprehensive course covers different forms of writing, including personal essays and poetry, giving you the tools to express yourself in various ways. These online courses give you convenient access to lessons, so you can proceed at your own pace. ‎

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Learn creative writing

What is creative writing.

Writing has many different purposes. Some writing informs the audience, such as technical or academic writing. Other writers, like journalists, report the news. Some writing, however, exists to tell a story or express an idea that falls outside of the rules-based academic or technical world. Creative writing involves any writing that stretches the boundaries of journalism or technical writing, inhabiting a world where the story is precious. Creative writing has many forms. Literature and poetry are well-known, but writing that expands narrative traditions and develops through characters could also be considered creative.

Creative writers often have an excellent command of language and can translate that into a variety of disciplines. Learning the basics of creative writing could give learners writing and communication skills that can be applied to fields ranging from entertainment to business to politics.

Browse online Creative Writing courses

Stand out in your field, learn at your own pace, earn a valuable credential, related topics, creative writing course curriculum.

Online writing classes can unlock creativity and improve learners’ writing technique. For example, a class that focuses on writing novels can teach individuals how to ideate, outline, and execute on a large project. Learners can study different forms of writing, such as American poetry, long-form journalism, and English literature, which can even be a prerequisite for many BFA and MFA programs. From creating fully realized characters to editing drafts, there are many skills to learn in creative writing classes.

Careers in creative writing

Learning character development, prompt writing, and other skills in this field helps learners think in new ways. Creative nonfiction classes can help writers build communication skills. Classes on the short story can teach professionals how to make their point in a concise manner. A background in creative writing could help prepare individuals for many careers, including as an:

Communications professional

Screenwriter

Explore how online courses in creative writing can advance your career and begin your learning journey today with edX.

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Executive Education

Master's degrees, bachelor's degrees.

Last updated December 2022

Covid updates. The bivalent COVID-19 booster is required for on-campus presence.

Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program

Earn Your Way In

Excel in 2 Degree Courses to Qualify for Admission

Online and On Campus

Average Course Tuition

Total Number of Courses

Develop your skills in creative writing and literary analysis.

Explore literature, fiction, screenwriting/writing for TV/playwriting, poetry, and nonfiction.

What You'll Learn

Through the master’s degree in the field of creative writing and literature you will:

Your Harvard Degree Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Creative Writing and Literature.

Admissions, Courses, and Degree Requirements

At Harvard Extension School, your admission is based largely on your performance in two specific Harvard Extension courses that you complete before submitting an application.

To get started, we invite you to explore the degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Bryan Delaney

Playwright and Screenwriter

Talaya Adrienne Delaney

Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

Our community at a glance.

Your peers in English, literature and creative writing work in a variety of writing, research, and communication industries, such as publishing, advertising/marketing, fundraising, and education (secondary and higher education).

Average Age

Average Courses Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Personal Enrichment

The vast array of courses available, the flexibility in schedules, the incredible faculty and teaching assistants, and the warm student community all drew me in. Before I knew it, I had taken a handful of courses and realized that I could apply for a degree program.

Read Gairik Sachdeva's Story

Cost and Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

Our Tuition (2022–23 rate)	$3,100 per 4-credit course ($775 per credit)
Average Tuition of Peer Institutions	$5,476 per course
Average Total Cost	$37,200

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Learning & Connection

Deep learning springs from human connection. That’s why we work so hard to bring people together — whether in a live virtual classroom or an in-person seminar on campus.

Our approach to online learning fosters interaction without sacrificing flexibility. Each week, you’ll engage with your instructor, participate in peer discussions, and receive one-on-one support from teaching staff—all from your home or office.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

A division of Harvard University dedicated to bringing rigorous programs and innovative online teaching capabilities to distance learners, working professionals, high school students, college students, and those seeking higher learning in retirement.

Home > Postgraduate study > Postgraduate courses > Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)

Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)

Why choose this course.

The Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning) offers you the chance to study with a range of well-established and award-winning writers in a dynamic writing environment, but without having to relocate or give up current commitments. Taught in our virtual forums and classrooms, modules can be accessed at a time of the week to suit your schedule.

You will learn in workshops, one-to-one or in small groups, with support from practising and published writers and fellow students. Our award-winning former creative writing students include Booker-shortlisted Oyinkan Braithwaite, Joe Pierson, who won the Bridport Prize, Stefan Mohammed, awarded the Dylan Thomas Prize, Bafta-winner, Sarah Woolner, the acclaimed poet Dom Bury and celebrated novelist Faiqa Mansab.

The non-compulsory campus days give you a chance to visit the campus and attend a relevant lecture, as well as to meet fellow workshop students. Those travelling longer distances who wish to stay longer and explore the cultural opportunities that London offers, or simply to write, are also welcome to attend events taking place on campus for the rest of the week, featuring staff, writers in residences, students and guests.

Mode	Duration	Attendance	Start date
Full time	1 year	Full-time students can attend two campus days, scheduled annually in mid-October and early January.	September 2023
Part time	2 years	Part-time students normally attend the October campus day in the first year and the January campus day in the second year.	September 2023

Reasons to choose Kingston University

The Art School Experience

As part of Kingston School of Art , students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.

Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.

Two students collaborate on a design project.

What our students say

In this video, one of our creative writing alumna and a current student discuss why they chose the course, what they enjoyed about it and why they'd recommend it to future applicants.

What you will study

The Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning) follows the same course structure as the successful and popular Creative Writing MA. You'll be taught through individual tutorials, streamed lectures and readings held at or sponsored by the University.

The Writers' Workshop module will encourage you to develop your writing 'voice' through engagement with fellow students across a range of genres (in fiction or creative non-fiction), while the Special Study module enables you to specialise in one genre, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry or drama.

You will learn the elements of fiction, poetry and drama as well as studying relevant critical theory and trying out your own fictional experiments in the Critical Challenges module. You'll take part in online masterclasses and put all you have learned into practice in the dissertation module. It is possible to use both workshop modules and the dissertation together to work towards a substantial part of a longer piece such as a novel.

This Creative Writing MA will give you the knowledge and confidence to enter the cultural debate and to begin to identify outlets for your own writing.

Full-time students can attend two campus days, scheduled annually, usually in November and February.

Part-time students normally attend the November campus day in the first year and the February campus day in the second year.

Full-time students take two 30-credit modules each semester, including a Special Study workshop on a particular genre e.g. poetry, drama or fiction, in the second semester. You'll participate in general workshops, reading sessions and tutorials with your assigned dissertation supervisor throughout the course.

You may then choose to complete a 15,000-word 60-credit dissertation accompanied by a 3,000-word critical review, for which you'll receive one-to-one supervision as you work towards a September completion.

Core modules

Creative writing dissertation.

This module focuses on your own creative writing and research into your chosen form or genre, developed in consultation with your supervisor. You learn via one-to-one tutorials with your personal supervisor. You produce two pieces of writing:

Your supervisor must agree in advance the final structure, approximate word length and for presentation conventions of these pieces.

Special Study: Workshops in Popular Genre Writing

This online workshop module will be devoted to the creative writing of students all working in the same form and genre of their choice. It will enable students to develop drafts in their chosen form and genre, and to master its specific codes and conventions. Draft work to be reviewed may include, for example, poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction, writing for the stage, or screenwriting, perhaps in a choice of genres such as crime writing, fantasy fiction, writing for children, historical fiction, science fiction, romance and autobiography. Students will be advised how best to strengthen their knowledge of that form or genre in order to reflect critically and constructively on their own writing. Attention will then be given to the production of a substantial piece or a collection of pieces of creative writing that reflects their knowledge of and engagement with their chosen form or genre.

Writing the Contemporary

This module provides the opportunity to examine ways in which reading is essential to writing practice and teaches you to apply literary techniques and strategies from contemporary fiction, life writing and poetry texts to your own work. You will develop the concept of ‘reading as a writer' in order to explore how contemporary concerns are brought to the fore by artistic strategies, and examine how an understanding of these can provide models for your own creative practice. You will submit work including a reflective reading journal as well as a creative piece in a genre of your choice.

Writers' Workshop

This is a workshop-based online module in which students will present and discuss their own work and that of their peers within a group of students writing in a variety of genres and forms. The draft work presented in the module will normally include forms such as poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction, writing for the stage or screenwriting, in a variety of genres, but it may also include genres such as science fiction, romance, crime fiction, writing for children, historical fictional, and autobiography. Students will develop a strong knowledge of the writing workshop ethos, its requirements and etiquette as mutual practical criticism of peer writing will be accompanied by discussion of the scope or constraints of the various genres as well as the implications of working in various forms. Attention will be paid to the relevant components of good writing: appropriate use of language, narrative pace, dialogue, expression, characterisation and mood.

Critical Challenges for Creative Writers

The module is designed to introduce students to some issues of critical and literary theory. The module is also designed to make students more aware of how their work impacts upon wider literary, cultural, political and philosophical issues. Awareness of these theories and of some of the issues surrounding the production and reception of literary texts will stimulate them, encouraging creative and conceptual thinking. The module will explore debates about literature and the practice of creative writing through readings of essays and texts that are relevant to criticism and theory. The academic component of the assessment will support the creative work with the objective that students will also have to demonstrate critical, academic, analytical skills.

Entry requirements

Typical offer.

We normally expect applicants to have:

You must also submit a 3,000-word sample of creative writing, a personal statement (1,000 words).

Additional requirements

We normally invite applicants for an interview with the admissions director or another senior member of the teaching team. We will ask you to submit a creative writing sample of up to 3,000 words with your application.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all other elements. Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements , which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Middle East

Teaching and assessment

Continuous assessments in individual accredited modules plus assessment of final dissertation.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically involves reading and analysing articles, regulations, policy documents and key texts, documenting individual projects, preparing coursework assignments and completing your PEDRs, etc.

Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the University's online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

At Kingston University, we know that postgraduate students have particular needs and therefore we have a range of support available to help you during your time here.

Your workload

Year 1: 5% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

Scheduled learning and teaching: 93 hours

Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1,707 hours

For part time students

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

Full time - Year 1

Part time - year 1, part time - year 2.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises portfolios and a dissertation.

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course in each full time or part time year:

Type of assessment

Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

Class sizes are kept small for this course and usually limited to 10. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by Kingston School of Art. As a student on this course, you will benefit from a lively study environment, thanks to the wide range of postgraduate courses on offer. The combination of academics and practitioners makes it a unique environment in which to further your studies and your career.

The University provides a vibrant and forward-thinking environment for study with:

Postgraduate students may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Wendy Vaizey

Course leader.

Mr Oludiran Adebayo

Mr Steven J. Fowler

Dr Marina Lambrou

Fees for this course, 2023/24 fees for this course, home 2023/24.

International 2023/24

2022/23 fees for this course

Home 2022/23.

International 2022/23

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website .

Funding and bursaries

Bursaries are available from the School of Arts, Culture and Communications for students working on the Kingston University Press (KUP), Ripple magazine or other related activities (find out more and apply after you have enrolled).

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan . You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free Wi-Fi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

After you graduate

Some of our departmental graduates have achieved notable successes, having published short stories and novels which were started as part of their degree, and attracted good literary agents, for example:

Why I chose Kingston

What our students and graduates say

Initially it was a bit daunting returning to university as a mature student (in my early 50s) but as there were quite a number of us older students we soon formed a little group and in fact became quite good friends. The thing I possibly enjoyed most about Kingston was the number of workshops on offer pretty much throughout my time there. I found myself signing up for everything, from fiction to thriller to life writing courses. I just loved the vibe of being in that academic and literary environment. It was a huge privilege being able to attend workshops, free of charge, presented by some of the most esteemed literary personalities. In addition, there were publishing events that put us in direct contact with editors, agents and publishers. Weekly events hosted by Kingston Writing School were also hugely inspiring. Listening to authors relating their journeys about the long road from writing to being published was hugely encouraging and something I rarely missed.

The actual MA course and the various modules we had to complete pushed me beyond my comfort zone, in particular poetry which is something I'd never had a penchant for. But thanks to my accomplished lecturers I ended up enjoying every single one of them.

However, it was one of the extra-curricular workshops that inspired my book, Secrets of a Stewardess. The memoir/life writing workshop was hosted by John Man, author of more than thirteen books. I was convinced that I was in the wrong class as I felt that I had absolutely no story to tell, but he somehow managed to coax out of me my years as an airline stewardess in the ‘80s. I also wrote a children's book (which was signed up by an agent) while I was at Kingston University, but used the memoir as part of my dissertation.

I can honestly say that completing my MA in Creative Writing at Kingston University and then being published is one of the most rewarding things I have done. It taught me that you are never too old to achieve your goals - you just need to set them and then work towards them. Studying creative writing gave me the confidence to believe that I actually could write and the whole support system offered at Kingston University, finally helped me to get published.

Secrets of a Stewardess has been published by The History Press who have done an outstanding job of marketing it. WHS Smith Travel bought 2 500 copies upfront; I have been interviewed on BBC Radio 4; I have featured on BBC World Services', The Conversation; I have been interviewed live on Talk Radio Europe; I have had a feature in The Daily Mail newspaper; I have been interviewed and photographed by The Sun newspaper and I featured in Prima magazine's August edition.

Gretchen Ryan

Links with business and industry

A range of additional events and lectures will enhance your studies and add an extra perspective to your learning. Activities for this course include:

Masterclasses

Live online masterclasses in each teaching block with distinguished professors and researchers such as Hanif Kureishi and Paul Bailey.

Distance Learning students who attend Campus Days are able to attend events and readings with publishing specialists and professionals that take place on these days. These have included agents such as Briony Woods, Jemima Hunt and others.

Overseas student visiting for Campus Days who wish to stay for a few days longer will find other lectures and events of interest to attend.

Students within reach of London are also welcome to attend events on campus such as talks from writer and film director Shelag McLeod, Influx Press editor Sanya Semakula and writers Michael Hughes, Catherine McNamara and Susan Lynes.

Guest lectures

Weekly guest lectures by leading journalists including:

Regular readings through Writers' Centre Kingston, which offers an annual programme of events from talks to workshops and festivals, hosted and curated in partnership with institutions local to Kingston University and in London, from The Rose Theatre to the Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, from the Museum of Futures to Kingston First.

Lunchtime lectures

Frequent philosophy lunchtime lectures which focus on a major figure in the history of Western philosophy, introducing students to that thinker's work, usually through the discussion of one of her or his emblematic works. There are also weekly Journalism lunchtime lectures with a range of industry experts.

Ripple magazine

The literary magazine Ripple is edited by MA students, providing a platform for the publication of creative work; and a chance to get hands-on experience of the publishing process.

Research areas

Research in English literature and creative writing at Kingston University covers the following areas:

It focuses around the following research initiatives:

We also hold regular seminars and host presentations by visiting speakers.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained .

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.

Related courses

Creative Writing and Publishing MA

Creative Writing MA

Creative Writing MFA

Journalism PgDip/MA

Magazine Journalism MA

Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) PGCE English

Kingston University , River House, 53–57 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1LQ . Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 9000

Lesson Ideas and Tech Tools for Teaching Writing Through Distance Learning

The world of teaching changed in a dramatic way due to recent events. Many of us are scrambling to teach completely online for the first time. This is a daunting task that raises many questions. As we work to navigate solutions together, I have seen a sharing of ideas, resources, tips, and support from teachers all across the globe. Teachers are supporting teachers more than ever before. It makes me so proud of our profession! With this same sense of support, we, as members of the TeachWriting team, wish to offer you some suggestions for writing instruction as we all navigate these uncharted waters.

Suggestion 1: Memoir Writing - Get Students Telling Their Own Story.

Getting and keeping engagement is a difficult task in online learning. Students have distractions pulling them in many directions as they work to learn from home. While this is out of our control, one thing we do know about student engagement is that our students love to tell their own stories. Memoirs have a unique ability to draw students in and get them sharing thoughts with paper (or should I say keyboard?). Whether you ask students to focus on a previous life event or ask them to keep an Anne Frank style journal of these historical events as they happen right now, sharing their story is a powerful tool, not just for engaging learners with the task of writing, but in giving them a sense of control in a difficult time. It can be an outlet for their thoughts and feelings, just as it was for Anne Frank. I have a completely digital memoir unit ready for remote or distance learning. Click here to learn more about this unit.

Suggestion 2: Creative Writing - Get Students Telling a New Story.

Creative writing might not always be taught, but during this strange time, students will embrace a creative outlet. If you don’t know where to start, start with these creative writing lesson plans that include videos, brainstorming activities, and free downloads. The best part about creative endeavors is that students can take various approaches that best fits with their learning styles. Encourage students to work with journaling, character sketches, or one-pagers. Students might need an outlet for their emotions during this strange time. Creative writing provides the opportunity to write in a unique way.

Suggestion 3: Engage Learners with Video Mini-Lessons

Whether you’re flipping your class or teaching remotely, mini lessons are an essential aspect of writing instruction. Students need to be able to hear us think aloud, to see us model writing . YouTube is an ideal platform for recording, sharing, and even curating existing mini lessons to share with students when lessons cannot happen face to face due to time or distance constraints. Even in a traditional setting, short instructional videos can supplement effective teaching by allowing students to extend their learning. Whether students are learning how to add description or apply grammar to writing, they can re-watch, re-wind, and re-learn the skills and strategies of strong writers.

Suggestion 4: Use Google Classroom to Deliver Meaningful Instruction

Many teachers are using Google Classroom to post distance learning assignments, but are they utilizing this awesome tool to teach writing? If you aren’t sure how to go about teaching writing during this time then consider doing the following five activities via Google Classroom. 1. Use topics to organize your distance learning/writing units, 2. Post mentor texts for students to read at home, 3. Highlight strong student writers by “publishing” their writing for other classmates to read, 4. Post videos that teach writing skills, 5. Allow students to post their writing and provide positive feedback in the form of comments. You can find more details and resources for how to go about using Google Classroom to teach writing by visiting this blog post: 5 Ways to Use Google Classroom During Writing Workshop . You will also want to visit this page for mentor text resources: Mentor Texts for Secondary Students .

Suggestion 5: Use Writing Contests to Engage Your Student Writers!

Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway was asked to write a story in only 6 words. His response, “For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.” My students are always in awe over the implications of this 6 word memoir. They are engaged by the possible meanings to Hemingway’s memoir, but also at the idea of crafting their own. Creating and keeping engagement through distance learning can be challenging. One of my favorite ways to get and keep engagement is through writing contests. The Six Word Memoir Project is a fantastic site that will draw students into the process of drafting their very own 6 word memoir; they have a variety of different contest topics so students can actually write several and submit these for publishing on their site. During this small mini-unit, we get a chance to chat about word choice, the author’s message, tone, mood, and poetic style. I highly recommend this site for an engaging e-learning tool!

Suggestion 6: Using Canva to Create Various Writing Products!

Canva is a powerhouse for designing visuals for a multitude of purposes. There are a lot of teachers out there who, like me, are not tech savvy, so Canva is the perfect fit for us because it takes all of the guesswork out of designing a highly engaging, aesthetically pleasing visual! And just so you know, I am not affiliated with Canva AT ALL! I just LOVE it! Here is what your students can create with Canva FOR FREE: posters, newsletters, covers, charts/ graphs, infographics, e-books, mind maps, magazines and portfolios, collages, VENN diagrams, and MORE. Have your students create their next project using Canva and email it to you or add it to Google Classroom. It’s that simple! Click here to find out more about using Canva in secondary ELA.

Suggestion 7: Use Daily Writing Prompts - A Free Resource

We have created a full year of daily writing prompts that are perfect for distance learning. These daily activities will engage your students in the writing process. They are the perfect start to a lesson - and some are a lesson in and of themselves! Sign up through this link to receive the exclusive password for this free resource as well as many other amazing free writing resources.

This post was co-crafted by our secondary TeachWriting team members! Learn more about all of our team members here !

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Distance) (MFA)

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Creative Writers are at the heart of our cultural industries. Poets, novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, graphic novelists, magazine writers: they entertain, inform and inspire. For more than 15 years, UBC's Creative Writing program has been educating writers through distance education in a program which complements our long-standing on-campus MFA program.

A studio program with the writing workshop at its heart, the distance MFA focuses on the work created by students as the primary text. Through intensive peer critique and craft discussion, faculty and students work together with the same goal: literary excellence.

The MFA granted to distance students is the same degree as granted to on-campus students, and the same criteria of excellence in multiple genres of study apply.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

UBC's Optional-Residency (Distance) MFA was the first distance education MFA program in Canada and remains the only full MFA which can be taken completely online. It is designed to be uniquely flexible, allowing students across Canada and around the world to study writing at the graduate level while still living in their local communities and fulfilling career and family obligations.

The program is unique globally for its multi-genre approach to writing instruction: students are required to work in multiple genres during the course of the degree. As a fine arts program rather than an English program, students focus on the practice of writing rather than the study of literature. Students may work on a part-time basis, taking up to five years to complete the degree.

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, program instructions.

The optional residency MFA (distance) program only has a July intake.

1) Check Eligibility

Minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Thesis Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Distance) (MFA)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Fees	Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat	International
	$112.00	$168.25
Tuition *
Tuition per credit	$666.47	$1,259.50
Other Fees and Costs
Student Fees	Vary

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their direction. The duties usually constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is a form of financial support for a period of graduate study and is, therefore, not covered by a collective agreement. Unlike other forms of fellowship support for graduate students, the amount of a GRA is neither fixed nor subject to a university-wide formula. The stipend amounts vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded. Some research projects also require targeted research assistance and thus hire graduate students on an hourly basis.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Calculator

Applicants have access to the cost calculator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Options

Graduates of the MFA program have found success in varied fields related to writing and communication. The MFA qualifies graduates for teaching at the university level and many graduates have gone on to teach at colleges and universities in Canada, the United States and overseas as well as holding writing residencies. Many publish books and win literary awards. Others go on to work in publishing, and graduates have become book and magazine editors.

Although the MFA is a terminal degree, some graduates go on to further study in PhD programs in the US, UK and Australia.

The Optional-Residency MFA is particularly well suited to teachers: our teacher-students have been able to gain an advanced degree while continuing their careers.

Research Supervisors

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

Related Programs

Same specialization.

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Same Academic Unit

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Further Information

Specialization.

Creative Writing combines the best of traditional workshop and leading-edge pedagogy. Literary cross-training offers opportunities in a broad range of genres including fiction, poetry, screenplay, podcasting, video game writing and graphic novel.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update the application inquiries contact details please use this form .

Curious about life in Vancouver?

Find out how Vancouver enhances your graduate student experience—from the beautiful mountains and city landscapes, to the arts and culture scene, we have it all. Study-life balance at its best!

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The Friendly Teacher

A Teaching Blog by Hannah

Distance Learning Writing Ideas

April 16, 2020 by Hannah

Teaching writing through distance learning can be hard. Mainly because they aren’t right in front of you! 🙂 But here are some ideas to keep your students writing and creating ideas even when they are on the other side of the screen!

Daily Writing Digital Prompts

I have been sending my kiddos fun writing prompts to do on Google slides. These topics include opinion, persuasive, informational, narrative, creative, and more!

Their favorite is for sure the would you rather prompts!

They writing a prompt and then add a picture! They LOVE them. They love to type and add pictures and it is a great way to connect with the kids.

Check out the 100 digital writing prompts here!

Google Classroom Questions

We are using Google Classroom and I like to post a question that requires some writing for an answer. This helps them to write out their ideas and gives me a great way to connect with them. The other students will comment on each others answers. More writing and more connection!

Question Examples:

How are you feeling right now?

What is something amazing that happened this week? Why was it amazing?

Describe your typical day during this quarantine time.

YouTube Narrative Writing Lessons

Have you seen Susan Jone’s Youtube Channel?! It is amazing!

She does a 5 day writing lesson that focuses on narrative writing. I have my students watch each lesson and do the activities that she assigns. It is perfect because it is like they are actually learning in a classroom, plus again they are using paper and pencil!

Letter Writing with the Teacher

Do you send your students letters?! It is such a fun way to connect and the kids love it. I let the parents know that if their kiddos wanted to send me a letter they can and I will mail them back. I did warn them it might take me a little while to get back to them because I do have a lot going on, but that they would for sure get a letter back from me at some point! Such an easy way to get kids writing and to connect with them.

Class Pen Pals

Have students become pen pals!! Ask parents if they want their kid to be a pen pal with another student in the class. Then, randomly set up students with one and other. Exchange addresses and have them write back and forth. Yes, you will not be seeing this writing. But it is a great way to keep kids writing and keep them connected with the classroom and each other. Plus, it would be SO.MUCH.FUN.

Directed Drawing with Writing

I am a HUGE fan of directed drawings. They require students to follow directions, be creative, and are super fun. Each time I do a directed drawing I usually follow it up with some writing.

Have kids write a creative story to go with their drawing, have them write about an informational topic and then draw it. Art Hub for kids on YouTube has a TON of great drawings to go with writing. (For this example, we did the doctor and nurse directed drawing)

I also love this because it requires students to do some writing on paper, which we all know they need.

Helping Your Community Through Writing

I have asked my kids to do different writing assignments that help out our community.

For example, I had them write letters to people in the hospital and draw a picture. We had them write letters to our grocery store workers, truck drivers, and nurses. Anything to bring happiness to people in your community while helping them write!

I hope these ideas helped you to get creative for ways that you can keep kids engaged in writing digitally!

Interactive resources you can assign in your digital classroom from TPT.

Easel Activities

Easel Assessments

distance learning creative writing

All Formats

Resource types, all resource types, results for distance learning creative writing.

Creative Writing Choice Boards - Distance Learning Resource

Write Your Own Short Story Narrative Creative Writing Project: Distance Learning

Poetry Formulas Creative Writing Distance Learning

Design Your Own-Print & Digital- Creative & Persuasive Writing - Distance Learning

FREE SPRING Writing Pages - Creative Writing Prompts / Distance Learning

Stretch the sentence! Creative Writing Worksheets Distance Learning Homeschool

At Home Learning Creative Writing Activities Bundle - Grades 1-3

Distance Learning Editable Peer Review Google Form: Creative Writing Short Story

Internet Activities

Distance Learning Creative Writing Prompts- Writing Centers FREE SAMPLE

Creative Writing Prompts (for Kindergarteners) Distance Learning

Writing with the Five 5 Senses, No Prep Creative Writing - Distance Learning

Easel Activity

Thanksgiving RAFT Creative Writing Activity | Digital | Distance Learning

Full Year Creative Writing Curriculum - Distance Learning !

Using Virtual Tours for Descriptive and Creative Writing - Distance Learning

Animated "Build your story" wheels/spinners | Distance learning | creative writing

Creative Writing - Story Writing Templates Distance Learning

Distance Learning Creative Writing Prompts- Spring Themed Writing Centers

Digital Story Starter Creative Writing Prompt: Scary House ( Distance Learning )

Valentine's Day RAFT Creative Writing Activity | Digital | Distance Learning

Roll-A-Story Creative Writing | Digital and Print | Distance Learning

Sentence Combining Creative Writing Exercises Bundle | Distance Learning

Micro Fiction · Creative Writing + Interpretation · Distance Learning

Distance Learning Writing Activities Creative Writing Satire Essay Pack

Design Your Own Digital Bundle- Creative and Persuasive Writing - Distance Learning

TPT empowers educators to teach at their best.

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IMAGES

Distance Learning How To Write
Distance Learning
Distance Learning
Distance Learning: Creative Writing Project Google Classroom
Distance Learning Creative Writing Bundle by Language Arts Classroom
Creative Writing Distance Learning Activity: Create a Setting in 2020

VIDEO

Angels In The Architecture
George's Marvellous Medicine Activities
Pre writing Techniques Part 3
creative thinks creative drawing creative learning creative ideas for kids creative working creative
Creative Writing Lecture: Style
Writing Skill| Principles of Writing ,#Creativity ,#writing ,#languagelearning ,#publishyourbook

COMMENTS

Creative Writing
This Specialization covers elements of three major creative writing genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. You will master the techniques that good writers use to compose a bracing story, populated with memorable characters in an interesting setting, written in a fresh descriptive style. You will analyze and constructively evaluate ...
Best Creative Writing Courses & Certifications [2023]
In summary, here are 10 of our most popular creative writing courses Creative Writing: Wesleyan University Write Your First Novel Michigan State University Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Wesleyan University Good with Words: Writing and Editing Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot Wesleyan University
Online Courses: Creative Writing
The Online Creative Writing Program makes it easy to take courses taught by instructors from ...
Learn Creative Writing with Online Courses, Classes & Lessons
Careers in creative writing. Learning character development, prompt writing, and other skills in this field helps learners think in new ways. Creative nonfiction classes can help writers build communication skills. Classes on the short story can teach professionals how to make their point in a concise manner. A background in creative writing ...
Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program
Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program Get Info Earn Your Way In Excel in 2 Degree Courses to Qualify for Admission Format Online and On Campus Average Course Tuition $3,100 Total Number of Courses 12 Develop your skills in creative writing and literary analysis.
Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning)
The Creative Writing MA (Distance Learning) offers you the chance to study with a range of well-established and award-winning writers in a dynamic writing environment, but without having to relocate or give up current commitments. Taught in our virtual forums and classrooms, modules can be accessed at a time of the week to suit your schedule.
Lesson Ideas and Tech Tools for Teaching Writing Through Distance Learning
1. Use topics to organize your distance learning/writing units, 2. Post mentor texts for students to read at home, 3. Highlight strong student writers by “publishing” their writing for other classmates to read, 4. Post videos that teach writing skills, 5. Allow students to post their writing and provide positive feedback in the form of ...
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Distance) (MFA)
Poets, novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, graphic novelists, magazine writers: they entertain, inform and inspire. For more than 15 years, UBC's Creative Writing program has been educating writers through distance education in a program which complements our long-standing on-campus MFA program.
Distance Learning Writing Ideas
Distance Learning Writing Ideas April 16, 2020 by Hannah Teaching writing through distance learning can be hard. Mainly because they aren’t right in front of you! 🙂 But here are some ideas to keep your students writing and creating ideas even when they are on the other side of the screen! Daily Writing Digital Prompts
Distance Learning Creative Writing Teaching Resources
Writing with the Five 5 Senses, No Prep Creative Writing - Distance Learning by Writing with Tiff 4.8 (5) $5.50 PDF Google Apps™ Internet Activities Easel Activity Working through these lessons, students learn how to make their writing more relatable by …