Charting your writing journey: Top creative writing courses in Canada, Ireland, UK
- Sheelagh Caygill
- May 17
- 6 min read
Updated: May 19
If you are drawn to the craft of writing, choosing the right creative writing course can be a pivotal step in the development of your writing and your career.
Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom have some of the best creative writing Masters and certificate programs in the world. Discover the top creative writing programs for diverse needs and aspirations in our list of 20 exceptional programs to nurture your writing. We look at the immersive classroom experience, flexible distance learning, Bachelor's degrees, focused Master's, and specialized creative writing certificates.
Top creative writing courses across Canada: Nurturing literary talent
Canada's creative writing landscape is vibrant and incredibly diverse, reflected in the country's array of creative writing programs:
The Humber School for Writers (Toronto, Ontario): Renowned for its mentorship-based approach, Humber offers a Creative Writing Graduate Certificate program. This 28-week online program usually begins each September and pairs students with established writers for one-on-one feedback on book-length projects across genres. It also hosts an intensive week-long Summer Workshop in Creative Writing on their Lakeshore Campus. For a more comprehensive undergraduate education, Humber has a Bachelor of Creative and Professional Writing program.
University of Brock - Certificate in Creative Writing (St. Catharines, Ontario): This flexible certificate program offers a foundational understanding of creative writing through a series of courses covering diffeent genres. It caters to both aspiring and practicing writers who want to develop their skills. Courses are offered online, too.
University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario): A leading Canadian university with a comprehensive English department offering multiple avenues for creative writers:
BA (Honours) in English - Creative Writing Specialization: This undergraduate program provides a strong foundation in literary studies alongside focused creative writing workshops in various genres.
MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing: This Master's level program offers intensive workshops and mentorship for students working on significant creative projects.
School of Continuing Studies - Creative Writing Certificate: This certificate program offers a range of courses for writers at different levels, with options for both online and in-person learning.
University of Guelph MFA Program (Guelph & Toronto, Ontario): This renowned two-year Master of Fine Arts program focuses on fostering diverse voices and imaginative storytelling. Students benefit from intensive workshops, plenary courses on writing and the literary world, and individual mentorship. The program has a strong reputation for producing published authors.
University of Saskatchewan MFA in Writing (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan): This two-year MFA program offers a supportive and challenging environment for writers to develop their craft in fiction, poetry, and drama. The program emphasizes both creative work and critical engagement with literature. Students benefit from close interaction with faculty and a vibrant writing community.
University of Victoria - Creative Writing Program (Victoria, British Columbia): Situated in a city with a strong literary tradition, UVic offers both undergraduate and graduate programs:
BFA in Writing: This four-year undergraduate program provides a comprehensive education in creative writing across various genres, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting.
MFA in Writing: This two-year graduate program offers intensive workshops, individual mentorship, and opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration.
Creative writing courses in Ireland: Embracing a legacy of storytelling
Ireland's astonishing literary and creative writing heritage provides obvious fertile ground for aspiring writers. The following are some of the best-rated and top creative writing courses at the Batchelor and Masters degree levels in the Republic.
University College Cork (Cork): UCC offers a vibrant literary environment with a strong tradition in creative writing:
BA (Hons) English: While not solely focused on creative writing, the English program at UCC offers modules in creative writing, allowing students to explore their creative talents alongside literary studies.
Website: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ck101/ (Students can then specialize through module choices.)
MA in Creative Writing: This one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) program provides intensive workshops and individual supervision for students developing their writing in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Website: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cke08/.
Trinity College Dublin (Dublin): Located in the heart of Ireland's literary capital, Trinity offers a prestigious academic environment:
BA (Hons) English Literature: Similar to UCC, the undergraduate English program offers opportunities to engage with creative writing through dedicated modules.
Website: https://www.tcd.ie/English/undergraduate/ba-english-literature/ (Students can then specialize through module choices.).
MPhil in Creative Writing: This highly regarded one-year full-time program focuses on intensive workshops and the development of a significant creative project.
University of Galway (Galway): Situated in a region with a strong artistic community, the University of Galway offers:
BA (Joint Honours) with Creative Writing: Students can combine the study of Creative Writing with another subject, allowing for a broad and enriching undergraduate experience.
MA in Writing: This one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) program provides a supportive and challenging environment for writers to develop their voice and refine their craft in various genres.
UK creative writing: Tradition meets innovation in creative writing education
The UK has a long writing and literary history, and there are now numerous universities offering excellent creative writing programs:
Northeast University London - MA in Contemporary Creative Writing (London): Located in a global literary hub, this MA program focuses on contemporary approaches to creative writing, exploring innovative forms and interdisciplinary practices. The program benefits from its London location, offering access to literary events and industry connections.
University of Warwick - BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing (Coventry): This undergraduate program offers a balanced approach to literary study and creative practice. Students develop critical reading skills alongside their writing abilities, exploring a range of genres and forms.
Royal Holloway, University of London - BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing & MA in Creative Writing (Egham, Surrey): Royal Holloway offers both undergraduate and postgraduate options in a picturesque setting near London:
BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing: This undergraduate degree provides a strong grounding in literary studies alongside dedicated creative writing workshops.
MA in Creative Writing: This Master's program offers intensive workshops in fiction, poetry, and screenwriting, with opportunities for individual supervision and engagement with the London literary scene.
Newcastle University - BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing & MA Creative Writing (Newcastle upon Tyne): Newcastle University provides a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for aspiring writers:
BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing: This undergraduate program combines the study of literature with practical creative writing workshops across various genres.
MA Creative Writing: This Master's program offers focused workshops in fiction, poetry, and playwriting, with opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
Leeds University - BA English and Creative Writing & MA Creative Writing (Leeds): Leeds University offers a vibrant cultural scene and strong academic programs:
BA English and Creative Writing: This undergraduate program provides a comprehensive understanding of literature alongside practical creative writing skills.
MA Creative Writing: This Master's program offers intensive workshops in fiction, poetry, and scriptwriting, with opportunities for individual feedback and engagement with the literary community.
Lancaster University - BA (Hons) English Literature with Creative Writing & MA Creative Writing (Lancaster): Lancaster University offers a highly regarded creative writing program within a supportive academic environment:
BA (Hons) English Literature with Creative Writing: This undergraduate program combines literary study with dedicated creative writing modules.
MA Creative Writing: This Master's program offers intensive workshops in fiction, poetry, and scriptwriting, with a strong focus on individual development and professional practice.
Flexible learning: Online creative writing options
For those who require flexibility, several institutions offer excellent creative writing programs that can be completed remotely:
Open University (UK - Distance Learning): The Open University offers a range of online creative writing courses and qualifications, from introductory modules to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with creative writing components. Their flexible learning model allows students to study at their own pace, regardless of location.
University of Oxford - Online Creative Writing Courses (UK - Distance Learning): Through its Department for Continuing Education, the University of Oxford offers a variety of online creative writing courses, including short courses and longer programs. These courses provide high-quality instruction and feedback from experienced writers.
University of East Anglia - Online MA in Creative Writing (UK - Distance Learning): Building on the reputation of its renowned on-campus program, UEA offers a flexible online MA in Creative Writing. This program provides rigorous instruction and a supportive online community for writers developing their craft in various genres.
Bath Spa University - Online MA in Creative Writing (UK - Distance Learning): Bath Spa University, known for its strong creative writing department, offers an online MA program that provides structured learning, peer interaction, and expert feedback for writers seeking to advance their skills.
Northeast University London - MA in Contemporary Creative Writing (London): Noted above in our UK list of programs, the NU London program also offers distance learning for both FT and PT students.
Choosing the right creative writing program is a big decision. Speak to the alumni and faculty before you make a decision. Consider your learning style, career goals, and the specific genres you wish to explore. The programs we have focused on all offer exceptional teaching and have strong reputations. Remember to visit the websites provided to explore each program in detail and find the perfect fit for your creative aspirations. If you are thinking about Northeast University London as an option, both Emma and Sheelagh are part-time students there, so feel free to ask us any quesions about the program.
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