humber college creative writing certificate

Professional Writing and Communications

Online full-time programs.

Online full-time programs are offered as either Daytime, or a combination of Evenings and Saturdays. Check your program Dates and Times to see what the program commitment will be.

Find out more about Full-Time Online programs

Make September 2025 your time to shine. Apply on us and get your $150 application fee back*. See details.

Program Overview

Humber’s Professional Writing and Communications graduate certificate program supports you as you learn and practise the craft of writing while building a website and multimedia portfolio. This unique program provides the core transferrable skills you need to build a successful career in a variety of communications roles and beyond. Building on foundational skills such as storytelling, drafting, editing, pitching, interviewing and research, you will build proficiency in areas such as media writing, social media management, project management and design.    

With a focus on writing for diverse audiences and purposes (including editing writing by Indigenous writers and about Indigenous issues), as well as leveraging technology to maximize the impact of your message, you will be well-positioned to enter the workplace with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed across a variety of sectors. You will also learn how to think strategically in preparation for taking on leadership positions within communications teams or starting your own freelance career.  

This program introduces you to a community of writers that is nurtured through collaboration, networking, professional development and publication.   

At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:

In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.

Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.

Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.

Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.

International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Work-Integrated Learning  

Students complete a twelve-week field experience allowing them to gain valuable practical and professional skills.   

We work with a number of industry partners to place students in positions that align with their interests and employment goals. This includes the possibility of an international internship with one of our global partners.  

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) at Humber

Work-integrated learning.

Work-integrated learning opportunities prepare you for your future career. You will apply what you’ve learned in class and in real-world environments through a wide range of academic, community and industry partnerships. These work-integrated learning opportunities may include field experiences, professional practicums and co-operative education.

Field Experience

A field experience offers students an opportunity to engage in intensive experiences related to their field of study or career goals to build their skills, knowledge and abilities. Field experiences may be paid or unpaid.

Professional Practicum

Programs requiring a professional practicum offer practice-based experience or work hours for a professional license or certification. Students work under the direct supervision of an experienced professional. Placements are unpaid.

Co-operative Education

Students in co-op programs gain experience through paid work terms in their field of study that become progressively more complex as their skill level increases.

Optional Co-operative Education

Students in co-op programs gain experience through paid work terms in their field of study that become progressively more complex as their skill level increases. The co-op portion of this program is optional.

If you would like to learn more about work-integrated learning at Humber, visit WIL AT HUMBER

The Humber Advantage

Is our program right for you.

Do you love storytelling? Reading? Listening to podcasts? When you’re walking down the street, do you spot the typos and errors on signs and in storefronts? Do you sometimes find yourself quietly correcting the copy on the websites you visit?

If this sounds like you, come join our dynamic community of creative-minded writing professionals.

Our program provides a supportive environment where you can learn from experts who will show you how to take your writing to the next level. By practicing and experimenting with different styles and forms of writing, you’ll build the skills, discipline and confidence you need to excel in the communications market.

Added bonus? You’ll form lifelong friendships with members of your writing cohort.

Watch the "Power Up Your Credential!" Info Session to learn more about the Professional Writing and Communications program.

Joining the World of Professional Writing

In today's increasingly virtual and text-based world, writing is everywhere. Yet not everyone can create documents with both accuracy and readability. Your job as a writer is to become very good at language skills such as grammar, style and mechanics. Communications directors and hiring managers are always looking for writers who understand the foundations of writing and editing and who can quickly learn the subject matter of their businesses.

The Professional Writing and Communications program is delighted to have the following professionals on its advisory committee.

Career Overview

Graduates of this program may find employment as

• Communications specialists or coordinators
• Freelance writers
• Web copywriters
• Social media managers
• Social media marketing specialists
• Report writers
• Proposal writers
• Grant writers
• Project Managers
• Journalists

Note: This is a post-graduate certificate. You must already have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from a university or college.

Professional Writing and Communications Specialist Entrance Scholarship

One entrance scholarship is available. For more information about how to apply, please visit the website.

Scholarship Value: $1000

Academic Excellence Award in Professional Writing and Communications

This annual award is presented to the graduate of the Professional Writing and Communications Postgraduate Program who has achieved the highest overall GPA.

Award Value: $500

Excellence in Professional Writing

This annual award is presented to a graduate of the Professional Writing and Communications Postgraduate Program who has demonstrated both academic excellence and leadership in the program.

Expert Faculty

• FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

You will learn from expert professors with advanced degrees. Our professors are committed to providing you with practical, hands-on as well as the theoretical knowledge necessary to help you achieve the career you want. Learn more about our people by browsing through the profiles of full-time faculty members:

David Miller

David (D.D.) Miller is the program coordinator of the Professional Writing and Communications graduate certificate program. He received undergraduate degrees in English literature and creative writing at Mount Allison University and the University of Victoria before completing his MFA at the University of Guelph. Miller has published articles and stories in a number of academic and literary journals and anthologies and is the author of a collection of short fiction, David Foster Wallace Ruined My Suicide and Other Stories (W&W: A Buckrider Book, 2014), and a book of sports social history focusing on women’s roller derby, Eight-Wheeled Freedom (Wolsak & Wynn 2016). Within Humber’s English Department, Miller is the co-editor of The Humber Literary Review, where he also writes profiles of Canadian authors, and is co-chair of Humber@TIFA, an annual interdisciplinary academic conference held in conjunction with the Toronto International Festival of Authors. Miller, who is of English, Scottish and Nbisiing Anishinaabe descent and is a member of Nipissing First Nation, regularly presents on strategies for indigenizing English and writing curriculums, including at the annual Ontario College Association of Language and Literacy (CALL) conference. In addition to serving as the PWC program coordinator, Miller also teaches the program’s course on editing for writers.

Your Career

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study.  According to the Conference Board of Canada, the ability to communicate is one of the essential employability skills that employers require. The ability to read carefully, write effectively and think critically provides the foundation to obtain, keep and progress on a job.    

Graduates are able to find employment in a variety of industries such as finance, hospitality and health services, as well as in government, not-for-profit organizations, corporate communications, publishing and digital media.  

Program Availability

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit .

International Students in Canada who apply for September 2024 start could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now

Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Upcoming Recruitment Events

Program delivery types.

Block-based: Students select a pre-set weekly schedule of courses that best meets their needs. Block-Based schedules may include in-person, hybrid and online courses.

Course-based: Students create their own schedule of courses from among in-person, hybrid and online options.

Condensed Week - Courses requiring students to come to campus are scheduled over 2-3 days per week. Online courses are scheduled on other days.

Online - Courses are scheduled only online and may be delivered asynchronously, where students study independently or synchronously, where students attend the online class on a specified time and day.

Twilight - In-person, online synchronous and hybrid courses are generally scheduled after 3:00pm.

Twilight-Online: Online synchronous courses are generally scheduled after 3:00 pm.

Building The Foundation: Humber College Helps Students Find Their Way Into Post-Secondary Education

The need for pathway programs has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on workforce opportunities.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Humber College Pathways Program

Associate Dean of Pathways and graduate, Cameron Farrar, share their top 10 reasons to choose one of the Arts and Science Pathways programs.

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

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GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK *

Apply on us this september.

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:

• Career-focused Programs
• Work-integrated Learning Experiences
• Useful Student Support and Services
• Student Fees & Financial Resources Hub
• Visiting Experience Humber Virtually

Sign Up   to be notified of upcoming recruitment events and activities.

How to Apply

Domestic students.

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca . Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability , or ontariocolleges.ca .

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map .

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre .

Admissions Questions

General enquiries.

Call 416-675-3111 or email [email protected] . If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca .

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

David Miller, program co-ordinator 416.675.6622 ext. 72095 [email protected]

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students .

Sign-up now for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an apprentice.

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions  

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP  

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca . Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

Need Advice?

Program advising appointments.

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following four requirements:

To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

• A bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma, diploma, or equivalent

Mature Applicants

Diplomas and certificates.

An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

College Transfer Applicants

An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

University Transfer Applicants

An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

Letter of Intent

Please submit a one-page letter of intent (350 words) outlining your interest in this field of study. Your letter should express why you have an interest in professional writing and communications and in Humber's Professional Writing and Communications graduate certificate program.

Submission Instructions

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy .

International Credit Evaluation

Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Applying with an International Baccalaureate (IB)

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1, 2

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for three semesters was:

• domestic: $6,003.34
• international: $19,169.12

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees by Semester

International fees by semester.

*Plus Mandatory Health Insurance fee once per academic year: Fall start - $420 Winter start - $280 Summer start - $140

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources .

Scholarships

Humber scholarships.

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships . International students can visit International Student Scholarships .

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

• Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
• Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.

Pathway Options

Below are a few examples of pathways into this program. For more information on a pathway, click the Details button. To see all of your possible pathway options, click the View All Pathways link underneath the table.

Additional information will be made available to students from their program before the beginning of the Winter term. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. The delivery mode of some courses is still being determined. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.

You can find a complete list of programs with downloads including program and course details at Current Student Resources  

Students in programs marked as online/in-person will have a combination of those two types of delivery. Additional information will be made available to students from their program in the first week of June. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. The delivery mode of some courses is still being determined. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

Analyze the elements of storytelling in texts and choose appropriate narrative techniques and forms for a variety of writing projects.

Create documents suitable for a diversity of audiences and purposes using advanced linguistic and rhetorical skills.

Create documents that adhere to standards of structure/formatting for standard print and electronic forms such as informational articles, reports, blog posts, and web site copy, and strategically repurpose content across these forms.

Integrate new communications technologies into an existing media toolkit.

Manage a multifaceted editorial project or communications campaign from the planning stages through completion, using a team-oriented, collaborative leadership style.

Adapt a consistent, unique writing voice to different platforms and genres.

Assess the needs of complex communications campaigns and then select and deploy appropriate strategies to meet those needs, using knowledge of communications theory and audience analysis.

Produce and/or edit error-free publications for both print and on-line environments, through the use of grammar and mechanical rules, correct and relevant editorial terminology, and copy-writing and style guides.

Analyze the structure and mechanics of a variety of document forms, both electronic and print, and apply substantive, line-level, and copyediting revisions as appropriate.

Analyze the media landscape and the range of communications fields to plan ways to navigate the industry and market oneself.

Create an online portfolio and social media profile to market writing skills to potential employers and freelance clients.

Select suitable and credible research sources for strategic applications to a range of advanced communication challenges.

How to Apply

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca . Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program. To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber's program pages or ontariocolleges.ca .

Admissions Road Map

Apply through Ontario Colleges

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Apply through the International Centre

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the following 5 requirements:.

To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

• A bachelor’s degree, diploma, advanced diploma or equivalent

Mature Applicants

Diplomas and certificates.

An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

College Transfer Applicants

An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

University Transfer Applicants

An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

English Language Proficiency

International credit evaluation.

Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

Cover Letter

Please submit a cover letter describing the single book-length project you intend to work on in the program, your writing experience, and any relevant life experience. The letter should be no more than two pages, double-spaced in 12-point font. Please include your name and email address, and submit as MS Word or PDF.

Writing Sample

Please submit a sample of your writing that is no more than 15 pages in length. Ideally, the writing sample should be taken from the project you intend to work on in the program. If this is not possible, please submit a sample in the same form/genre (e.g., fiction if you intend to work on a novel). The manuscript must be prepared according to professional standards: double-spaced, 12-point font, with name, title and page number on each page. Please submit as MS Word or PDF.

Submission Instructions

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC EQUIVALENCY

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

APPLYING WITH AN INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

• domestic: $3,895.50
• international: $18,833.08

Fees are subject to change.

Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of scholarships each year.

*Plus Mandatory Health Insurance fee once per academic year: Fall start - $420 Winter start - $280 Summer start - $140

Program Specific Questions

Alissa York, program co-ordinator   416.675.6622 ext. 3451 [email protected]

Admissions Questions

Domestic students  .

Phone: 416-675-5000 Email: [email protected]

Visit Humber

Book A Tour

Recruitment Events

Speak to a Recruitment Advisor

Speak to a Student Ambassador

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Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

15 Top Creative Writing Courses in Toronto

By Shikha Pandey

Are you a resident of the capital city of Ontario and are looking for a writing class?

Below you’ll find 15 top creative writing courses in Toronto.

1. Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing at Humber College

With over 300 alumni who have gone on to become published writers, Humber College is the go-to destination for aspiring authors in Toronto.  As a writer and author, there are different aspects one can need help or guidance with. Polishing your idea, finishing a manuscript, giving your characters the right voice and direction are some levels one can get stuck on. Getting practical, useful advice from experienced writers and professional authors can make a visible difference. If you have written a novel, fiction, non-fiction or poetry and need some encouragement, this course is perfect for you. Published, successful authors such as Margaret Atwood, Martin Amis, Hari Kunzru, Alistair McLeod and Peter Carey have mentored students and graduates in this course. You can access their knowledge, experience and wisdom right from your home! The faculty also includes impressive names like Kim Fu, Dennis Bock, Don Gillmor, and Joseph Kertes. There are intakes in September 2019, January 2020, and May 2020. The course lasts for 2 semesters. The fees for 2018 were $3,363.20 for two semesters. You can use this link to apply for admission.

2. Creative Writing: Introduction at University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

It can be difficult to know which genre or style to pick once you start writing. You need to find your tone, voice, writing style, and depth. A short or quick course can give you instincts, ideas, and suggestions to improve or hone your writing. The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies has one of the biggest Creative Writing programs and options available for students to choose from. There are almost 90 courses in Writing and Creative Writing! This course is a great starting point for amateurs or young writers trying to find their footing in the industry. While writing is a creative skill, practice and hard work can help improving it in a great way. The course has 32 sections to choose from and taught by different writers and teachers. You can select various sections or choose all the sections to get a comprehensive perspective. Kara Billey Thordarson, Ken Murray, Alexandra Leggat, and Michel Basilieres are some of the faculty members.  The sections start from $599 and you can select the ones suitable for your career or goals. They are listed here along with the respective faculty members.

3. Creative Writing: Getting Started at George Brown College

It’s not enough to have a good idea to write a novel. You need to grasp narrative, writing structure, style, characters, and voices to make it worth reading. An introductory course to Creative Writing can boost your confidence and push you in the right direction. Selecting this course will also benefit you by understanding your target audience and ensuring your book is tailored for the market in a favorable manner. Every writer has a distinctive touch and style they should be known for. This intensive yet compact course can provide you with an insight into finding your voice. The course begins on 1 st May 2019 and is on till 31 st July 2019. It costs $343 and you can register using this link on their website.

4. Creative Writing: Novel Writing Level I at The Chang School of Continuing Education

The Chang School of Continuing Education has an entire series of courses in Creative Writing for beginners, intermediate, and advanced writers. Students can choose up to 3 courses to receive a Professional Development Award. The Novel Writing Level I course is the ideal choice for authors to dip their toe into writing or beginning a novel. A lot of writers or students have no trouble beginning to write a novel. The trouble begins when they can’t carry the novel to the end or give it a reasonable middle. A supportive group of like minded students and sensible teacher is present here for you to receive feedback from. Understanding your weaknesses can make you a better writer and give you a new angle on the way you write. You can learn on how to make a novel outline, shape the story and pack a punch with your characters. The instructor is Sarah Sheard for the Spring 2019 term which begins on 29 th April 2019. Find the enrolment dates and instructions available here. The course costs $500 and you can select it by visiting this link.

5. Writers Bootcamp at Start Writing

An intensive 8-week writing workshop that can open your eyes and provide you to intense practice is a boon for writers. Writers of all levels and ages can consider joining this group of writers. A selective group of 10 writers take part in real time writing exercises. These exercises and tips will improve your writing skills, allow you to broaden your horizon and experiment with genres. Constructive and positive feedback is provided by fellow group members during these workshops. The goal of these workshops is to push you to write regularly and practice your craft. The workshops begin 16 th April 2019 and cost $390. You can visit this page to register for the course.

6. Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at York University

A degree program at an established university can do wonders for your professional career. Creative writing is not something that can be taught but it can be improved upon. Students will be encouraged and supported to build a portfolio of genres from short stories, novels, interactive media, plays, comic books to graphic novels and screenplays. Writing for a wide variety of genres will strengthen your writing and hone your imagination. You will have to choose 1 or 2 genres to specialize in. The 4 year course is available for undergraduate students and can be done full time or part time. Previous alumni and students have gone on to become successful writers and authors and recognized internationally for their work. Admissions are open for Fall 2019 intake. You can visit this link to learn about fees, admission requirements, and how to apply.

7. Creative Writing at Centennial College

A lot of writers and authors are their own fiercest critics. A supportive environment, like the one at Centennial can allow you to be kind and know your limits. It will also provide you with a real sense of where your writing stands currently. Positive reinforcement and ideas are provided to students so they can improve their craft and push themselves to be better. There are multiple options for interested writers to pick from. You can do a course in Script to Screen writing or Journalism should you prefer a particular genre or medium. The course is open to admissions for 2019. You can use this link to learn more about fees and admission requirements.

8. Creative Writing Certificate at University of Guelph

Having a particular milestone and somebody to push you towards it makes a vast difference to a writer. An external motivator and guide can allow you to experiment and take risks without diluting your originality. The Creative Writing Certificate at University of Guelph is a brilliant way to learn from experienced writers and teachers. 6 classroom based courses, two required courses, and a final capstone project are included for you to gain experience. Activities and writing exercises are offered for students to polish their writing and improve their skills. The course is open to writers of 18 years or older and having completed high school. You can use their Student Portal to register for information and learn about fees.

9. Creative Writing at Seneca College

Being part of an exclusive class of writers gives you a platform to shine and receive complete attention. The 3 month Creative Writing course at Seneca College is meant for writers to read, review and critique works of their fellow students. Works by previously published authors and compelling novels are read and evaluated to gain insights from. The faculty members push you to take on genres or styles that you shy away from. Moving out of your comfort zone makes you a better writer and artist. It also strengthens your belief in your capacity and tells you what you can achieve. This class is held at the Newnham campus and costs $313.20. You can add this course to cart and it will guide you to the registration page.

10. Writers’ Co-operative at Toronto Public Library

Writing is a solitary job. It can get exhausting trying to research ideas, write, edit, and then critique on your own. That’s why joining a close knit group of writers or attending workshops can be so beneficial. Toronto Public Library holds regular seminars and workshops for writers of all ages. From trying to help you find inspiration to holding open mics, they manage it all. The Toronto Writers’ Co-operative is held weekly where members can read their works, receive feedback and interact with published authors. The atmosphere and nature of these workshops are informal compared to traditional courses. This can make writers feel comfortable and let them approach authors with ease instead of relying on the teacher-student dynamic. There is no formal structure or approach but a pure focus on the craft and art of writing. You can also join this group if you have writer’s block and need some inspiration or material. The dates are available here and you don’t need to register.

11. Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing and Publishing at Sheridan College

One of the only degree programs in Canada to blend writing and publishing, this course is a must for writers and authors. It makes complete sense that any writer should have awareness and knowledge of the publishing world. This degree will teach you practical and real life things that can be applicable in your professional life. In today’s age, writers have to market and sell their books and ideas. Through this course you will learn how to project your book and idea in the right way to your audience. Literary workshops, events, and meetings are held for budding authors to network and create a supportive community.  Students are asked to edit, write, review, and publish work so they can experience what goes in publishing and printing a novel. The faculty includes published authors, writers who have won awards for writing, editing, and playwriting. The course lasts for 8 semesters and will include electives. The approximate fees for 2 semesters for international students are $16,587 (Canadian dollars). International students can use this link to apply for admission while Canadian students can check this page .

12. Introductory Creative Writing by Quick Brown Fox

Brian Henry is an accomplished editor, blogger, and teacher. He has been in the publishing industry for almost 25 years.  A Creative Writing teacher at Ryerson University , he also runs the popular literary blog Quick Brown Fox. Through his blog, he provides resources, ideas, and tips for writers all over the world. Brian has started an intensive 9 week course to give beginners a glimpse in creative writing. You can be an absolute amateur or somebody struggling with the basics or just wanting to review your skills, this workshop and course will refresh your mind. You can expect to write engaging dialogue, change your tone, and improve your skill. Students offer positive and encouraging feedback to each other and boost their confidence. At $199, the course is worth every penny. Batches begin April 18 th and April 26 th . You can email Brian to reserve a spot and learn more details.

13. Creative Writing at Roxanne Snider’s Creative Writing Workshop

An instructor and writer, Roxanne Snider started her Creative Writing workshops in 2004. Since then they have become a respite for writer and authors in need of inspiration or reassurance. Writing is a very personal and subjective craft. One can never really learn or teach it from courses and textbooks. That’s why this workshop is so essentially because it is tailored for every person. They take the pressure away from the writer and instead ask them to commit to writing. Exercises, prompts, tips, and suggestions are offered for the students and they are expected to engage in discussion and activities. The best writers are often great readers and Roxanne will introduce you to stunning literary talent that you may not have been aware of. The admissions for Spring 2019 are open and the workshop begins on April 11 th . It costs $400. You can email Roxanne for further details and information.

14. Writing for Film & TV at Toronto Film School

A lot of creative writing courses and workshops are heavily skewed towards print and publishing. If you are interested in writing scripts for film or television, you should consider Toronto Film School . The country’s premier media school, it has a course for writers interested in working on scripts and screenplays. Writing for Film & TV will enable you to experience the world behind the screen, the technical knowhow and the difference between print and media. Film and TV writers will attend events and mentor you during the course. Students can be expected to create their shows, films, edit, write, and produce it for projects and credits. Pitches, drafts, screenplays, scripts, and outlines are some of the formats you can hope to learn here. The faculty includes prominent names in the industry such as Adam Till, Ken Chubb, Fern Levitt, and Jonas Chernick. The program fees for each term are $5,745. You can visit their application page to apply for admission for 2019.

15. English: Writing and Communication Concentration at Tyndale University

The combination of English, writing, and communication will completely prepare you for a career as a writer, editor, novelist, and film-maker. You can analyze, edit, review, and critique content while creating it. The course will immerse you in all aspects of creating, writing, and communicating. This allows you to select the profile or role you prefer or are skilled at. You can visit their application page to learn about dates, fees, and requirements.

Are there any other creative writing courses in Toronto you know of? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!

Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.