In this cross-disciplinary and collaborative program, you will develop your individual voice and refine your writing craft, while exploring multiple art and design practices. You will explore living literary culture and art practices, delving into the craft, production, and performance of spoken, written, visual, and experimental texts across and beyond established genres.
This program embraces bold creative expression, encouraging 'attitude' both on the page and in performance, as well as through other media. You will be part of a nurturing and supportive literary community that encourages the exploration of written, performance and visual expression. You will participate in and contribute to print journals, symposia, workshops, public performances, field trips and local readings, a publication fair, reading series and more.
By the end of your degree, you'll complete a body of work ready for publication or exhibition to launch your career.
Program Highlights
Admissions Requirements
- For Ontario high school students, a minimum overall average of 70%
- Statement of Intent
- Official transcripts
- Portfolio requirements here
- see detailed academic requirements here
Internships & Experiential learning
OCAD U offers so much more than co-ops because creative careers take many forms. Our career services help you build a professional community, valuable experience and skills you need for a meaningful career. Get access to:
- Short experiential learning placements from among hundreds of organizations
- Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners
- Exclusive summer internships
- Gallery exhibitions of your work
- Freelance creative opportunities
- Jobs after graduation
At the End of this Program...
At the end of this four-year program, you will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree.
Jobs You Can Get
Graduates of this program can work in:
- Professional Writing
- Editing/ Publishing
- Copywriting
- Journalism
- Arts & Cultural Programming
- Screen and scriptwriting
- Content Writing & Strategy
- Social Media & Content Creation
- Grant Writing/Development Writing
- Performance Art
- Community Animation & Education
- Narrative Design
- Video Game Writing
What You'll Do in the Program
In first year, you will take art or design studio courses based on your interest as well as:
- Art history
- English class of your choice
- The study & practice of creative writing
In second year and third year, you will take art, design, social science and humanities courses based on your interest as well as required creative writing courses in:
- Intro to four genres (poetry/spoken word, nonfiction, fiction and drama)
- Printmaking & publications
- Dub and spoken word
- Research and editing for writers
- Writer in community
In third year, you will have options to take classes in art and design that interest you, but you'll focus more on creative writing. Subjects include:
- Poetry
- Non-fiction
- Fiction
- Studies in Canadian literature
- Indigenous literature
- Editorial publications or literary journal creation
In fourth year, all students will also have the opportunity to complete a thesis project and showcase work at GradEX - OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition, the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with over 40,000 visitors. Alternatively, you can select from a cluster of advanced creative writing courses including:
- Field placement
- Spoken forms & performance
- Hybrid & experimental writing
- Professional practice for writers
Minors
In all undergraduate programs, you can choose a minor to go along with your major. A minor gives you the opportunity to pursue a focused secondary field, helping you expand your practice, skills and knowledge. It can make you stand out to employers, graduate schools, or in grant applications by showing expertise in more than one field.
You don’t need to choose a minor on your application; once you start at OCAD U, you can choose from over 90 electives to build towards one of our 25 focused minors. Learn more about Minor Programs here.
Meet our alumni
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