Creative Writing

Are you an aspiring writer who enjoys sharing your stories and ideas with others? Enrol in this online College Certificate program and explore your writing potential in a practical, constructive and goal-oriented academic environment.

  • Develop your individual writing style while following accepted writing practices and concepts
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
  • Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Schedule

Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.

Program Summary

Credential

College Certificate (See overview for details)

Program Code

Area of Interest

Creative Media and Communications

To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years.

SUCCESS FACTORS...(read more)

Overview

Are you an aspiring writer who enjoys sharing your stories and ideas with others? Enrol in this online College Certificate program and explore your writing potential in a practical, constructive and goal-oriented academic environment. Learn the basics of writing, the structure of language, concepts in aesthetic criticism and the key steps involved in the writing process. Emphasis is placed on developing an individual writing style as students produce works in various genres.

To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Possess good written and oral communication skills.
  • Are self-directed in online learning environments.
  • Enjoy the art of writing.

Courses

Registration Note:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

OnlineDistance Education   
Course
Number
HoursCourse NameWinter
ENL001148.0Writing GrammaticallyDistance Education
ENL001245.0Essentials of Writing FictionDistance Education
ENL001345.0Understanding LiteratureDistance Education
Elective: choose 2
ENL001448.0Writing Short StoriesDistance Education
ENL502945.0Romance WritingDistance Education
ENL000642.0Poetry WritingDistance Education

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ENL0011 Writing Grammatically

Students learn the rules of English grammar in a comprehensive, easy-to-follow manner. The course begins with a review of sentence parts, followed by an in-depth explanation of sentence structuring, and culminates in a practical review of stylistic conventions in business and professional writing.

ENL0012 Essentials of Writing Fiction

Core elements needed for creative writing are covered. Students gain an understanding of the process of creative writing including theme, setting, plotting, characterization and the use of dialogue, enabling them to successfully discover their writer's voice and build confidence in their writing abilities.

ENL0013 Understanding Literature

Students become familiar with the tools necessary to appreciate literature critically by reviewing literary history and examining different genres. Themes and conventions associated with these genres are explored and an understanding of literary analysis and various critical approaches is developed. For creative writing students, a framework in which to appreciate and evaluate their own writing is provided.

ENL0014 Writing Short Stories

This is an introductory course for the aspiring story writer who focuses on the particularities of this literary genre. Character development, narrative unity, and plot construction are explored by analyzing selected short stories and participating in writing exercises. Students follow a step-by-step approach to producing a story suitable for publication. The process of submission for publication, as well as the various opportunities for publication, are examined.

ENL5029 Romance Writing

Develop skills in creating intriguing plots, fascinating settings, engaging characters, and satisfying romances through examples and practical exercises.

ENL0006 Poetry Writing

Poetry is the undercurrent of the language. It is the pulse that makes writing dynamic. Poetry Writing provides the skills necessary for better writing and for the creation, development, and marketing of publishable poems.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment opportunities as freelance writers. Graduates may also pursue career paths within organizations where publishing, writing, editing and marketing support functions are required.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Tuition & Fees

2024/2025 Academic Year

Fees are subject to change.

Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.

Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.

Additional program related expenses include:
The approximate cost of books and supplies is $130 over the program duration. For more information go to https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials/students/.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).

Program Eligibility

The following requirement is recommended to ensure success in the program:

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
  • It is recommended applicants with international transcripts have the following IELTS or TOEFL scores to ensure success: IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.

Application Information

Registration Note:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

Additional Information

Program Resources

International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.

PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

AC Online ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).

Contact

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.

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