The Writer's Studio: Creative Writing Certificate

Every writer needs the right tools, techniques and support to develop their work. The Writer’s Studio part-time creative writing program is designed for writers who are ready to immerse themselves in a manuscript. You’ll join a supportive community as you master your craft and establish a sustainable writing practice.

Overview

Format: Part-time
Completion time: 10 months
Locations: Vancouver, online

Why this program?

Striking a balance between a formal, full-time MFA (master of fine arts) and individual writing courses, the Writer’s Studio offers training in the theory, craft and business of writing. As you work towards your Creative Writing Certificate from SFU, you’ll benefit from:

  • One-on-one mentorship from experienced, published authors
  • Small workshop groups focused on specific genres
  • A high ratio of instructional hours per tuition dollar
  • Support in completing your manuscript
  • Practice in giving public readings
  • SFU alumnus status and benefits upon program completion

Compare us to an MFA

  The Writer’s Studio MFA Program
Location Vancouver or Online Various
Cost $5,500 $20,000 - $40,000
Full-time/Part-time Part-time Full-time
Duration 10 months 2 years
Total hours 141 Varies
Student’s work published at the end of the program Yes No

Junie Désil,

Poetry

Brian Payton, Fiction, Non-Fiction

Stella Harvey, Fiction, Personal Narrative

Saleema Nawaz,

Fiction

Roz Nay,

Commercial Fiction

Format

Part-time

Location

Vancouver or online

Program completion

10 months
To graduate, pass all courses and submit a final portfolio.

Program dates

  • Sep 2023–Jun 2024 online
  • Jan–Dec 2024 Vancouver/online
  • Sep 2024–Jun 2025 online

Learning methods

  • Mentor-led group workshops
  • Courses (see list below)
  • One-on-one mentor consultations
  • Mentor readings and talks
  • Guest author panels
  • Practice in delivering public readings

Schedule

  • Weekly course modules (about 3 hours of course work)
  • 2 workshops/month (2.5 hours each)
  • 3 mentor meetings (1 hour each)
  • Other weekly sessions (3 hours each)

View Sep 2023 program schedule
View Jan 2024 program schedule

Courses

Required courses:

Learning materials

Required textbook:

Chesham, A. and Farina, L. (Eds.) Resonance: Essays on the Craft and Life of Writing. Anvil Press, 2022. ISBN 978-1-77214-184-9.
Available from the publisher or your local bookstore. 

Cost

$5,500
$75 program application fee

Scholarships

  • Writing Mom Scholarship: $1,000
    Open to mothers with children under 18 (scholarship is trans-inclusive)
  • Emerging Writer Scholarship: $1,000
    Open to all applicants

To be considered, add a second page to your program application letter that explains how the scholarship would help you.

Application info

Applications accepted twice a year:

  • May 1–Jun 30 (for Sep start)
  • Sep 1–Oct 31 (for Jan start)

Application details

Want to get published?

GET FEATURED IN OUR ANTHOLOGY

As a Writer’s Studio student, you’ll see your work published in our annual anthology, emerge, which is launched each year at the Vancouver Writers Festival.

View anthology

JOIN SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI

Graduates of the Writer’s Studio have gone on to publish their work and earn recognition in regional and national awards and competitions.

Meet our alumni

REGISTER FOR COURSES

Not ready for a full program? Take individual writing courses, available throughout the year.

Find courses

GET WRITING FEEDBACK

Book a consultation on your manuscript with a member of our writing community.

View options

Upcoming events and workshops

Attend an online info session

Reserve your spot to explore the program and chat live with program staff.

Sign up for email updates

To stay informed about this program, please fill out the form below.

Yes, sign me up for the creative writing email list.

About our Collection of Personal Information policy.

Applications accepted twice a year:

  • May 1–Jun 30 (for Sep start)
  • Sep 1–Oct 31 (for Jan start)

Application details

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