Editing a magazine, proofreading a website, or giving feedback to an aspiring author – all of these jobs can be found at Canadian universities, and all of them offer attractive employment opportunities to a newly-minted master of creative writing.
Thanks to the rise of digital natives and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, many universities have seen a boom in online learning. This has enabled them to offer flexible courses and keep their student body at a healthy level. Many universities have also seen a rise in student applications per course, showing a growth in interest in their degrees.
As a creative writing professor at a Canadian university, you will enjoy high rates of student satisfaction, as well as a steady stream of new talent coming through your doors.
Why a Masters in Creative Writing?
With the rise of the creative writing MA program, a lot has changed in the world of literature. Thanks to the work of Canadian creative writing professors like Keith Wilson, Robin Fischer, and Neil Gibson, as well as pioneers like J.K. Rowling, the world of literature is now open to anyone with a keen interest in storytelling. With a dedicated study of creative writing, you will gain the skills needed to become a successful author, editor, or scholar.
A masters in creative writing is a good fit for students who already have a background in writing, whether that be through completing a creative writing degree, or through apprenticing as a copywriter or journalist. Those who have an interest in teaching also have the option of applying for a more senior position at a university or college, so that they can become a literary executor or instructor.
What Will I Learn?
A master of creative writing will not only learn the theory and techniques of writing, but will also develop valuable skills that will be useful to them as they progress in their career. With courses like Advanced Editing, Critical Analysis of Contemporary Fiction, and Technical and Creative Writing for Media Professionals, you will learn how to plan, write, and publish a magazine or book.
These are all essential skills for any writer, and they will all feature heavily on your resumé as you progress in your career. You will learn how to engage with an audience through compelling narratives and well-crafted prose, while honing your critical thinking and analysis skills. In this way, you will develop a well-rounded understanding of both theory and practice.
Is This a Good Time to Pursue a Masters in Creative Writing?
Although the current state of the economy may not be great, there are still plenty of opportunities out there for those with a suitable educational background. Many universities have reopened their doors, enabling students to continue their studies online. The result is that Canadian universities have seen a rise in online applications and students taking up to 75% of their courses online. This trend is likely to continue, particularly as more and more people become keen to continue their studies whilst also caring for their families.
Thanks to the high levels of engagement and access to technology, this is an ideal time for ambitious students to study creative writing at a Canadian university.
Where Can I Study?
If you are an aspiring author, and you live in Toronto, you must consider applying to the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Toronto. With courses like Novel in One Year, you will have the opportunity to work with renowned Canadian and international authors, as well as gain valuable experience in the industry.
Many universities and literary courses in Canada offer a special graduate degree for those seeking to become a published author. While this may be an excellent route, you should not rule out other options entirely. With the right support and guidance, many students have found success in a number of fields.
In some cases, a student may enter the field with a generalist or semi-professional approach, but then decide to specialise after gaining valuable practical experience. This often results in a lucrative career, as well as a satisfying life as a writer.
Deciding on your future career is extremely important, as is making the right choice of university/college. Be careful not to rush into applying to any old institution – instead, look for the best fit, whether that is a well-established, reputable university or college, or an innovative, cutting-edge institution that may offer you a fresh new perspective. If you can access the Internet, do some research online to find out more about the courses available, the teaching staff, and the student body. This way, you will make the right decision for you.
What Will My Researching Career Be Like?
If you are fortunate enough to secure a PhD position after graduation, your research will undoubtedly be on publishing, editing, or writing for digital platforms. As a creative writing professor, you will be teaching and mentoring a large number of students, enabling you to set the tone and direction of your research. As part of your research, you will conduct a survey of your students to determine what they are interested in, as well as what areas of study they feel are lacking in existing programs.
Depending on how the research project goes, you may be able to secure funding to conduct further experiments, or even publish your findings. The results of this work may also be used to inform future curriculum and/or job listings, enabling you to have a truly lasting impact on your chosen career field.
What Will My Teaching Career Be Like?
Thanks to the rapid rise in popularity of the creative writing degree, a lot has changed in the world of literature. Before the pandemic, teaching a creative writing course in a Canadian university would have been a daunting task. Thanks to the reprieve that the pandemic has afforded the educational sector, many institutions have seen a rise in student applications. This has enabled them to offer more courses, and has made the challenge of teaching a creative writing course a whole lot more manageable.
As a creative writing professor, you will enjoy highly motivated and engaged students, who are eager to take up the challenge of a new subject. Thanks to the flexibility of distance learning, you will be able to accommodate several working hours at a time, so that your students can continue their studies while also maintaining a job, a family, and their own social lives. This will enable you to set the tone and pace of your teaching, while also ensuring that each lesson is engaging and of benefit to the student.
After completing your studies, you may find yourself in a situation where you have a number of job options open to you. Depending on your chosen specialty, you may find yourself in a situation where you have a number of job options open to you. If you are seeking further employment, a good place to start is your resumé, which you can edit and update as needed. When applying for jobs, don’t just submit your resumé – showcase your unique skills, and include a small number of sample articles, or include a link to an online portfolio of your work. For more information on writing a winning resume, take a look at the blog article below.