Diploma in Writing and Publishing at Okanagan College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Program overview

The Diploma in Writing and Publishing is a two-year program that delves into the multifaceted world of writing and publishing. Students will explore various disciplines including English, creative writing, editing, and communications theory, while also acquiring practical skills in graphic design, typography, coding, and book publishing. This comprehensive approach equips graduates with the necessary tools to navigate the evolving landscape of the publishing industry, which has been significantly transformed by digital advancements.

Program structure

The Diploma in Writing and Publishing is designed to be completed in a two-year timeframe. The program offers both Full-Time and Part-Time delivery options, allowing students to choose a schedule that best fits their needs. Key features of the program structure include:

Hands-on learning experiences through applied and academic courses.
Access to industry-standard software from the first day of class.
Unique opportunities such as a working letterpress print shop and in-house publishing elements.
Specialized courses available primarily at the Vernon campus.

Students will engage in a variety of learning formats, including workshops, labs, and studios, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that prepares them for the demands of the publishing field.

Featured Experiences

The Diploma in Writing and Publishing program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Access to a working letterpress print shop, providing hands-on experience in traditional printing techniques.
Involvement with Kalamalka Press and Ryga: A Journal of Provocations, allowing students to engage with real-world publishing projects.
Creative writing workshops that foster individual writing styles and critical voices.
Web publishing labs that teach students how to create and manage digital content.
Book design studios that provide practical skills in layout and design.

These experiences are designed to help students build a robust portfolio that showcases their skills to potential employers.

Career Options

Graduates of the Diploma in Writing and Publishing can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Graphic Designer: Create visual content for print and digital media, focusing on aesthetics and functionality.
Web Designer: Develop and design websites, ensuring user-friendly interfaces and engaging layouts.
Professional Writer: Craft content for various platforms, including articles, blogs, and marketing materials.
Book and Magazine Editor: Oversee the editing process for publications, ensuring quality and coherence in written content.
Publisher: Manage the production and distribution of books and other media, coordinating with authors and designers.
Art Editor: Supervise the visual aspects of publications, including layout and imagery.
Literary Agent: Represent authors and their works, negotiating contracts and promoting their writing.
Publicist: Manage public relations and marketing strategies for authors and publishing houses.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to leverage their skills in various sectors of the publishing industry.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Okanagan College official website

Program overview

Regular Applicants:

A regular applicant will be a secondary graduate or a secondary school student, or its equivalent, who has or who will complete the requirements for senior secondary graduation, or its equivalent, not less than one month prior to commencement of classes for the semester to which admission is sought - either fall or winter. The following minimum entrance requirements will apply to regular applicants:

B.C. secondary graduation, or equivalent.

English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.

Students with a passing grade of less than 60% in English 12, English 12 First Peoples or TPC 12 will be admissible to the first year of the program, subject to the following conditions:

Registration is restricted to courses for which the student satisfies the prerequisites. Registration in first-year English courses is, therefore, prohibited.

Successful completion of the English entrance requirements within the first year of studies. This may be done in one of the following ways:

Successful completion of English 12, English 12 First Peoples or TPC 12 or an equivalent course with a minimum grade of 60%. This may be done concurrently through the College's Adult Basic Education Program or by completing an equivalent course through a distance education program.

Mature Applicants:

A mature applicant will be at least 19 years of age and will not have attended secondary school on a full-time basis for a minimum period of one year.

Secondary graduation is waived for mature applicants. The English entrance requirements, as stated above, must be satisfied prior to admission. Admission may be granted on the condition that the entrance requirements will be completed prior to the commencement of classes for the semester to which admission is sought - either fall or winter.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!