Master of Arts in English with Creative Writing Thesis Option at UNBC - University Of Northern British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-08-20

Program overview

The Master of Arts in English with Creative Writing Thesis Option at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of literature while honing their creative writing skills. This program emphasizes the critical analysis of literary texts and the development of effective writing and communication skills. Students engage in a rigorous academic environment that fosters intellectual debate and encourages the exploration of personal and social identity through literature. The program is available on both a full-time and part-time basis, allowing flexibility for students to tailor their educational experience to their needs.

Program structure

The Master of Arts in English program is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience over a two-year period. Students can choose between two options: a thesis-based MA or a course-based MA. Key features of the program structure include:

Program Length: Typically completed in two years.
Thesis-Based MA: Requires five graduate courses and a thesis.
Course-Based MA: Involves six graduate courses and a major research paper or creative project.
Students are assigned a supervisor to guide their academic journey.
Elective courses are available to complement the core curriculum.

Both options encourage close intellectual dialogue and collaboration among students and faculty, fostering a vibrant academic community.

Featured Experiences

The Master of Arts in English program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning process:

Opportunity to engage in a Creative Writing Thesis, allowing students to produce a creative project instead of a traditional thesis.
Access to a supportive supervisory committee that assists in course selection and academic progress.
Seminar-style courses that promote active participation and discussion.
Close collaboration with faculty members who are experts in their fields.
Engagement in critical and theoretical discussions surrounding literature and creative writing.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Arts in English with Creative Writing Thesis Option can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Writer/Author: Create original works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or scripts for various media.
Editor: Work with publishing houses or magazines to refine and prepare written content for publication.
Content Strategist: Develop and manage content strategies for businesses, ensuring effective communication and engagement with audiences.
Academic Researcher: Conduct research in literary studies, contributing to academic publications and conferences.
Teacher/Educator: Teach English literature and creative writing at various educational levels, inspiring the next generation of writers and thinkers.

These career options highlight the versatility and applicability of the skills gained through the program, preparing graduates for success in diverse fields.

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

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Last updated on 2025-08-20

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Master of Arts in English with Creative Writing Thesis Option, the following academic requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International students, including those from Vietnam, should be aware of the following:

Senior Secondary School Graduation Diploma (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học) is required.
A minimum average grade of 5 or higher in English 12, three academic subjects, and an elective is necessary.
Transfer applicants must have a minimum of 15 credit hours of acceptable university-level coursework from a recognized post-secondary institution.
It is recommended to provide grades from the final two years of upper secondary school for prerequisite purposes.
Official documents must be provided prior to the start of the semester.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at UNBC. Consequently, it is expected that an applicant be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the use of English in order to receive and participate in classroom instruction and discussion as well as to complete written assignments. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of English language proficiency prior to admission.

Acceptable evidence of English language proficiency may be any one of the following tests (or its online equivalence, as determined by the Office of the Registrar):

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 90 or higher in the internet-based test, with not less than 20 in each of the Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking components; score of at least 230 in the computer-based test or at least 570 in the paper-based test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules.
Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher.
A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in the UNBC English Language Studies 50 and English Language Studies 170.
A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in an articulated BCCAT EAP (BC Council on Admissions and Transfer English for Academic Purposes) 4 program.
A final grade of 50% or better in English Studies 12 from the British Columbia high school system.
A final grade of 75% (B) or better in a University-transferable English course.
A final grade of 75% or better in CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) / CISCE (Council for The Indian School Certificate Examinations) Class XII English Core.
Completion of two full years of full time degree level studies or equivalent at a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction.
A final grade of 2 or better in AP (Advanced Placement) English Literature and Composition or AP Literature and Composition.
A final grade of 3 or better in IB (International Baccalaureate) English A1 or A2 (higher or subsidiary level).
MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score of at least 80, with a minimum of 3 on the Speaking Rating Scale.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) or the CAEL CE (Computer Edition) Assessment score of at least 70, with no subtest below 60.
A grade of B or better on Cambridge English Qualification C1 Advanced.
PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): overall score of 65, with not less than 60 in each of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

For the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NCBNP), the following are required for admission:

fulfillment of the BC high school English Studies 12 requirement (70%); and
either an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic, or a CELBAN (Canadian English Language Assessment for Nurses) with current, valid results and scores as set by BCCNM for the year of admission.

In order to be considered valid, results must be sent directly from the testing agency/institution to the Office of the Registrar. Scores are valid for a period of two years.

Please check with our team for more details.

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!