MACL Students Interested in Creative Writing
UBC’s Creative Writing Program (CRWR) invites MACL students who want to take Writing for Children and Young Adults to participate in specific classes related to their degree.
Please note that students applying to the MACL Program who wish to take CRWR courses can choose one of the following options:
- Apply to do a hybrid CRWR thesis which includes writing an entire early chapter book, middle-grade or young adult novel, or
- Take some creative writing classes.
Applying for a Hybrid MACL/CRWR Thesis
CRWR/MACL faculty member Emily Pohl-Weary supervises MACL students who undertake creative writing theses. To satisfy the requirements for your Master’s Degree, you will write and revise an entire manuscript for an original early chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel. It is an intensive process that includes significant revision. You are expected to participate in advanced classes at or around the same level as CRWR graduate students.
When preparing your application to MACL: In order to assess your suitability for this specialized MACL stream, please include a creative writing portfolio of approximately 20 pages along with your application. Your portfolio should include some work in your intended genre: early chapter book, middle-grade, or young adult novel. It is also recommended that you briefly describe previous creative writing experience in your statement of intent.
Hybrid CRWR/MACL Thesis Stream Students Taking CW Classes
Once you are accepted into the Hybrid CRWR/MACL Thesis Stream, you will be granted access to CW’s advanced Writing for Children and Young Adults classes.
Advanced CW classes meet for two hours weekly but include a significant amount of preparation. They are workshops with very little theoretical or lecture content, and are designed so that students generate original writing for children, which is peer workshopped by class members, as well as the instructor.
You may take up to 12 credits of advanced Writing for Children and Young Adults classes throughout your degree with a range of different instructors (see the CW faculty list for more information).
If you have questions related to registration, please contact Heather Miller (crwr.undergrad@ubc.ca).
Other MACL Students Taking Creative Writing Classes
Other MACL students who are interested in taking CRWR classes in Writing for Children and Young Adults must send a portfolio of at least 10 pages of writing for young readers to Heather Miller (crwr.undergrad@ubc.ca) by May 1. Also include a brief statement about your previous creative writing experience.
CRWR will assess your portfolio. It is likely you will be placed at an intermediate level, but may have the opportunity to advance. You can take up to 12 credits of CW classes throughout your degree with a range of different instructors (see the CW faculty list for more information).