OKANAGAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE · CANADA
Diploma in Writing and Publishing
Diploma · Taught in en · UCAS WRTPUB
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€32k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- 2 yearsDuration
- DiplomaCredential
- On-campusDelivery Mode
- Vernon & KelownaLocations
- $50,950 CADInternational Total Program Cost
- $5,328 CADDomestic Annual Tuition
This two-year diploma program combines English studies, creative writing, editing, and communications theory with practical skills in graphic design, typography, coding, and book publishing. You'll learn to navigate the evolving publishing industry, covering everything from the initial writing process to the final stages of publishing in various formats. The program aims to develop your writerly voice, critical thinking, and professional writing skills for diverse audiences, preparing you for a range of career opportunities in traditional and new media.
Curriculum
The program is structured over two years, covering a range of foundational and intermediate courses in English, creative writing, publishing, communications, design, and marketing. Graduation requires successful completion of 60 credits, with at least 30 credits at the 200-level, and no more than 30 credits from a single discipline.
- Year 1
- Critical Writing and Reading (Poetry and Drama)ENGL 150
- Critical Writing and Reading (Short Fiction and the Novel)ENGL 151
- Critical Writing and Reading (Narrative)ENGL 153
- Introduction to Creative Writing ICRWR 116
- Introduction to Creative Writing IICRWR 126
- Applied Publishing SkillsFINA 170
- Design FoundationsFINA 171
- Introduction to CommunicationsCMNS 100
- Introduction to Mass CommunicationCMNS 110
- Journalism FundamentalsCMNS 120
- Introduction to Digital MediaCMNS 130
- MarketingBUAD 116
- Elective Course
- Year 2
- Introduction to Publication DesignFINA 201
- Advanced Publication DesignFINA 202
- Small Press Publishing in Canada from Curation to ProductionENGL 204
- Applied Publishing Studies: Introduction to Book ArtsENGL 205
- Women in LiteratureENGL 210
- Survey of English Literature IENGL 211
- Studies in Children's LiteratureENGL 212
- Studies in British LiteratureENGL 213
- Studies in the Theory and Practice of Creative WritingENGL 220
- Survey of English Literature IIENGL 221
- Studies in International Literature in EnglishENGL 222
- Studies in Canadian LiteratureENGL 223
- Topics in Women's LiteratureENGL 230
- Studies in Popular NarrativeENGL 231
- Studies in American LiteratureENGL 233
- Studies in Indigenous Literature in CanadaENGL 236
- Studies in Nature WritingENGL 237
- Pre-production for PublishingENGL 206
- Web Development for PublishingENGL 207
- Studies in Professional EditingENGL 209
- Intermediate Workshop in Creative Writing - PoetryCRWR 216
- Intermediate Workshop in Creative Writing - FictionCRWR 217
- Intermediate Workshop in Creative Writing - DramaCRWR 218
- Intermediate Workshop in Creative Writing - Creative Non-FictionCRWR 219
- Intermediate Workshop in Creative Writing-ScreenwritingCRWR 281
Careers
Graduates can pursue employment in various roles within the publishing and media industries, or continue their studies. The program also offers pathways to further education at other institutions.
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Professional Writer
- Book and Magazine Editor
- Publisher
- Art Editor
- Literary Agent
- Publicist
Entry requirements
BC Secondary Graduation or equivalentMinimum requirements for senior secondary graduation. If graduating in the current academic year, completion must be at least one month prior to program start.
English 12 or equivalentMinimum 60%.
English 1260%
Applicants who do not meet the 60% in English 12 may be admitted if they achieve 60% in English 12, English 12 First Peoples, or TPC 12 or equivalent. This can be completed through Okanagan College's Adult Basic Education or through a distance education program. First-year English courses are prohibited until this requirement is met. Mature applicants (19+ with a year out of secondary school) must meet English entrance requirements but are waived from secondary graduation.
Fees
Tuition (international)$50,950 total program cost
Tuition (home)$5,328 per year (approx. $10,656 total program cost)
Living—
Fees include all mandatory fees (Activity, Health & Dental, Student Association, Education Technology, Development). Amounts are approximate for a full-time student taking 5 courses per semester and are subject to change. Detailed international tuition fees are available separately.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsEnsure you meet the BC Secondary Graduation or equivalent and English 12 (minimum 60%) requirements. If you have lower than 60% in English 12, ensure you have a plan to meet the requirement through other approved courses.
2. Apply to the ProgramSubmit your application for the desired intake (September or January) and campus location (Vernon or Kelowna).
3. Submit DocumentationProvide transcripts and any other required documents to support your application.
4. Meet English RequirementsIf applicable, complete any outstanding English entrance requirements before the start of classes.