Diploma in Professional Writing Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus, Canada

Learn highly marketable skills in writing for a career in digital and print media.

With a focus on both professional and creative writing, the two-year Professional Writing Ontario College Diploma program teaches you the skills and flexibility to work as a writer in a variety of fields. You learn writing skills for digital and print media from nationally recognized writers, authors and communications experts.

Acquire the necessary skills to write independently and collaboratively in freelance and organizational settings. With attention to detail, learn to research, write, edit and proofread.

Many writers balance freelancing with other employment, so the program focuses on the development of creative skills along with knowledge of the existing market for fiction and creative non-fiction in Canada. You gain highly marketable communications, writing, and editing skills that are useful in many industries in both for-profit and non-profit sectors.

During the program, local writers lead workshops and may mentor you in the field. If you maintain a B+ average in the program, you have the opportunity to participate in a work environment for a 180-hour field placement where you can apply your writing skills while building connections with potential clients and employers.

Graduates from this program have a wide range of exemplary writing skills and comprehensive knowledge of contemporary social and political issues needed to begin careers as professional writers.

Graduates may find employment at a junior level as a:

• communications officer
• marketing copywriter
• copy editor
• researcher
• proofreader
• web content writer

Graduates also have the skills to be hired on contract or as a freelancer to write magazine-style articles, booklets, brochures, training materials and manuals.

You may also consider continuing your education and training through Algonquin`s Advertising, Public Relations, Scriptwriting, Technical Writing, Journalism, Broadcasting - Television and Streaming Video or Broadcasting - Radio and Podcasting programs.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have a solid foundation in the basic rules of English grammar.
• Have strong written and oral communications skills.
• Are inquisitive, well-organized and have an analytical nature.
• Can work independently.
• Enjoy researching topics and gathering information.