Athabasca University

What you'll study

Coursework covers professional and creative writing in print and digital forms and explores multimodal meaning-making (audio, images, design) alongside storytelling practices such as memoir and writing-the-self. The focus examines how the internet, platform economies and artificial intelligence produce new genres and modes of communication, and how digital tools shape social, political and economic life. The program requires 33 credits, of which at least 18 credits must be taken through Athabasca University. Courses are offered in paced study (defined terms) and individualized study (monthly starts).

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree and complete an academic writing assessment. Students apply to the MA – Interdisciplinary Studies and then submit a study plan to declare the Writing and New Media focus. There are three annual intakes; application deadlines listed by term are Jan. 15 (spring), May 15 (fall) and Sep. 15 (winter).

Career prospects

The focus prepares graduates for roles that value strong writing and digital literacy across creative, professional and media contexts. Typical destinations include writing and editing, digital communications, content strategy, media production and other positions where understanding digital platforms, storytelling and the socio-political impacts of technology is important.

Scholarships & funding angle

Program fees, tuition and ancillary charges apply; Athabasca publishes detailed fee schedules including a 2026–2027 estimated total program tuition for a Canadian-resident student taking all courses at AU ($22,572). Additional mandatory charges such as the AU Graduate Students Association fee are included in course fees; applicants should consult Athabasca University’s financial services and graduate funding pages for scholarships, bursaries, fee details and policies on transfer credits, continuation and other administrative fees.