Advertising Copywriting
Apply for September 2025 and get your chance to win $5,000 toward tuition* See details.
Program Overview
So, you want to work in advertising…as an art director, copywriter or account manager. Where can you learn what you need to know to get into the game?
At Humber, we offer one-year Ontario Graduate Certificate programs in Advertising Copywriting and Advertising - Art Direction. Here you can learn the necessary skills in a new, innovative format that replicates the business you are about to enter.
Students from these two advertising disciplines take classes and work together in teams to learn every aspect of the industry. Your networking begins day one.
Just like in the real world.
The Advertising Copywriting program gives you the specialized skills to develop creative solutions to real business problems and will be offered at Humber Downtown as of Fall 2025. Over two intense semesters, you will develop a variety of strategic, conceptual and practical skills. You’ll learn how to write powerful, effective, engaging copy for all media. As well, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of advertising art direction, marketing, branding and strategic development. This unique combination of skills will enable you to build a comprehensive portfolio of creative work (adartcopy.com) that reflects the industry standards required for field experience and entry-level copywriting positions.
Courses
At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:
In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.
Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.
Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.
Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.
The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.
International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
| Course code and Name | Delivery Type by Location | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Name | North | Lakeshore | Downtown | DL/Online |
| Semester 1 | |||||
| CAD 5000 | Copywriting 101 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| CAD 5005 | Art Direction 101 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| CAD 5015 | Advertising Studio 1 - Copywriting and Art Direction | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| COPY 5013 | Writing for Digital Media | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| COPY 5014 | Copywriting Concepts | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| FAA 5000 | Introduction to Advertising | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| FAA 5005 | Creative Brief Development and Strategy | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| Semester 2 | |||||
| CAD 5200 | Intensive Portfolio Development | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| CAD 5215 | Advertising Studio 2 - Copywriting and Art Direction | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| COPY 5513 | Digital Storytelling | N/A | In-Person | N/A | In-Person |
| COPY 5514 | Persuasive Copywriting | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| COPY 5520 | Copywriting 201 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| FAA 5205 | Professional Practice | N/A | Online (A) | N/A | N/A |
| Semester 3 | |||||
| COPY 5510 | Field Experience - Advertising Copywriting | N/A | Hybrid In-Person Online (A) Online (S) |
N/A | N/A |
Work-Integrated Learning
Work-Integrated Learning courses serve as the vital link between academic learning and real-world application. Within this framework, students actively participate in the Professional Practice course, equipping you with the necessary skills and confidence to secure your own field experience. Throughout this journey, a dedicated career & work-integrated learning advisor offers personalized guidance and support.
In Semester 3, students immerse themselves in the Field Experience course, committing 280 hours of practical application within the field. Whether pursuing paid or unpaid opportunities, all experiences undergo approval by your career & work-integrated learning advisor to ensure relevance.
The Humber Advantage
BuildingF (formerly the AdCentre) brings marketers and agencies together with advanced students from virtually any Humber program to produce strategic creative content and technology solutions.
Instead of just being given a grade for assignments, students are provided with a chance to work with real clients, on actual accounts, receiving first-hand experience in the field.
The disciplines that can be accessed through BuildingF include anything found in a modern advertising, design or PR agency, including brand experience design, communications marketing, advertising design, writing, production, and much more.
"Humber gave me a great foundation for copywriting and what a creative idea looks like. The attention I got from instructors really helped me build my portfolio. If you're looking to get into the creative industry, the Ad Copy program is the right place to start."
Sucheta Shankar, Associate Creative Director, Wunderman Thompson, Graduated 2014
"The Humber Advertising Copywriting program was the perfect training ground. There, I learned how to ideate, write headlines, evaluate layouts, and more. After I had all the building blocks down, I was able to create a strong student portfolio which led to my first internship, first job, and the career I have today. I would absolutely recommend this program to all aspiring copywriters!"
Morgan Starr, Associate Creative Director, Ogilvy Canada, Graduated 2015
"This program is about so much more than a piece of paper. The instructors help you discover what makes your writing style unique and guide you as you use that to build a killer portfolio. Along the way, they also introduce you to dozens of industry professionals and do everything they can to set you up for success. Anyone interested in turning a passion for writing and big ideas into a career should apply."
Ethan MacDonald, Copywriter at McCann Canada, Graduated 2021
"I enrolled in Humber’s Advertising Copywriting program after a former student recommended it to me – and I’d gladly pass that recommendation along to anyone looking to get into the industry. The entire program is centred on preparing students for real-life applications of what is being taught. I still use techniques I learned in school daily. My favourite textbook lives on my work desk. During my time as a student, I got to visit agencies, work on live briefs, meet industry professionals, and create a portfolio. And once I was ready to shop my portfolio around, I gained access to a huge network of alumni who were eager to help a fellow Humber grad. I learned about an internship opportunity through the school which has since become my permanent, full-time position. I’m glad I took the leap and enrolled at Humber."
Justina Elias, Copywriter at Target Marketing and Communications, Graduated 2020
"I adored my time in the Humber College Advertising program because it opened my eyes to how an incredible idea in advertising can change the world. I learned how to create integrated campaigns and build a portfolio for myself, which helped me get hired within a year of graduating. The connections I made and the concepts I learned continue to help me immensely in the industry. I recommend this program to anyone interested in writing professionally."
Wendy Fox, Sr. Copywriter at Junction59, Graduated 2017
"The Advertising-Copywriting course at Humber is as rewarding as it is challenging. It pushes you to be creative beyond your boundaries and equips you with all the necessary skills that are needed to excel in the advertising industry. When I graduated, I had all the tools under my belt that readied me to take on the challenges of the advertising world. I had some of the most inspiring instructors who I revert to for advice, even to this day. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to channel their creativity straight into a career and learn how to do it great."
Karishma Wadia, Copywriter at Zulu Alpha Kilo, Graduated 2021
"Coming into Humber, my goal was to just land a job where I could sit down. I didn’t know a thing about advertising, how the industry worked, and had no idea how it was possible to break in. This program gave me all that and more. The instructors didn’t just help me build a portfolio to get my foot in the door or give my what I needed for once I was in, they showed me I could build a career far beyond anything I’d ever imagined for myself. All by learning a skill that doesn’t even really feel like work - being creative."
Kohl Forsberg, Creative Director, Leo Burnett, Graduated 2013
"Humber’s Ad Copywriting program did an amazing job preparing me to work as a copywriter in an advertising agency. I believe that the best way to learn is by doing. And at Humber, I got to work on projects that are directly applicable to what I’m doing today. The program constantly encouraged and supported me to think of big ideas, hone my skills, build a portfolio and evolve it into something I’m truly proud of. It was such a privilege to be taught by instructors who have had a tenured career in the industry. Their insightful guidance paired with learning alongside my über-talented classmates was truly a blast and pushed me to do my best work. I’m really grateful to have been surrounded by so many like-minded, inspiring and creative people."
Emma Lorenzi, Junior Copywriter, John St, Graduated 2021
"I walked into Humber knowing little about advertising. A year later, I left with the tools and a portfolio to break in and stay in."
Jordan Darnbrough, Associate Creative Director, Rethink, Graduated 2015
Want a career in advertising AND free tuition?
Looking to get your foot in the door at one of Canada’s top creative companies? Zulu Alpha Kilo founder Zak Mroueh created the 20Doors Scholarship Fund to open doors for new voices to enter the advertising industry. This scholarship is open to BIPOC students and covers the tuition for a one-year post-graduate program in copywriting or art direction. Zulu Alpha Kilo will provide mentorship to kickstart a successful career in advertising.
To apply, send us an email at 20Doors@zulualphakilo.com with:
- A video about yourself. In 2 minutes, introduce yourself and tell us why you think you’d be great for the ad industry.
- An example of your creativity. Never made an ad? No problem! Send us anything from a video to music to something you wrote. We’re looking for your creative potential.
Be part of the next generation of great creative thinkers. Apply today at 20Doors.ca.
Expert Faculty
Anika Chabra
Anika Chabra is a professor for the Advertising Art Direction, Copywriting and Account Management graduate certificate programs. She is the co-founder of Root & Seed, a physical/digital startup disrupting the culture and preservation space, after spending two decades working in international advertising agencies and boutique creative shops: BBDO Canada, TRG, Publicis, Grey Canada, and No Fixed Address, to name a few. With experience with end-to-end solutions for clients across verticals, her leadership and solution-oriented approach as VP managing director has led to long-term client relationships, business and agency success.
Trent Thompson
I am a professor for the Advertising Copywriting and Art Direction graduate certificate programs. I’ve been doing this for almost 25 years. And by "this," I mean being a writer and creative director. I’ve done work and won awards for some of Canada’s biggest brands. And I’ve done it at some of the country’s top agencies: currently back at Cossette and previously at Oliver Agency, No Fixed Address, BBDO, MacLaren MRM, Proximity Canada and TrackDDB. And between doing great work with even better people, I’ve judged at award shows like National Advertising Challenge, The International DMA ECHO Awards, New York Festivals, Anvil Awards (Western Canada) and The Canadian Marketing Awards.
Your Career
Graduates are prepared to work as copywriters in advertising agencies, marketing communications agencies, digital agencies, in-house creative departments and other businesses that provide creative solutions to business challenges.
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Program Availability
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Downtown (IGS) | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Downtown (IGS) | Open |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now!
Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Downtown (IGS) | Open |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
How Humber Advertising Programs Get You Industry-Ready
Watch the video to learn more about Humber's Advertising programs.
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