Writing (MFA)
As one of three programs in Canada offering an MFA in Writing, this program emphasizes both how to write and how to teach creative writing. You’ll focus on developing and perfecting your work in one of five genres: fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting or poetry. We also encourage you to explore new forms, like the graphic novel or interactive media.
You’ll work with internationally published writers and a small cohort of peers in a supportive environment. When you leave our program, you’ll take a polished body of work with you and skills that will help you to get published or produced, to sustain a career in the creative arts and to find a job as a writer, editor or post-secondary instructor.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 20 months | Yes | No |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Students in this program will:
- develop the ability to give and receive creative and constructive editorial feedback in a workshop setting
- develop critical reading skills and a familiarity with a diverse range of contemporary creative works across multiple genres
- understand how to use literary and/or dramatic techniques to create compelling and original creative compositions
- acquire the skills and experience to teach creative writing at the post-secondary level and for community groups
- write a major creative capstone project in your chosen genre
Find a supervisor
All graduate students will be assigned a faculty member who will serve as their academic supervisor.
You don’t need to confirm a supervisor before applying to this program. However, we encourage you to take a look at the faculty contacts to see whose creative work complements yours.
Danielle Geller
Assistant Professor, Graduate Advisor Creative nonfiction, memoir, speculative fiction, documentary studies, archives.
David Leach
Professor Creative nonfiction, literary journalism, the nonfiction novel, adventure travel, ecological literacy, magazine publishing, teaching with technology, sports writing, memory and creative writing, interactive narrative, video games, digital storytelling, extended reality (XR) technologies and generative AI. Note: I am interested in recruiting MFA or Interdisciplinary graduate students in the fields of interactive narratives and digital storytelling.
Deborah Campbell
Associate Professor, Director of Professional Writing, Lansdowne Chair in Fine Arts Creative nonfiction, literary journalism, memoir, biography, travel writing.
Diane Dakers
Assistant Teaching Professor Journalism, media studies, fiction for young adults, nonfiction for children.
Kathryn Mockler
Assistant Professor Short film writing, feature film writing, TV writing, poetry, short fiction, experimental writing, hybrid genres, editing and publishing, climate/eco writing, small press publishing.
Kevin Kerr
Chair, Associate Professor Stage, screen, collaborative creation, site-specific theatre, multimedia performance.
Marita Dachsel
Assistant Teaching Professor Poetry, drama, installations, hybrid genres, fiction.
Maureen Bradley
Professor Film production, experimental film, drama, documentary, Canadian and queer media arts.
Sean Holman
Associate Professor, Wayne Crookes Professor of Environmental and Climate Journalism Environmental journalism, investigative journalism, solutions journalism, community building journalism, government and corporate secrecy, freedom of information, and more.
Shane Book
Associate Professor Poetry, filmmaking, screenwriting, fiction, nonfiction, film/literature/visual art/music/dance of the African diaspora, poetics, philosophy, hip hop culture, and more.
Show me program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Your program details
Application deadlines
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a portfolio
- a 400-word statement of purpose, which includes a description of the manuscript you want to work on and your specific area of expertise
- two reference names and their email addresses
- your references should be able to give an assessment of your academic standing, talent as a writer, critical ability, capacity for doing self-directed work and teaching potential
Typically, we only accept one applicant per genre per year.
Portfolio
Please submit a portfolio of writing samples in your preferred genre of study. You may submit one of the following:
- 10-15 pages of poetry
- 20-30 pages of playwriting, screenwriting, fiction or creative nonfiction
If applicable, summarize your professional experience and publications in one to three pages for additional consideration.
Submissions in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction must have a minimum 1.5 line spacing.
Submissions in playwriting and screenwriting should follow their industry-standard formats.
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a portfolio
- a 400-word statement of purpose, which includes a description of the manuscript you want to work on and your specific area of expertise
- two reference names and their email addresses
- your references should be able to give an assessment of your academic standing, talent as a writer, critical ability, capacity for doing self-directed work and teaching potential
Typically, we only accept one applicant per genre per year.
Portfolio
Please submit a portfolio of writing samples in your preferred genre of study. You may submit one of the following:
- 10-15 pages of poetry
- 20-30 pages of playwriting, screenwriting, fiction or creative nonfiction
If applicable, summarize your professional experience and publications in one to three pages for additional consideration.
Submissions in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction must have a minimum 1.5 line spacing.
Submissions in playwriting and screenwriting should follow their industry-standard formats.
Completion requirements
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Need help?
Contact Valerie Tenning at writing@uvic.ca or 250-721-7306.