Overview

The Writing programme at the University of Victoria offers a comprehensive environment for authors to refine their craft through a blend of workshops, seminars, and one-on-one mentorship. This Master of Fine Arts degree focuses on the development of a major creative project, allowing students to specialise in diverse genres while engaging with a vibrant community of creators. By the end of the course, graduates are prepared for professional literary careers and academic roles.

Why Writing at the University of Victoria?

Students benefit from the guidance of an award-winning faculty within the Faculty of Fine Arts. The department provides a supportive atmosphere where writers receive high-level editorial feedback and personalized supervision. Located in Victoria, the university offers a dynamic learning environment that includes optional co-op placements, allowing students to gain professional experience while completing their degree. The curriculum is designed to help students develop their unique voice and master the complexities of revision and professional standards.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 2801 per semester
National fee: CAD 2221 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on advanced creative practice and critical analysis across multiple genres. Modules may include:

Fiction
Creative Nonfiction
Playwriting
Screenwriting
Poetry
Interactive Narratives
Journalism
Media Studies
Digital Storytelling

Careers with Writing

Graduates of this MFA programme are highly qualified for various roles within the creative and academic sectors. Many alumni pursue careers as professional authors, screenwriters, or journalists. Additionally, the degree provides the necessary credentials to teach creative writing at the post-secondary level, including colleges and universities. The skills acquired in giving and receiving editorial feedback also prepare students for roles in publishing, editing, and professional communications across diverse industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Graduate Writing Workshop

Special Topics in Advanced Studies in Writing

Instructional Skill Preparation

Major Writing Portfolio

Directed Studies in Instructional Skills Preparation

Directed Studies in Writing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 20 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Victoria, Canada

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 17 other Masters in Creative Writing in Canada

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An undergraduate degree in any discipline and from any accredited college or university in BC as well as from accredited post-secondary institutions from outside the province. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and a cumulative GPA of B.

There will be only one admission point: September of each year. We will accept only those prepared to make a commitment to full-time studies in the fall and spring semesters of their first year. Applicants will submit a portfolio consisting of samples of writing in the genre in which they wish to study. One of the following will be required: 10-15 pages of poetry; 20-30 pages of playwriting, screenwriting, fiction or creative nonfiction.

Applicants must also submit a 400-word statement of purpose, which will include a description of the manuscript to be worked on and the specific area of expertise to be explored.
The Department of Writing will require two letters of reference.

Work experience

Professional experience, screenings and publications will also be taken into account.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Victoria and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

5602 CAD / year

≈ 5602 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4442 CAD / year

≈ 4442 CAD / year

Living costs

Victoria

Canada

1490 - 2092 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Writing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Work experience

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Victoria

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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