The Graduate Writing Program
 

About the Program

The Department of Writing began its MFA program in September, 2008. The two objectives of the program are to create a publishable or producible body of work, as a Major Writing Project, in one of five genres (fiction, nonfiction, playwrighting, film and poetry) and to train students in the teaching of writing at the post-secondary level. Students will work with such core faculty as Bill Gaston, Lorna Jackson, Lee Henderson (fiction), David Leach, Lynne Van Luven (nonfiction), Joan Macleod (playwrighting), Maureen Bradley (film) and Lorna Crozier and Tim Lilburn (poetry).

Admission to Master's Program

For admission to the program, an undergraduate degree in any discipline and from any accredited college or university will be necessary. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative B GPA and an undergraduate degree.

Persons wishing to apply for the MFA program should 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 playwrighting, screenwriting, fiction or creative nonfiction. Professional experience and publications will also be taken into account. These should be summarized in one to three pages. Submissions in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction must have a minimum 1.5 line spacing.

Please note: in the drama stream intake alternates between stage and screen each year. Please consult with the Graduate Advisor for information on this year's schedule.

You also should submit a 400-word statement of purpose, which will include an account of what you hope to accomplish in the graduate program and a rough description of the work you wish to pursue in your major writing project.

The Department of Writing will require two letters of reference which will include the following: an assessment of the student’s academic standing, talent as a writer, critical ability, capacity for doing self-directed work, and teaching potential.

Prospective students also should apply separately to Graduate Studies, University of Victoria. Please consult the Graduate Admissions and Records web site for applications guidelines.

Application for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies must be submitted on forms obtained from:

     Graduate Admissions and Record Office
     University of Victoria
     PO Box 3025
     Victoria BC
     V8W 3P2

or downloaded from the Faculty of Graduate Admissions and Records website at http://registrar.uvic.ca/grad/ or completed on line at http://www.pas.bc.ca

The application deadline for Fall 2012 admission is December 15, 2011.

For more information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Please send all application materials, including writing samples, letters of reference, and statements of purpose, to:

     Graduate Admissions and Record Office
     University of Victoria
     PO Box 3025
     Victoria BC
     V8W 3P2

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