MFA Programs for Writers in Canada

Choosing the Best Masters of Fine Arts School

Aug 21, 2008 Catherine Owen

While there are many universities that offer writers the chance to earn a BFA, only three universities currently offer MFA programs: UVIC, UBC and the U of Guelph/Toronto

Universities in the United States have featured MFA and even doctoral programs in writing for many years. However, due to funding and faculty requirements, Canadian universities are just beginning to offer MFA programs. These programs enable writers to learn skills, benefit from networking, take on the teaching of writing classes and create a body of publishable work. All MFA degrees are two year programs, unless the student chooses to do a Co-op practicum as well, lengthening the duration by a year. To apply, one must always submit 30-40 pages of work in one's primary genre, two letters of reference, a CV and a letter of interest.

University of Victoria

Only starting to take a limited number of MFA students for the Fall of 2008, UVIC has long featured a successful BFA program, spearheaded by Robin Skelton. Now the university is offering an MFA in five genres: poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, screenwriting and playwriting. One student will be accepted in each genre to begin with.

Each student is required to complete nine units of courses and a nine unit writing project. This will be comprised of a full-length, publishable manuscript in the chosen genre. At the same time, students will gain experience in teaching writing classes, and have the option of a practicum in the publishing field. Faculty includes Lorna Crozier and Bill Gaston.

University of British Columbia

The Creative Writing Department at this university is the longest running in Canada, having begun in 1965 by Earle Birney.The students from their four-year BFA degree even run the magazine Prism.

The MFA program has two options for students: the regular two year full time degree program and a low-residency option. The first one requires that students take at least three courses in three out of nine genres, which include, unlike the other two university programs, children's literature, translation, lyrics/librettos, and radio drama. A final project is also essential, and those in performative genres must be at least 90 minutes in length.

The second option allows students to complete course requirements online. This enables them to continue to live where they choose and only, in non-compulsory fashion, attend ten days in the summer for colloquiums. Courses are more expensive in this option but living expenses are cheaper. Faculty includes Gary Geddes and Maureen Medved.

University of Guelph/Toronto

The MFA program at this satellite campus of the U of G has been running since 2006. Also a two year program, the degree is unique in offering two plenary courses: Writers on Writing and Writers in the World, as well as instruction in the teaching of writing. It is also different from the other programs in its emphasis on reading and critical thinking processes.

Students are also required to take three workshops in at least two genres: poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, playwriting, screenwriting and arts journalism. Students additionally take an individual study course and write a thesis over the span of the last two semesters. Lots of opportunities to meet visiting writers and give readings are offered too. Approximately 15-18 students are admitted each year. Faculty includes Dionne Brand, Thomas King and Judith Thompson.

The copyright of the article MFA Programs for Writers in Canada in Resources for Writers is owned by Catherine Owen. Permission to republish MFA Programs for Writers in Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Finding an MFA Program can be Challenging!