How to Apply to a Writing Graduate Program
Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing
While a Google search for institutions offering a master’s degree in creative writing will show hundreds of results in the States, Canada has fewer options. Those wishing to study creative writing at the graduate level in Canada may choose between the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and the University of Guelph. All three institutions have similar requirements for admission to the creative writing graduate program.
Requirements for Apply to a Creative Writing Graduate Program
All three institutions require prospective applicants to submit a portfolio of writing to the Faculty of Creative Writing as well as an application to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Applicants must be approved by both faculties to start their studies.
All programs require that potential students have a four-year degree, though this degree does not need to be writing-related. UBC and UVic require a B+ average in the last two years of the program, while Guelph requires a B- average. Guelph also requires the undergrad degree to be an honours program or equivalent. All three programs require that ESL students submit proof of English-language proficiency because of the extensive reading and writing components of the courses.
The Creative Writing Portfolio
The applicant’s portfolio is a sample of their very best work, representing the genre in which they wish to study. Size varies depending on the institution and genre. UBC requires 15-25 pages per genre, with students submitting in at least two genres. Guelph expects 25-40 pages and also requires more than one genre. UVic requires a sample of the genre the student wishes to study in: 10-15 pages of poetry and 20-30 pages for other genres.
The portfolio is the most important part of the candidate’s application and should be considered carefully. If possible, have a respected writer look over the portfolio before submitting it. Many libraries and universities offer writer-in-residence programs, where a published, professional writer is available to the public for consultation. Candidates applying to the creative writing programs should take advantage of this opportunity, but do so well before the application deadline to give time for the critique and revisions.
Other Requirements for Application
The student’s application must also include reference letters (two for Guelph and UVic, three for UBC), undergrad transcripts (from the original institution), and a cover letter or essay stating the applicant’s reasons for applying or “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” (UVic).
UVic and UBC are also interested in the candidate’s professional experience, publications, and awards. However, this is not a criteria for acceptance.
Application Fees and Deadlines
Students must also pay the application fee, which is about CDN$100 for each university. The deadlines for application (for study beginning September 2010) are November 6, 2008 for UBC, January 9, 2009 (or until all spaces are filled) for Guelph, and January 29, 2010 for UVic.
For more information on these programs, see Creative Writing Graduate Programs in Canada: Get a Canadian Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and Betty Hegerat on UBC's MFA in Creative Writing: An Interview About the Low-Residency Writing Graduate Program at UBC.
Creative Writing Graduate Student
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