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Fiction (MFA)

Whether the story you want to tell is a thriller, mystery, science fiction, or fantasy, our MFA in Fiction will help you bring your imagined world to life on the page.

Program Type
Master
Faculties
Location
Program Start
June
Program Options
Course-based
Project

Why choose this program?

Deepen your understanding of the art of fiction writing with lectures, seminars, workshops, and readings while working on personal projects alongside mentors.

TheÌýMaster in Fine ArtsÌý(MFA) in FictionÌýprogramÌýis the only one of its kind in Canada. In this two-year limited-residencyÌýprogram, you will develop your query and manuscript with an exclusive focus on fiction (literary or genre). You will also work with publishing industry professionals throughout your degree. This MFAÌýprogramÌýis offered jointly by »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ and the .

Careers

Graduates have gone on to work in publishing, teaching, higher education, business, content creation, film, television, marketing, and advertising.Ìý

Program options

Professional: This course-based master’s program will enable you to acquire specialized knowledge, enhance critical skills, and advance your career. Learn more about professional master's degrees at Dal.

Project: Work on your fiction project and turn your idea into a publishable manuscript with the helpÌýand supervision of experienced writing instructors andÌýpublishing professionals.

Residencies

Take part in immersiveÌýJune residencies in HalifaxÌýandÌýJanuary online residenciesÌýfocused on publishing, while receiving ongoing mentorship throughout the fall and winter.

Your coursework combinesÌýfiction writing craftÌýwith publishing and mentorship components—supporting you as you develop a polished, publication-ready manuscript.

All graduate programs at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and theÌýFaculty of Graduate Studies.

Admission requirements

You'll need to meet theÌýFaculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirementsÌýas well as any program-specific admission requirements before you can apply.

For aÌýJune start, apply byÌýDecember 31 (international applicants)ÌýorÌýFebruary 28 (Canadian applicants).

If you’re applying for scholarships, be sure to submit your application byÌýFebruary 15.


Program-specific requirements

This program requires you to meet the following criteria:

  • Four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
    • Applicants who do not meet standard criteria may be considered through aÌý.
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B average) in the last 60 credit hours of study.

Applicants must meet English languageÌýproficiencyÌýrequirements as specified by and »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥.

A portfolio (maximum 25 double-spaced pages of prose) isÌýrequired, preferably including a sample from the proposed MFA project, along with a resume/CV, personal statement (max ~500 words), and project idea description (max ~250 words).

Financial information

Questions about tuition and fees? Contact Student Accounts.

Email student.accounts@dal.ca or phone 902-494-3998.

Learn more