Master of Fine Arts in Fiction is a master's degree in Visual Arts programme offered by University of King's College in Halifax, Canada. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered in a hybrid format. Tuition is CAD 9,791 per year for local students.
At a glance
Degree:Master's Degree
Field:Visual Arts
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: Hybrid
Local tuition: CAD 9,791 / year
We have no an application deadline on record for this programme yet — see the official programme page.
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Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Fiction at the University of King's College is a two-year, low-residency program combining a nine-day, in-person summer residency in Halifax each June with a six-day winter residency held online each January, and independent writing and research under mentor guidance between sessions. Coursework covers the craft and practice of writing across genres including mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, romance and historical fiction, alongside instruction on the business of publishing. Students work with award-winning writers, editors, and publishing professionals from Canada, the United States and beyond to develop a complete fictional book manuscript over the two years. During the fall and winter semesters between residencies, students continue independent work on their manuscript with mentor support and take part in optional online webinars and readings. The program suits working writers who need to continue living and working outside Halifax rather than relocate for a fully campus-based degree. Students cover their own travel, meal and accommodation costs for residencies; these are not included in tuition.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:3.00 / 4.0
Admission Requirements: This programme follows King's general graduate admission requirements, with programme-specific detail on its own page. Applicants need a four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and King's general minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) over the last 60 credit hours; the MFA is offered jointly with Dalhousie University. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet King's graduate English proficiency requirement: IELTS Academic overall 7.0, TOEFL iBT overall 92, CAEL overall 70 with no band below 60, or PTE Atlantic overall 65 with nothing below 54. The programme itself asks for official transcripts and degree certificates within 90 days of the programme start, two reference letters (a mix of academic and professional depending on how long ago the degree was completed), a roughly 500-word personal statement, up to two project ideas (250-500 words each) for the proposed fiction project, a portfolio of up to 25 double-spaced pages of prose only — poetry and screenwriting samples are not accepted — and a resume. AI tools may only be used to check spelling, grammar and punctuation.
