PhD English

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The Doctor of Philosophy in English is a limited enrolment program unique in Canada for its integration of literary studies with such fields as rhetoric, new media, and discourse analysis. The program draws students from across Canada, and has a very strong placement rate for its graduates, in high-quality academic and upper-level research positions.

The following is a brief summary of information about the program. Full program information and regulations are available in the  Graduate Calendar . Admission requirements and the application process can be accessed through Discover Graduate Studies . R equirements can be tracked with the help of our  department checklists .

Requirements

The following sections list the requirements to graduate from the PhD program.

Academic integrity  w orkshop  

All students are required to complete a University of Waterloo workshop on academic integrity and sign a pledge to conduct their research with scrupulous honesty. The workshop takes place before classes begin and students will not be allowed to take classes until they have signed the pledge.

Course work

Students must complete 6 term length courses.  

  • 1 Literature (LIT)
  • 1 Rhetoric and Communication Design (RCD) or Experimental Digital Media (XDM)
  • 4 Elective (only one may be extra-departmental or a reading course)

Progress reports

All students are required to submit annual progress reports in April.  Progress reports may increase in frequency if program time limits are exceeded.  

Progress reports are intended to ensure timely progression through the program, and will differ from year to year as milestones are met and students gain professionalization experience. Please use and amend this sample progress report  as you see fit.

PhD students must submit an academic CV with their annual progress report. The CV is an important document that you should be developing from the moment you start the program, adding items as you go. The CV is the full record of your academic life: it will be required for scholarship applications, teaching applications, applications for academic positions, and, of course, as part of your annual reporting. Many online resources can show you what is required, but for your ease of use we have provided the basic CV template, with all the required categories and indications about what goes where and how to format it. Please use and amend this sample CV  as you see fit.

Professionalization training requirement

A course on the development of research skills and professionalization, to be offered to second-year PhD students in the winter term of every year, that will meet weekly. The course will cover such topics as: preparation for area exams, preparation of a dissertation proposal, bibliographical skills, teaching strategies, the job market (academic and non-academic), conferences, writing for publication, c.v. preparation, interview technique, and writing of grant applications.

Language requirement

Each candidate must attain or demonstrate basic competence subject to feasibility of testing by the University of Waterloo in a language other than English, excluding middle English but not Anglo-Saxon.

Proof of competence may take four forms:

  • Successful completion of two term of undergraduate study in a language for basic competence or two terms of advanced undergraduate study for advanced competence.
  • Successful sitting of an exam at the appropriate level set by a department of the University.
  • Completion of degree-level study in that language at another university.
  • Evidence of other kinds that is deemed sufficient by the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee.

This milestone must be completed by December 1 of the third year.

Comprehensive exam

Students sit a two-part comprehensive exam, consisting of a written exam and an oral exam. Those exam sittings take place in year two of the program, usually in May and June, respectively.

Candidates who fail the written exam may be eligible to write it again at the next formal sitting. Candidates who fail the oral exam will normally have another exam within two weeks.

For complete details on comprehensive exams, including procedures, reading lists, past exams, and timelines, see the Comprehensive exams page.

Dissertation proposal

Students must arrange for a supervisor and a dissertation committee, from members of the faculty, and under their guidance prepare a proposal.The final draft of the proposal must be submitted (in digital form) to the Support Services Coordinator by by the date announced in that year's exam schedule.

For more full details about the proposal, see the Dissertation page.

Dissertation

All students are responsible for original research and study on a topic that has been approved by their dissertation committee and the English Graduate Committee. A completed Dissertation should be between 200-400 pages in length, exclusive of bibliography and works cited.  The dissertation should be defended in the student's fourth year.

For more full details about writing, defending, and publishing your dissertation, see the Dissertation page.

PhD Program Timeline

  • Year 1: Course work
  • Year 2: Exams (one Fall, one Spring), Dissertation Proposal & Professionalization Training Requirement
  • Year 3: Dissertation writing
  • Year 4: Dissertation completion
  • Year 4: Dissertation defense

Full time enrolment and Waterloo residency is expected for all three terms of all four years

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The UBC English Graduate Program, one of the most vibrant and wide-ranging in Canada, has been awarding the M.A. degree since 1919. Students may earn the degree in each of two areas: English Literature and English Language. Indeed, the UBC English Department is one of the few departments in North America to offer a language program in addition to its literary programs.

English Language

The English Language program includes specializations in history and structure of language, discourse and genre analysis, and history and theory of rhetoric. Faculty members in the Language program teach and supervise research in descriptive linguistics, historical linguistics, cognitive linguistics, functional grammar, semantics, pragmatics, discourse analysis, stylistics, genre studies, and history and theory of rhetoric. Students in the English Literature program can take advantage of Language graduate courses; recent offerings include courses on reported speech and its rhetorical versatility across genres; the uses of classical rhetoric for contemporary critical practice; and cognitive approaches to the language of literature. By the same token, Language students can take advantage of the wide variety of Literature courses our department offers.

English Literature

The English Literature program includes specializations across the periods, genres, and major figures of British, North American and World Literature in English. Current research initiatives on the part of faculty include such diverse topics as the ecocritical study of Renaissance drama; the triumph of transport in Romantic poetry; the impact of radio and television on modernist poetics; the politics of post-identity in Asian American literature, and the role of war and its traumatic shocks in twentieth-century Canadian, U.S. and British literature. Graduate students can also choose to work across disciplinary fields, taking advantage of UBC's outstanding interdisciplinary programs in Medieval Studies, Canadian and U.S. Studies, Studies in Sexuality, and Science and Technology Studies, among others.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

The Graduate Program of the Department of English is a vibrant community of more than 50 graduate faculty and 100 graduate students. An active graduate caucus, extensive campus resources, and such local resources as departmental research seminars, a graduate reading room, and a dedicated graduate program office, ensure that our students are well-supported in a collegial atmosphere throughout their programs. A pedagogy training program prepares our students to teach both during and after their programs.

Pursuing a graduate degree has given me the space and resources to develop my ideas into work that I hope can make a positive impact

Olivia's research photo

Olivia Dreisinger

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

  • Canada or the United States
  • International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 104

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 7.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Document requirements.

IELTS = 7.5 overall band score with no component less that 7.0.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Research Information

Program components.

The English program now offers the opportunity to participate in the PhD Co-op program.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

  • 16 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 16 students was $11,126.
  • 10 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 10 students was $6,645.
  • 23 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 23 students was $21,501.
  • 8 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 8 students was $27,112.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

51 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 47 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):

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Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

Upon completion of their graduate degrees, students can expect further mentoring and support in the job search process. Former doctoral students of the UBC English program have obtained permanent positions at universities and colleges in Canada and abroad; recent appointments have included the University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Victoria, the University College of the Fraser Valley, Kwantlen University, the University of British Columbia Okanagan, the Université de Moncton, Montana State University, and Whitman College. Our doctoral students have also been very successful in securing post-doctoral fellowships in Canada and the US.

Alumni on Success

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Stephen Ney

Job Title Lecturer

Employer The University of British Columbia

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in English (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times.

  • Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

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This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

  • Al-Kassim, Dina (Critical identity, ethnic and race studies; English language; Gender, sexuality and education; Human rights, justice, and ethical issues; anti-colonial; Artistic and Literary Movements, Schools and Styles; Artistic and Literary Theories; Arts and Cultural Traditions; Arts, Literature and Subjectivity; comparative literature: Arabic, English, French; feminist; Gender Relationship; Identity and Transnationality; Philosophy, History and Comparative Studies; postcolonial; psychoanalysis; queer theory; sexuality; Subjectivity)
  • Anger, Suzy (Victorian Literature, Literature and Philosophy, Victorian Literature and Psychology, Victorian Literature and Science, Hermeneutics)
  • Antwi, Phanuel (critical black studies; settler colonial studies; black Atlantic and diaspora studies; Canadian literature and culture since 1830; critical race, gender, and sexuality studies; and material cultures; )
  • Badir, Patricia (English language; Canadian Modernism; Early Modern Drama; Early Modern Literature and Religion; Medieval Drama; Shakespeare; Shakespeare in Canada)
  • Bain, Kimberly (History, theory, and philosophy of the African diaspora; Race, gender, environmental and medical racism; Anthropocene; Black arts and letters)
  • Briggs, Marlene (war and conflict; cultural transmission and reception of the First World War (1914-1918) in modern and contemporary British literature )
  • Britton, Dennis (early modern English literature, history of race, critical race theory, Protestant theology, history of emotion)
  • Burgess, Miranda (English language; Arts, Literature and Subjectivity; British and Irish Romanticism; history of feeling (affect, emotion, sensation); history of literary form; history of media and mediation; poetics; riparian and oceanic studies)
  • Cavell, Richard Anthony (English language; Media and Society; Media Influence on Behavior; Media Types (Radio, Television, Written Press, etc.); media studies; media theory)
  • Chapman, Mary Ann (Arts and Cultural Traditions; Arts and Literary Policies; Arts and Technologies; Arts, Literature and Subjectivity; Social Determinants of Arts and Letters; Artistic and Literary Marginality; Artistic and Cultural Heritage; Artist or Author Social Identity; Artistic and Literary Movements, Schools and Styles; Artistic and Literary Theories; Literary or Artistic Work Analysis; Literary or Artistic Work Dissemination or Reception Contexts; Literary or Artistic Works Analysis; Writing and Literary Experimentation; Poetry; Novel and Short Story; Essays; Gender Relationship; Audiences and Mass Media; Media and Democratization; Media and Society; Media Influence on Behavior; Civil and Social Responsibilities of Media; Stereotypes; Electoral System; Printing Art; Persuasion Strategies; Social Movements; Publics; Performance and Theatrical Productions; Social Networks; American Literature; Asian American Literature; Asian Canadian Literature; Suffrage; Public Pedagogy of the Arts; Public Humanities)
  • Dalziel, Pamela (Victorian-literature, Victorian-culture, visual-representation, illustration, gender-studies, religion, interdisciplinary-studies, textual-criticism, scholarly-editing, Thomas-Hardy, Charles-Dickens, George-Eliot )
  • Dancygier, Barbara (Linguistics, grammar)
  • de Villiers, Jessica (Linguistics)
  • Deer, Glenn (discourse studies, the rhetoric of power in narrative fiction, and postmodernism and Canadian Literature)
  • Dick, Alexander (Literary or Artistic Work Analysis; Philosophy, History and Comparative Studies; Artistic and Literary Theories; Arts, Literature and Subjectivity; British Romanticism; Scottish Enlightenment; Literature and Economics; Literature and the Environment; Literature and Science; Scottish Literature)
  • Dollinger, Stefan (English language; Language Contact and Linguistic Changes; Linguistic Variation and Society; Lexicography and Dictionaries; Language Interactions; Language Rights and Policies; Bilingualism and Multilingualism)
  • Earle, Bo (British Romanticism, Critical Theory, Philosophy and Literature)
  • Echard, Sian (English language; Literary or Artistic Work Analysis; Literary or Artistic Work Dissemination or Reception Contexts; Modes and strategies of dissemination; Poetry; Media Types (Radio, Television, Written Press, etc.); Anglo-Latin literature; Arthurian literature; History of the Book; John Gower; Manuscript studies; Medieval literature)
  • Frank, Adam (American literatures; American literature and media, affect theory, modernism, science and technology studies)
  • Frelick, Nancy (Renaissance literatures; Literature and critical theory)
  • Gaertner, David (Indigenous literatures; Media, visual and digital culture; Critical identity, ethnic and race studies; Indigenous Literature; Digital storytelling; Digital Humanities; Speculative fiction; Reconciliation; New Media; Indigenous Cyberspace)
  • Guerin, Ayasha
  • Guy-Bray, Stephen (Renaissance poetry)
  • Hill, Ian (rhetoric, persuasion, argumentation, technology, weapons, interrogation, political economy, war rhetoric, conflict rhetoric, dissent, mass movements )
  • Ho, Janice (English language; twentieth- and twenty-first century British literature and culture; British and transnational modernisms; postcolonial and world Anglophone literatures; contemporary fiction; histories and theories of the novel; human rights studies; infrastructure studies)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

  • The Arthur of the March of Wales
  • "Token" in medieval and early modern English theatre and theology
  • Who hears the listeners : decolonizing the process of dialogue in First Peoples’ literatures
  • Stage and street : the cultural history of the early modern Thames
  • Voices on trial : the consequences of female speech in medieval romance
  • Inheritances : negotiating kinship in Indigenous and other modernisms
  • Time and metaphor : reading and writing the computus in the British Isles, 600-1400
  • The play of conscience : theological, jurisprudential and poetic iterations in English dramaturgy, 1515-1604
  • Telling animals : a histology of Dene textualized orature
  • Scorching irony : anti-hypocrisy in antebellum U.S. literature
  • The lyric selfie : mediating race and subjectivity in poetry from print to Web 2.0
  • The turn to sacred address in transnational HIV/AIDS writing
  • Leaky bodies reclaimed : biofluids, contagion, and Victorian England’s strange intimacies
  • Romantic improvement : the infrastructural poetics of agricultural capitalism
  • The politics of public space : cultural anxiety, Victorian literature, and the city of Paris

Related Programs

Same specialization.

  • Master of Arts in English (MA)

Further Information

Specialization.

English offers two areas: English Language and English Literature

The English Language program includes specializations in history and structure of language, discourse and genre analysis, and history and theory of rhetoric. Faculty members in the Language program teach and supervise research in descriptive linguistics, historical linguistics, cognitive linguistics, functional grammar, semantics, pragmatics, discourse analysis, stylistics, genre studies, and history and theory of rhetoric.

The English Literature program includes specializations across the periods, genres, and major figures of British, North American and World Literature in English. Current research initiatives on the part of faculty include such diverse topics as the ecocritical study of Renaissance drama; the triumph of transport in Romantic poetry; the impact of radio and television on modernist poetics; the politics of post-identity in Asian American literature, and the role of war and its traumatic shocks in twentieth-century Canadian, U.S. and British literature.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

english literature phd programs canada

Leah Alfred-Olmedo

My choice to pursue my PhD at UBC was based on relationships, both within the university and without. I have a generative and supportive relationship with my supervisor, with other members of the English faculty, and with other graduate students at UBC. I feel that UBC works to foster and support...

english literature phd programs canada

Veronika Larsen

I completed my MA at UBC in 2021, and my time on campus has been quite wonderful. I decided to study at UBC largely because of the expert faculty members that I have learned from, and that I believe I can learn much more from. Members in my department continue to offer support from diverse...

english literature phd programs canada

Sydney Lines

I had been to Vancouver once before and loved the weather (I'm allergic to the sun). I was impressed by the UBC Arts PhD Co-op Program. My department often ranks among the top 20 in the world. But the truth is I did not believe I’d get into UBC, and I only applied three days before the deadline as...

english literature phd programs canada

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program overview.

The PhD in English Literature will deepen your mastery of period- and area-specific archives and develop your skills as a literary scholar. You will investigate the cultural categories of literature and the media in both historical and contemporary contexts. Living and studying in the vibrant, bilingual city of Montreal, you will study literatures in English with a focus on interdisciplinary exchanges and cross-cultural environments. The program is of special interest to doctoral students seeking to work across discourses, media, or literary languages and traditions.

Program details

Admission requirements, admission requirements.

  • Master's degree in English or equivalent.
  • GPA of 3.50 or above from a recognized university.
  • Promise as a scholar as demonstrated by letter of intent and submitted writing sample.
  • Proposed research that is relevant to the program.
  • A feasible research proposal in terms of material resources including faculty supervision.
  • Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Degree requirements

Degree requirements.

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.

Please see the English Courses page for course descriptions.

English Literature PhD (90 credits)

Independent studies in english literature, special topics in english literature, studies in early english literature and medieval literature, studies in renaissance literature, studies in restoration and eighteenth century literature, studies in nineteenth century literature, studies in twentieth century literature, studies in poetry, studies in drama, studies in fiction, studies in the history of ideas, studies in shakespeare, studies in american literature, studies in canadian literature, studies in post-colonial literature, studies in literary criticism, studies in selected areas, application process.

Your completed application will include:

  • Application form and Fee
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
  • Statement of Purpose (three pages maximum): Outline your academic background and, as specifically as possible, describe the research project you expect to focus on and the relevance of your proposed research to our program. The English Graduate Program Committee invites members of equity-seeking groups to identify themselves if they wish
  • A sample of your written work. Fifteen pages maximum
  • Transcripts  for all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
  • Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit  official language test scores , unless exempted.

Please apply  online . Read the  how-to guide  for application procedures. 

Application deadlines

Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of courses and read about upcoming, current and past course offerings

We are committed to providing financial support to all of our students. PhD candidates usually receive three-year funding packages, which include Concordia fellowships and English teaching assistantships. Students are eligible to apply for  graduate funding  (e.g., conference awards, accelerator funds) throughout the degree. We also assist you in the preparation of applications for external grants from  SSHRC   and the  FQRSC

Please consult the English Department’s  funding  page and  Financial Aid and Awards

Faculty research interests

Our faculty are accomplished scholars across many fields of literature. Learn more about us by visiting:

  • Bookshelf of recent publications
  • Faculty profiles

Student initiatives

Graduate students hold writing sessions and workshops, host literary and scholarly events, and publish a journal. Learn more about Concordia Write Nights , Headlight , and visit SAGE to get involved.

Your professional future

Our doctoral students will emerge prepared to enrich the social and cultural milieux of Montreal, Québec, Canada, and beyond, embarking upon careers as researchers, educators and writers either inside or outside of the academy.

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PhD Program

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Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English allows you to structure a course of study that aligns with your specific research interests in English language or literature.

The PhD degree requirements in English at UBC Vancouver are based on residency and coursework, the candidacy process, and a dissertation. We expect students to complete the degree within five to six years.

Program Overview

All PhD students are considered full-time and are not eligible to undertake their degree on a part-time basis.

  • Students who enter the PhD program having already earned an MA must remain in residence in the Lower Mainland (Vancouver area) for two winter sessions of PhD study (roughly two years).
  • Students who have been permitted to transfer via fast-track from the UBC English MA program to the UBC English PhD program require at least one winter session of residence in the Lower Mainland following the transfer.
  • Under normal circumstances, the PhD should be completed in five years, although UBC allows up to six years.

For more information about the program completion time, including rules about leaves of absence, registration, and employment status, please consult the graduate handbook.

Students entering the PhD program with first-class MA degrees in English will normally take 15 credits of coursework at the 500 level.

Students transferring from the MA to the PhD or entering the PhD directly from an honours BA will be asked to take a minimum number of credits determined by the Graduate Committee.

All PhD students are required to take the Research Methods course, ENGL 500B. This pass/fail course introduces students to the forms and protocols of PhD research. It counts towards the 15 credits required for admission to candidacy.

PhD programs are individually planned in consultation with the Chair of the Graduate Program.

For detailed information about coursework such as how to take courses at other western universities under the Western Dean's Agreement, how to sign up for a Directed Reading course (ENGL 547), and rules about taking courses outside the English department, please consult the graduate handbook.

Doctoral candidacy process

In addition to coursework in the first year of the program, the candidacy process includes the field list and oral examination, the candidacy paper, and the prospectus.

Graduate students and supervisors should consult the graduate handbook for a convenient year-by-year summary and detailed step-by-step explanation of the candidacy process for PhD students.

Field list and oral examination

In consultation with the Pro tem committee, the student will prepare a general field list of primary and secondary material designed to ensure that they have sufficient knowledge of their field of interest. The Pro tem committee will examine knowledge of this field list in a two-hour oral examination.

Candidacy paper

After the field examination, the student will begin working with the Pro tem committee to develop an individually focused research topic or question that allows the student to conceptualize the thesis.

The student will then write a 20-25 page paper based on this topic.

With the completion of the field examination and qualifying paper, the Pro tem committee is dissolved. Then the student, in consultation with the graduate chair, invites an appropriate faculty member to supervise their prospectus and thesis.

Together, the student and supervisor establish the full committee, which generally consists of the candidate's supervisor and two other Department of English Language and Literatures members.

The thesis prospectus, prepared in consultation with the supervisory committee, is then submitted to the Graduate Committee for approval.

Candidacy review

Students who achieve a minimum of 85% GPA in their courses at UBC and who pass all stages of their candidacy exams will automatically be recommended for advancement to candidacy. For other students, a conference on their progress may be deemed necessary by the graduate chair in consultation with their supervisor.

For detailed information about the field list and oral examination, candidacy paper, prospectus and candidacy review, please consult the graduate handbook.

Second language requirement

All new PhD students must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a second language relevant to their particular area of research. In consultation with the Pro tem supervisor, the graduate chair will determine whether a student has already met the second-language requirement.

Students who have not met the requirement may do so by completing an approved language or literature course (it may be possible to do this as an auditor), or by passing an examination, provided that an examiner acceptable to the department is available.

While only one language is required, students should, of course, consider the scholarly and professional requirements of their chosen area when developing their language skills.

Doctoral progress report

Each May beginning in the student's second year in the doctoral program, both the student and their supervisor will be asked to write a brief report indicating the nature and extent of work completed on the candidacy process or thesis and any circumstances impeding progress on either.

PhD supervision

The student is assigned a Pro tem supervisor from their point of entry into the program.

By the end of the first year, the full Pro tem committee will be in place.

The committee members will guide the student through the qualifying process, beginning in the first year with the field examination. They also serve as academic mentors on all aspects of the program and the department.

The Pro tem committee is dissolved after the candidacy paper is passed. A new thesis supervisory committee is then constituted, which can (but need not) include members of the Pro tem committee. The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies must approve thesis supervisory committee members from outside UBC.

PhD Co-op (Optional)

What is Co-op?

The Arts Co-op Program offers students enriched educational experiences for personal and professional growth. Co-op is a high-impact educational program that allows you to alternate dissertation-writing terms with work terms, during which you gain meaningful paid work experience. We work with a diverse range of community partners and sectors to provide transformative workplace learning for co-op students.

The Arts PhD Co-op Program allows you to explore different career options, while gaining paid, professional work experience, guided training and reflection on career options, and a network of contacts. Some students are able to secure work terms that are relevant to their dissertation research, while others choose to pursue work experience that diversify their expertise and give them range. Students complete three work terms of 4 months each over the two to three years after achieving candidacy.

To read more about previous and current PhD Co-op students’ experiences, please refer to our ‘success stories’ on Jon Newell (English) , Pavlina Pajot (English) , and Henry John (History) , or see the 2019 update on UBC English’s co-op program for PhD students .  Henry John (History) also published a piece in Inside Higher Education about his experience in the program.

Applying to Arts Co-op

The application window for PhD Co-op is open once per year, and usually closes in the first week of October.

You are eligible to apply to the UBC English PhD Co-op Program if you have achieved candidacy (or are expecting to achieve candidacy by the time you begin your co-op term, typically in January of your third year in the PhD program). You also must have two years of PhD study left, in which to schedule three 4-month work terms. You cannot begin work-terms in the Co-op Program without advancing to candidacy first: that is, Co-op students must be ABD (all but dissertation) before their first Co-op work term.

SSHRC-holders and international students are both eligible to apply and go through the same application process.

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Doctorate in Philosophy English Literature

(This program is offered in English only.)

The Department of English offers the degrees of Master of Arts (with or without thesis) and Doctor of Philosophy in English. Both programs equip students to pursue advanced studies in British, Canadian, or American literature informed by a broad knowledge of literary history and by recent developments in literary criticism and cultural theory. The department is well known for its annual Canadian Literature Symposium, and its faculty is distinguished and well-published. The Ontario Council on Graduate Studies (OCGS) has consistently awarded the department the council's highest rating.

The department participates in the collaborative programs in Women's Studies and in Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the master's level, and in the collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the PhD level. 

The programs are governed by the  general regulations  in effect for graduate studies. Please note, however, that any course fulfilling a graduate degree requirement in English must be completed with a mark of B or higher. A student whose record shows any two grades lower than a mark of B will automatically be withdrawn from the program. Most graduate courses in the Department of English at the University of Ottawa carry three units. Requirements are stated in number of units.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the  specific requirements  webpage.

A master's degree in English literature, or the equivalent, with at least high second class standing (B+), is required.

A 500-word statement describing the student's specific interest in the program is required with the application.

Doctoral Program

The student must successfully complete:

  • 18 units of course work (or 15 units if the student has completed  ENG 6302  and  ENG 6303  as an MA student in English at the University of Ottawa, or an equivalent course elsewhere);
  • one language requirement;
  • the comprehensive examination ( ENG 9998 ); 
  • the PhD thesis proposal ( ENG 9997 ); and
  • the PhD thesis research ( THD 9999 ).

Normal Progress Through the Program

18 units of course work, including:

  • ENG 6302 and ENG 6303  (or 15 units if the student has completed ENG 6302  and ENG 6303  as an MA student in English at the University of Ottawa, or an equivalent course elsewhere); and

The dissertation topic must be registered by the end of the third term (that is, the spring term, if initially enrolled in the fall) after the date of initial enrollment; progress toward meeting the language requirement.

Completion of comprehensive examinations and the language requirement.

Comprehensive examinations are normally taken by the end of the second year and are offered three times each year (late August, December, and April). Students who wish to write the comprehensives must obtain approval from the director of graduate studies by April 1 for August examinations, by September 1 for December examinations, and by December 1 for April examinations.

The examinations are made up of three written papers (a major field and two minor fields) and corresponding oral examinations. If the major field is before 1790, then at least one of the minor fields will be post-1790, or the converse. Complete guidelines and procedures are available at the department.

Year Three:

Submission of thesis proposal ( ENG 9997 ) followed by research and writing of the dissertation.

Completion of the dissertation ( THD 9999 ) and its defence.

Language Requirements

The language requirement is normally French. However, where knowledge of another language is necessary for the major field (e.g. Latin for students working in Medieval or Renaissance studies), the student may request an alternative choice from the Department's Graduate Committee.

Students may satisfy the requirement by passing the departmental French Proficiency Test administered by OLBI, or by passing three units university-level language course. This courses is additional to the 18 units required for the degree. Students who, at the time of admission, have already completed a university-level course in French or an approved alternative may request to be exempted from language testing.

The language requirement must be satisfied before the student proceeds to the thesis proposal.

Duration of Program

The student must complete all requirements within six years of initial enrollment.

Minimum Standards

The passing grade in all courses is B. Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 units), the thesis proposal, or the comprehensive exam or whose research progress is deemed unsatisfactory are required to withdraw.

Research Fields & Facilities

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top 10 research universities.

uOttawa focuses research strengths and efforts in four Strategic Areas of Development in Research (SADRs):

  • Canada and the World
  • Molecular and Environmental Sciences

With cutting-edge research, our graduate students, researchers and educators strongly influence national and international priorities.

Research at the Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts is proud of the state of the art research conducted by its professors. In the spirit of showcasing its research to the university community as well as to the general public, the Faculty has created three activities: Dean's Lecture Series, Treasures of the Library, and Excellence Lectures.

Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes at the Faculty of Arts

  • Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française ,
  • Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies ,
  • Institute for Science, Society and Policy ,
  • Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)
  • Morisset Library .

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb . 

IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.

The titles below refer to general subject areas, whereas the actual seminars will consist of specific studies in the subject areas. For a detailed description of the seminars available in any year, please consult the department webpage. Information is normally available early in the winter for the next academic year. All courses are three units.

ENG 6111 Directed Readings I (3 units)

Course Component: Research

ENG 6112 Directed Readings II (3 units)

ENG 6300 Old English I (3 units)

Course Component: Seminar

ENG 6301 Old English II (3 units)

ENG 6302 Research Methodology (1.5 unit)

Preparation of students for the professional study of English and for the application of graduate level research skills to non-academic careers. Review and analysis of electronic and print research tools and methods. Internet database searches, both in the discipline of English as well as in related fields (such as history, philosophy, and sociology), and evaluation of Internet sites. Short assignments developing skills in academic and non-academic research. Preparation of grant applications and of the thesis proposal (for students in the MA with thesis program). Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). Offered in the fall session.

ENG 6303 Professional Development (1.5 unit)

Preparation of students for careers involving graduate level research and communication skills, including teaching, university research, and non-academic careers. Introduction to academic and non-academic professional activities: writing and publishing scholarly articles, and research reports, disseminating research results through academic and non-academic presentations, networking, participation in conferences and professional associations, and career planning for both academic and non-academic career paths for holders of graduate degrees. Sessions to be devoted to the practice of teaching, covering such topics as syllabus construction, teaching 'styles,' classroom management, teaching dossiers, student evaluation, and the application of teaching skills to non-academic goals such as presentations and team-building. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). Offered in the winter session.

ENG 6304 Doctoral Research Methods (3 units)

Overview of theoretical, methodological, and critical approaches to literary studies to enable students to situate their own research within the discipline.

ENG 6310 Middle English Literature I (3 units)

ENG 6313 Directed Reading (3 units)

ENG 6320 Middle English Literature (3 units)

ENG 6321 Middle English Literature III (3 units)

ENG 6322 Middle English Literature IV (3 units)

ENG 6330 Renaissance Literature I (3 units)

ENG 6341 Shakespeare I (3 units)

ENG 6342 Shakespeare II (3 units)

ENG 6343 Shakespeare III (3 units)

ENG 6344 Shakespeare IV (3 units)

ENG 6350 Renaissance Literature II (3 units)

ENG 6351 Renaissance Literature III (3 units)

ENG 6352 Renaissance Literature IV (3 units)

ENG 6355 Restoration Literature (3 units)

ENG 6356 Restoration Literature II (3 units)

ENG 6357 Restoration Literature III (3 units)

ENG 6360 Eighteenth Century Literature I (3 units)

ENG 6361 Eighteenth Century Literature II (3 units)

ENG 6362 Eighteenth-Century Literature III (3 units)

ENG 6363 Eighteenth-Century Literature IV (3 units)

ENG 6370 Romantic Literature I (3 units)

ENG 6371 Romantic Literature II (3 units)

ENG 6372 Romantic Literature III (3 units)

ENG 6373 Romantic Literature IV (3 units)

ENG 6380 Victorian Literature I (3 units)

Course Component: Lecture

ENG 6381 Victorian Literature II (3 units)

ENG 6382 Victorian Literature III (3 units)

ENG 6383 Victorian Literature IV (3 units)

ENG 6999 Major Research Paper

The research paper is prepared under the direction of the research paper supervisor and is approved by the graduate committee. The research paper must be successfully completed by the end of the third session of full-time registration in the master's program. In the event of failure, the student must register for an additional session. A second failure leads to a grade of NS (Not satisfactory) on the transcript and to withdrawal from the program.

Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research

Prerequisites: 15 units at the 5000, 6000, 7000 or 8000 level

ENG 7300 Modern Literature I (3 units)

ENG 7301 Modern Literature II (3 units)

ENG 7302 Modern Literature III (3 units)

ENG 7303 Literature and History of the Disciplines (3 units)

Various topics related to the history of the study of literature and how it has intersected with other fields. Specific topics will be announced each year.

ENG 7310 American Literature I (3 units)

ENG 7311 American Literature II (3 units)

ENG 7312 American Literature III (3 units)

ENG 7313 American Literature IV (3 units)

ENG 7320 Canadian Literature I (3 units)

ENG 7321 Canadian Literature II (3 units)

ENG 7322 Canadian Literature III (3 units)

ENG 7323 Canadian Literature IV (3 units)

ENG 7330 Twentieth-Century and Contemporary Literature I (3 units)

Various topics related to twentieth-century and contemporary literature up to the present day. Specific topics will be announced each year.

ENG 7331 Twentieth-Century and Contemporary Literature II (3 units)

Various topics related to twentieth-century and contemporary literature up to the present moment. Specific topics will be announced each year.

ENG 7332 Cultural Studies I (3 units)

Various topics in cultural studies. Specific topics will be announced each year.

ENG 7370 History of the English Language (3 units)

ENG 7375 Cultural Studies II (3 units)

ENG 7376 Book History I (3 units)

Various topics in book history. Specific topics will be announced each year.

ENG 7377 Book History II (3 units)

ENG 7380 History of Criticism (3 units)

ENG 7381 Theory of Criticism (3 units)

ENG 7382 Digital Humanities I (3 units)

Various topics in digital humanities. Specific topics will be announced each year.

ENG 7383 Digital Humanities II (3 units)

ENG 7384 Theory of Criticism II (3 units)

ENG 7385 Theory of Criticism III (3 units)

ENG 7386 Special Project (3 units)

Series of open-ended project workshops, including readings exemplifying the art of research in different genres and media (memoir, podcast, lyric essay, video essay, oral history, collage, participant observation, gallery exhibition, etc.). Students will do the reading, debate their findings, and give presentations, but will also develop their own projects over the course of the semester.

ENG 7900 Second Language Requirement

In keeping with the bilingual character of the University, the PhD program has a French language requirement. Students may satisfy this requirement by passing FLS 1000 , the test administered by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, or the departmental language test. The departmental tests are one-hour examinations which require the candidate to translate, with the aid of a dictionary, a passage of literary criticism or another appropriate selection of similar difficulty approximately one page in length. Language testing of languages other than French is normally administered by the Department. Students may also satisfy the language requirement by passing six units of second-year university-level language course(s). These courses are additional to the 18 units required for the degree. In all cases, the minimum passing grade is 66% and leads to an S (Satisfactory) on the transcript for ENG 7900 . NOTE: Students who achieve 65% or higher at the MA level will not be required to retake the test if they continue on to the PhD.

ENG 7997 M. Thesis Proposal

The thesis proposal is prepared under the direction of the thesis supervisor and is approved by the graduate committee. The proposal must normally be successfully completed by the end of the third session. In the event of failure, the proposal can be resubmitted the following session at the latest. A second failure leads to a grade of NS on the transcript and to withdrawal from the program. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).

Prerequisites: 7.5 units.

ENG 9997 Ph.D. Thesis Proposal

The thesis proposal is prepared under the direction of the thesis supervisor and is approved by the graduate committee after consultation with area experts. The proposal must normally be successfully completed by the end of the seventh session. In the event of failure, the proposal can be resubmitted the following session at the latest. A second failure leads to a grade of NS on the transcript and to withdrawal from the program. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).

Préalable : 15 crédits. / Prerequisites: 15 units.

ENG 9998 Comprehensive Exam (Ph.D.)

Undergraduate Studies

For more information about undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your faculty .

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

For more information about graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your academic unit .

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PhD Studies in English

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Combining our commitment to the exploration of English literatures of all periods with the study of critical theory and cultural studies, the Department of English & Cultural Studies offers a comprehensive PhD program.

Emily Meilleur

If you're looking for a program that gives you flexibility to think with both literature and culture while growing your close reading skills, this might be the one for you!

Emily Meilleur '21

BA in English & Cultural Studies

Nandini Thiyagarajan

There is something special about the program and I really think it has to do with some of the professors there who put their hearts into teaching and mentoring students.

Nandini Thiyagarajan '17

PhD English

Stephanie Carpenter

My program at McMaster taught me a breadth of skills beyond what you see on the surface from a history degree.

Stephanie Carpenter '05

Honours BA in History with a Minor in English

About the Program

Our PhD program, which combines our long-standing commitment to the exploration of English literature of all periods with the study of critical theory and cultural studies, offers valuable opportunities for students to develop their research and teaching. PhD students in our rich and rigorous program will interact with peers and faculty in a range of graduate courses, expand their breadth of knowledge through methodological workshops and engage with our research-intensive community and its expertise.

The PhD program normally entails four years of study. Over the degree program, students will complete coursework, comprehensive examination papers, research seminars and a dissertation under the supervision of an expert committee.

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Admission Requirements

The admission requirement is an MA in English, Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, or a related field, with marks of at least A- in two thirds of their Masters level courses. In recent years, successful candidates have typically achieved an average of A (at least 85%) in their upper-level undergraduate and MA coursework. The Graduate Studies Committee will give consideration to matching candidates’ proposed projects with the research expertise of available faculty members.

Applicants who do not hold a post-secondary degree whose language of instruction was English, are required to provide an official record of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A TOEFL score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computerized test, and 100 on the Internet-based test is required. If you are submitting the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, a score of 7 is required. Please note that achieving the minimum required score on these tests is not always sufficient for admission.

Application Process

Applications

Applications for the PhD program should reach the Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster no later than JANUARY 14th . Applications and supplementary documentation must be submitted through the application portal: https://applygrad.mcmaster.ca/portal/start_your_app – open November 1 st . Only completed applications, which include supporting documentation, will be reviewed. Application fees are non-refundable . Please read the information below, before beginning your application. For questions regarding the application process, please email us at [email protected] .

Required Documentation

You must compile the following required materials for the PhD program application. Please ensure that these required documents are uploaded when the online application form asks for the Statement of Interest and the CV.

Program Requirements and Timeline

The PhD degree program will normally be four years in length.

PhD Candidates will successfully complete six graduate courses: five one-term elective graduate courses in Year 1 of the program, and the Doctoral Seminar in Year 2.  The Doctoral seminar is a required pass/fail course that focuses on practical elements of research and other aspects of professionalization in literary and cultural studies.

Thesis Proposal: Preliminary and Detailed

By March 1 of the first year of the program, students must identify an area of specialization and submit a 1,000-1,200-word preliminary thesis proposal (with bibliography) signed by a potential supervisor and reader for approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. With the guidance of their supervisory committee and their peers in the year 2 Doctoral Seminar, students will develop a detailed thesis proposal of 2,000 words and submit it by June 30 of the second year, along with signatures of their supervisory committee members, to the Graduate Studies Committee.

Comprehensive Examination

Students in the program are required to take a Comprehensive Examination in an area related to their intended field of research specialization. This examination, which takes place in Year 2, consists of two papers, a Field Survey and a Topic Paper, which will be defended in an oral examination. The Field Survey should show broad expertise in the wider field of knowledge the candidate’s research will engage. The Topic Paper describes how the candidate’s dissertation intervenes in that field and the particular contribution it will make. Please check the English and Cultural Studies Graduate Handbook for additional details and due dates.

After the completion of the Comprehensive Examination, the candidate will write a scholarly thesis normally of between 200 and 250 pages (not including bibliography), and will defend it at an Oral Examination.

Tuition & Program Fees

Visit Graduate Studies to learn more about tuition, supplementary fees and everything you need to know about being paid as a Teaching or Research Assistant. Tuition fees are assessed on a term by term basis, depending on the number of courses a student takes or if they are paying by term.

Scholarships and Funding

All full-time English graduate students receive scholarship funding from McMaster University. Our scholarship funding offers are competitive with those of other major programs in Canada. However, there are also several internal and external awards available to graduate students.

Graduate students in the Department of English and Cultural Studies have been very successful in winning internal awards and Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) awards, including Harry Lyman Hooker Senior Fellowships, the Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarships for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students, and the Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OGS).

Our graduate students also have an excellent track record in securing Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) awards, including the SSHRC, CGS-Doctoral, CGS-Master’s, and Vanier awards. Our department provides information sessions, proposal workshops, and one-on-one consultations for students applying to SSHRC’s Doctoral Fellowship and Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) competitions.

Teaching Assistantships

The Department of English and Cultural Studies recognizes the importance of teaching as an integral part of our graduate degree programs. For this reason, all full-time graduate students are given a teaching assistantship, supported by faculty-led supervision and peer advice.

MA and first year PhD students typically work as teaching assistants for our first-year undergraduate English and Cultural Studies courses, and we work to offer our doctoral students a range of teaching and research experiences over their four years of study. This may include working as a TA in upper-level English courses, or outside of the department in programs like Theatre & Film, Women’s Studies, Peace Studies or Communication Studies.

TAships generally involve running weekly tutorials, grading student work, and meeting with students individually. Marking TAs do not run tutorials, but instead grade essays and may meet with students individually to discuss their work. Some senior PhD students may be assigned a senior TA position, which involves assisting the instructor, and providing resources to their fellow TAs.

Please see a copy of the TA Handbook in the RESOURCES section below.

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DISCOVER SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

Apply to the PhD Program in English

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GRADUATE SUPERVISORS

Research your passion in English and Cultural Studies with supervision from our world-class faculty.

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SEE OUR CURRENT AND FORMER GRAD STUDENTS

Supplemental information.

Graduate Course Offerings and Timetables

Our English graduate courses explore a range of topics, texts and tools from Medieval studies to contemporary cultural studies.

See our 2023-2024 course offerings and timetable below:

COURSE OFFERINGS

See our tentative 2024-2025 course offerings:

Learn what is involved in each of our graduate courses by viewing our course outlines.

View GRaduate level Course Outlines

Some of our faculty are able to provide funding for Research Assistants (RA) who assist with their research projects. Our department is also affiliated with two academic journals ( Early Theatre and Eighteenth-Century Fiction ) which regularly hire Editorial Assistants. Doctoral students are invited to ballot for these positions on an annual basis. Priority is given to PhD students in Year 5 and above, who are no longer eligible for scholarship or TA funding.

  • Program Handbook
  • TA Handbook
  • Thesis Defence
  • Graduate Calendar
  • School of Graduate Studies Graduate Resources
  • Graduate Association
  • Where to find jobs

The Department of English and Cultural Studies makes the training of graduate students a top priority and offers a wide range of initiatives to prepare students for the meaningful work they will pursue after graduation.

Professional Development Workshops and Support

The Professionalization Committee, along with the Placement Officer, offers a series of workshops on topics such as: 

  • Proposal writing
  • Preparing papers for submission to scholarly journals
  • Writing proposals for conference papers
  • Developing a teaching portfolio
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Strengthening mentorship and networking skills
  • Exploring non-academic job options
  • Cultivating work-life balance

Professional Experience Opportunities

Our department supports graduate students in their conference participation, research endeavors, and future career placements. These initiatives have led to our high rate of peer-reviewed publication among our graduate students, as well as success in placing our doctoral program graduates in academic positions across North America. A faculty member serves as a Placement Officer to help those nearing the end of their degrees explore their career options and hone their job search skills.

Conferences Students are encouraged to apply for several McMaster graduate bursaries and fellowships to fund their travel to conferences. In addition, the Department holds an internal competition for funds for graduate student travel to conferences and for research trips. The Department also hosts the annual John Douglas Taylor conference, a collaborative venture between faculty and graduate students, and graduate student caucus organize the Vox Populi Speaker Series, in which students present their ongoing research in a conversational setting.

Academic Placements

PhDs who have graduated in the last fifteen years from our department have been appointed to tenure-stream and full-time limited-term jobs at institutions across North America and beyond: Wilfrid Laurier, UBC, UBC Okanagan, Laurentian, University of California (Santa Barbara), Texas A&M, Dalhousie, Victoria, St. Thomas, Windsor, Carleton, Ottawa, Toronto (St. George), St. Mary’s, Cape Breton, City University of Hong Kong, Massey University (Aotearoa/New Zealand), University of Kent, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, Ryerson, King’sKings College London, Princeton. Our graduates also have a high rate of success in the SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship competition.

Career Positions

The Department of English and Cultural Studies is committed to supporting our graduate students as they progress in their academic training and as they develop the transferable professional skills that they will use in their future work environments. Many of our alumni have secured a range of rewarding jobs beyond the academic tenure track, using the skills they have perfected in the program to lead them into careers in writing and editing, education, policy work, marketing, arts administration, human resources, career counselling, , law and more.

The Grad Caucus is a team of elected graduate student representatives who are involved in key student, departmental, and faculty-wide committees that work to address issues and improve the graduate student experience. With 35+ representative positions, the Grad Caucus also (co-)organizes student-led initiatives, social events, professional development workshops, and visiting speaker talks. The Grad Caucus is a great opportunity to connect with the graduate student community in the department, address student concerns and gain useful professionalization.

The Department of English and Cultural Studies supports a number of working groups for graduate students and faculty. Some groups pertain to research interests, while others prioritize community for particular students.

Current Groups

  • Medieval & Early Modern Studies Reading Group
  • Eighteenth Century Studies Reading Group
  • Creative Writing Working Group
  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) Working Group
  • International Students Group
  • Cripping Grad School (with SPICES and EIO)

A limited number of Teaching Fellowships is available to upper year PhD students (normally those in Year 4 and beyond). Students holding fellowships serve as primary instructors for an undergraduate course, and may also supervise TAs. These fellowships are awarded based on students’ qualifications in the course subject, and progress completing their PhD program requirements. PhD students are allowed to complete up to two course sections as a Teaching Fellow over the duration of their doctoral studies to a maximum of six units of teaching.

Teaching Fellows normally teach an undergraduate course in the Department of English & Cultural Studies but there may be opportunities to teach in other areas such as Women’s Studies, Humanities, Art History, and Communication Studies. The number of Teaching Fellowships awarded each year varies but most of our PhD students are able to complete at least one fellowship before graduating.

PhD students can apply to complete several graduate diploma options in addition to their doctoral program.

Popular Interdisciplinary Diplomas

Many PhD students in the Department of English and Cultural Studies complete the Gender Studies and Feminist Research Graduate Diploma and the Water Without Borders Graduate Diploma .

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PAST DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS

Explore our archive of Doctoral Dissertations.

Department Life

Our vibrant community of faculty members and students fosters curiosity and critical thinking in the study and research of literature and cultural production. Our department houses a wide range of opportunities for graduate students to develop their skills, find community and engage with faculty experts.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Find a Humanities Expert

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Research-focused and student-centered. Humanities researchers promote interdisciplinary approaches to local and global leadership. Learn more about our researchers by searching by name or keyword.

York University

There are more than 45 faculty members in the Program with diverse interests and specializations. Course work falls broadly into the following fields in which students can focus their studies and specialize in practically any period, style, and genre from the earliest literature in English to contemporary texts :

Postcolonial/Diaspora/World Literature

Courses and research projects of both faculty and students often cross temporal, national, generic, and stylistic boundaries. Diverse theories permeate the approach to study and scholarship. Visit the “ Courses ” page to view this year’s offerings.

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The Graduate Program in English at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.

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The Department of English at the University of Toronto offers two doctoral streams, the PhD program and the PhD U (“direct-entry”) program.

Admission to the doctoral streams is highly selective.

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The PhD program welcomes applications from our own English MA students and English MA students from other recognized institutions.

Candidates for admission to the PhD program must complete an MA in English at this or another university with a standing of A- or better and must satisfy the Department that they are capable of independent research at an advanced level.

The PhD program is designed for completion in five years ; it may extend, if necessary, to a maximum of six years.

PhD U (Direct-Entry) Program

The "direct-entry" PhD U program welcomes applications from exceptional students who have completed their undergraduate English BA degree but not an English MA, or who have completed an MA in a program related to but not in the field of English. (If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact the Associate Director, PhD , before applying.)

Please see the Application Information  page (under “Programs”) for further information about eligibility for the PhD U program, which involves an additional year of coursework and therefore tends to take an additional year to complete.

Upon registration, all doctoral candidates are assigned a mentor from the Department’s graduate faculty.

A thesis supervisor and supervisory committee are appointed at the end of Year 1 for students in the PhD program or the end of Year 2 for students in the PhD U program.

The Special Fields Examination is normally taken in March, April, or May of Year 2 in the program for PhD students or Year 3 in the program for PhD U students.

Program Requirements and Course Work

At the University of Toronto, the acronym FCE stands for “Full Course Equivalent.” A “full course” is weighted 1.0 FCE and meets for the full year (i.e., two terms or semesters). Almost all of our graduate courses in English , however, run for a single term and are thus called “half courses,” which are weighted 0.5 FCE. (“3.0 FCEs,” in other words, in practice means 6 single-term courses.)

The program requirements (except for ENG9900H) for the PhD are usually completed within the first two years of the program.

The minimum course requirements for the degree are as follows:

  • ENG9400H Essential Skills Workshop Series (0.25 FCE); taken in Year 1 of the program
  • ENG9900H Teaching Literature (0.5 FCE); students have the option of taking this required course in either Fall of Year 2 or Fall of Year 3
  • 3.0 additional FCEs in English, as approved by the department; the department strongly encourages students to complete these 3.0 additional FCEs in Year 1
  • Every student must complete at least 2.0 FCEs outside the chosen field of study over the course of their graduate training. The student is encouraged to combine these courses into a minor field. Graduate courses taken as part of the master's program may be counted in this connection, but the following courses may not be counted: ENG6999Y Critical Topographies: Theory and Practice of Contemporary Literary Studies in English , ENG9400H Essential Skills Workshop Series , ENG9900H Teaching Literature .

Language Requirement: PhD students must also demonstrate reading knowledge of French by May 31 of Year 3 of registration. With the permission of the department, another language (including Old English) may be substituted for French provided that this other language is required by the student's research area. The supervisory committee may require the student to qualify in other program-related languages as well.

In order to maintain good academic standing, and to continue in the PhD program, the student must complete each course with a grade of at least B and maintain an average grade of at least A–.

PhD students may take up to 1.0 FCE of coursework outside of the Graduate Program in English, with the approval of the Associate Director, PhD.  

Cross-listed courses (that is, courses taught by English graduate faculty in other units) and courses required for a collaborative specialization are equivalent to English courses and may be taken without special permission from the Department.

PhD U (Direct-Entry)

The program requirements (except for ENG9900H) for the PhD U are usually completed within the first three years of the program.

  • ENG6999Y Critical Topographies: Theory and Practice of Contemporary Literary Studies in English (1.0 FCE); taken in Year 1 of the program
  • ENG9400H Essential Skills Workshop Series (0.25 FCE); taken in Year 2
  • ENG9900H Teaching Literature (0.5 FCE); students have the option of taking this required course in either Fall of Year 3 or Fall of Year 4
  • 5.0 additional FCEs in English, as approved by the department. In Year 1, in addition to ENG6999Y the student must complete 2.0 FCEs. In addition to ENG9400H, students must then complete the remaining 3.0 FCEs by the end of Year 3. The department strongly encourages students to complete these 3.0 additional FCEs in Year 2.
  • Every student must complete at least 2.0 FCEs outside the chosen field of study. The student is encouraged to combine these courses into a minor field. Neither ENG6999Y Critical Topographies: Theory and Practice of Contemporary Literary Studies in English , ENG9400H Essential Skills Workshop Series , nor ENG9900H Teaching Literature  may be counted towards a minor field.

Language Requirement: PhD U students must also demonstrate reading knowledge of French by May 31 of Year 4 of registration. With the permission of the department, another language (including Old English) may be substituted for French provided that this other language is required by the student's research area. The supervisory committee may require the student to qualify in other program-related languages as well.

In order to maintain good academic standing, and to continue in the PhD U program, the student must complete each course with a grade of at least B and maintain an average grade of at least A–.

PhD U students may take up to 1.0 FCE of coursework outside of the Graduate Program in English, with the approval of the Associate Director, PhD.  

Thesis and Supervisory Committee Information

The thesis topic.

Careful consideration in the process of choosing a thesis topic is critical for all doctoral candidates. Select a subject that excites your curiosity, engages your interest, and represents your current thinking and expertise. A thesis topic should emerge from coursework and intellectual growth during the first stages of the program.

Even candidates who enter the program with ideas about a thesis topic are advised to test them further against their own development, the current state of scholarship in the field, and available faculty and archival resources

Finding a Supervisor

The Graduate English faculty is extensive and extraordinarily wide-ranging. Students are advised to consider all potential supervisors from among faculty holding the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

Every PhD student is assigned a mentor, who is one source for information about potential thesis supervisors. Above all, coursework offers the chance to explore intellectual affinities with potential supervisors, and the Director and Associate Directors of the graduate program can offer useful advice.

Members of the Graduate Faculty are always willing to discuss thesis topics and supervision with candidates, and asking a faculty member to read and comment on a fellowship proposal is an excellent way to begin to gauge the potential of a supervisory relationship.

Students should initiate discussion of a thesis topic with potential supervisors early in the second term of the first year of the PhD program (or second year for direct-entry students).

Preliminary Thesis Proposal and Supervisory Committee Request List (Form A)

After securing a thesis supervisor and developing a thesis topic in consultation with that supervisor, the student and supervisor work together to submit  Form A  (Revised September 12, 2019), the Preliminary Thesis Proposal and Committee Request List, to the Department by May 15 of the first year (or second year for direct entry students).

As part of the process of completing Form A, the student should consult with four (or, at a minimum, three) additional members of the graduate faculty to gain further perspectives on the design and viability of the project. On the form, the student lists the names of the faculty members consulted and the names of up to four faculty members to be considered as potential members of the supervisory committee. (The names of the faculty consulted and the potential committee members are often, but may not necessarily be, the same.)

The Preliminary Thesis Proposal is a statement of approximately 1-2 single-spaced pages outlining the focus and approach of the proposed program of research. Successful proposals will be written in clear, concise prose. As its title suggests, the proposal is preliminary: the position paper component of the Special Fields Exam (at the end of the following year) will provide the opportunity for revision and expansion. Students should feel free, if it in fact reflects their current thinking, to adapt their Program of Study from a SSHRC or Plan of Study from a OGS proposal. As above, be sure that your Thesis Proposal reflects your current thinking, growth, and knowledge of the field.

Supervisory Committee and Special Fields Reading List (Form B)

After Form A (the preliminary proposal and committee request list) has been received, the Director and Associate Director, PhD, will determine the composition of the supervisory committee (usually the supervisor plus two additional members).

Early in the summer, the candidate should then meet with the supervisory committee as a group to discuss the proposal, draw up an initial list of texts for the Special Fields Examination (see below), and develop a plan of work.

In late summer or early fall the student consults with the committee once again to complete  Form B  (Revised November 11, 2019), the Special Fields Reading List, which must be submitted to the Department by October 1 of the second year of the program (or third year for direct entry students).

Please see below  for further information about the Special Fields Examination.

Thesis Supervision

It is critical to the success of the working relationship between supervisor and candidate to develop an initial agreement about the method and scope of the research, and to clarify the expectations of supervisor and candidate: about the kind and amount of advice that the candidate wants and the supervisor is able and willing to offer; about the involvement of the members of the supervisory committee; about the frequency, regularity and contents of consultations; about an appropriate time scheme for the completion of the thesis; and about the way draft work is to be submitted.

The candidate meets with the supervisor and individual committee members according to the schedule they have established, but the candidate must meet with the full supervisory committee at least once every year in order to meet SGS registration requirements.

Please carefully consult the following SGS publications:

  • Graduate Supervision Guidelines
  • Graduate Supervision Guidelines — Faculty Edition
  • Graduate Supervision Guidelines — Student Edition
  • The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Centre for Graduate Mentorship and Supervision

Thesis Submission Guidelines and the Final Oral Examination

Special fields examination.

The Special Fields Examination both prepares students for teaching and scholarly work in a particular field and facilitates the transition to writing the doctoral thesis.

Accordingly, the Special Fields Reading List, which forms the basis for the examination, comprises between 80 and 100 texts, roughly two-thirds (55-65) in a major field and roughly one-third (25-35) in a minor field. Students construct their own lists in consultation with their supervisor and thesis committee.

The Special Fields Examination must be completed by the end of Year 2 (or Year 3 for direct-entry students) and will normally be taken in March, April, or May of that year.

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University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2

English (PhD)

Students in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English program will develop a higher degree of specialization and advanced training in research and application in English literature.

Program details

Admission requirements.

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• Faculty of Arts • Faculty of Graduate Studies

• PhD in English

Expected duration

Study with us.

Our department offers programs covering a wide range of periods, genres, media and theoretical approaches.

One of the major strengths of the faculty is its commitment to teaching excellence, with three of its members having been honoured with the University’s highest teaching award, and several others having been honoured with Merit Awards, Graduate Teaching Awards and UMSU Certificates of Teaching Excellence.

Visit our faculty page for more information on the diversity of our research interests.

Areas of study

Our department offers coursework and supervision in a wide range of topics. Areas of study include but are not limited to:

  • Literature and criticism (medieval, early modern, restoration and 18th century, romantic, 19th century, modern, 20th century and contemporary literature; British, American, Canadian, post-colonial and world literatures; critical theory, bibliography and book history)
  • Film (world film, American and Canadian film and film theory)
  • Theatre (Canadian, Irish and British theatre)

Research facilities

University of Manitoba Libraries have extensive holdings in literature, film studies and theatre. The Libraries provide access to both local and remote databases.

Our department benefits from close affiliations with the University of Manitoba Institute for the Humanities, the Arts Media Lab and the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture.

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The Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media offers a program of study leading to a PhD in English.

Expected duration: 4 years

The PhD program consists of coursework, candidacy exams and a thesis component.

Tuition and fees:  Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees .)

The first year of full-time PhD study will normally include:

  • At least 12 credit hours of graduate seminars in English literature at the 7000 level
  • 6 credit hours of ancillary coursework at the 3000 level or above in English or in a related discipline

Candidacy examinations, consisting of a paper on the student’s period of specialization and a paper on the research area, will normally be written in the second year of PhD study. Each paper will be followed by a one-hour oral examination. Students must also prepare and successfully defend their thesis.

Second Language Reading Requirement

Students are required to have some knowledge of a language other than English.

For a PhD degree, a grade of C+ or better in, normally, 6 undergraduate credit hours of (2000 level or equivalent) courses satisfies the requirement.

Sample course offerings

  • ENGL 7050: Studies in Canadian Literature (3 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7030: Studies in American Literature (3 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7090: Studies in Contemporary Literature (3 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7140: Studies in International Literature (3 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7160: Studies in Modernism (3 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7180: Studies in Old English Poetry (6 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7190: Special Topics in Literary Figures (3 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7300: Creative Writing (3 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7880: Studies in Literature and Film (3 credit hours)
  • ENGL 7860: Topics in Cultural Studies (3 credit hours)

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar .

The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Admission decisions are based on the qualifications of the applicant as well as the ability of the Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media and the University of Manitoba to serve the applicant’s intended program of study and area of specialization.

To be considered for admission to the PhD in English program, you must hold a Master’s degree in English with a GPA of at least 3.5 in your work at the MA level.

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum  admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies .

How to apply

The PhD in English program accepts applications for Fall entry only. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:

  • $100 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
  • A sample of the student’s scholarly writing (maximum 20 pages)
  • A detailed proposal (approximately 1000 words) explaining the student's intended research focus
  • Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
  • Proof of English language proficiency , if required

Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions  before beginning your application.

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for English reviews applications in February.

Applications open   up to 18 months prior  to start term.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media

Our department offers programs covering a wide range of periods, genres, media and theoretical approaches. Plus, meet our faculty and staff.

Tuition and fees

Learn about tuition and fee requirements for graduate studies at UM.

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Find the variety of awards and funding options available to help you pay for school as an English graduate student.

Academic Calendar

Explore program requirements and detailed descriptions for required and elective courses throughout the English program.

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With over 140 programs across multiple faculties, schools and colleges, the University of Manitoba offers more learning, teaching and research opportunities than any other post-secondary institution in the province.

  • Master’s in English, Theatre, Film & Media
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Admission and application inquiries.

Faculty of Graduate Studies Room 500 UMSU University Centre 65 Chancellors Circle University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

[email protected] Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media, Faculty of Arts 625 Fletcher Argue Building 15 Chancellor's Circle University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

[email protected] Phone: 204-474-9678 Fax: 204-474-7669

Visit the Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media

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Université de Montréal / Faculté des arts et des sciences English Studies – Department of Literatures and Languages of the World

Graduate programs.

The study of English literature leads to a profusion of compelling experiences through the reading of works by Shakespeare, Dickens, Woolf, Atwood, Cohen, Hemingway, and Rushdie. UdeM’s graduate programs offer a cornucopia of courses that will cultivate your imagination as well as your critical and creative thinking.

As a city where French and English speakers coexist with individuals from a range of linguistic and geographical backgrounds, Montreal provides the ideal context for studies that focus on the contact and interaction between literatures, languages, and cultures. Our courses thus consider the social and cultural significance of literature through the exploration of topics such as postcolonialism, globalization, gender and sexuality, and popular culture.

The Département de Langues et de Littératures du Monde’s English studies programs foster cultural awareness and an interdisciplinary approach through our thought-provoking seminars and professionalization workshops. Our graduate programs enable students to further their comprehension of a variety of cultural, historical and literary issues that are shifting and evolving on a global scale.

Building on a comprehensive and creative approach, UdeM’s English studies programs offer a variety of courses, which include the study of British, American, Irish, and Canadian literature. Our curriculum includes various Anglophone literatures from Quebec, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, and reflects a variety of pedagogical perspectives of a national, postcolonial, avant-garde, and experimental character.

Our programs

  • MA in English Studies
  • PhD in English Studies

Who are these programs intended for?

MA and PhD programs are designed for anyone who wants to enrich his or her knowledge and deepen his or her theoretical, critical, historical or analytical engagement with English studies. The programs are also ideal for those who wish to combine their research with their creative work.

Students benefit from a sometimes contribute to our  research centres , whose work is disseminated in classes and seminars.

The MA and PhD programs are open to English graduates as well as those coming from other fields of study related to English, provided they meet the admission requirements. Aspiring graduate students must have a minimal command of French to fully take part in the student and academic life.

Still undecided about the topic of your thesis? Scroll through the fields of expertise of our professors or see the most recent theses submitted in the Department .

Job outlook

MA and PhD degrees in English can lead to university and college tenure-track positions. The degrees, sometimes combined with previous studies in other related fields, can also increase the chances of finding managerial and executive positions.

With their superior command of written English as well as their critical thinking and close reading skills, our graduate students can also plan to enter the job market in a variety of related sectors, such as:

  • Publishing and journalism
  • Media and advertising
  • Translation
  • Public relations
  • Civil service
  • Research and documentation
  • Planning and organization of major cultural and literary events

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The graduate programs in English at McGill are among the finest in Canada. Students have the opportunity to become specialists in literature, cultural studies, or drama and theatre, and through course work and research these streams may be combined. Located in the McCall-MacBain Arts Building, the original structure of a college established by endowments from James McGill in 1821, the Department of English enjoys pride of place on the historic lower campus in the heart of downtown Montreal.  

The PhD program , designed to be completed in six years, begins with course work and culminates in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to scholarship. The MA program program is a two-year degree with two research options – a thesis or a shorter research paper. Both programs are pathways to the next level in academic careers in English. Graduates also go on to law, politics, education, writing and publishing, and a host of other fields. Each year there are approximately eighty graduate students in the department at various stages of their degrees.

PhD and MA students enroll in common graduate courses, which are small, discussion-based seminars. Courses range from the medieval to the contemporary period, and draw on critical theory and diverse methods in literary analysis, literary history, cultural studies, and theatre and performance studies. MA students take a core course in bibliography emphasizing the fundamentals of humanities research. Two professional seminars prepare PhD students for leading roles as teachers and researchers in English. 

Admission to the PhD comes with a guaranteed internal funding package including tuition. MA students have opportunities to work as research assistants through faculty members’ grants. Employment as a teaching assistant is a routine part of the PhD and sometimes a possibility in the MA. The department supports all graduate students in their applications for external awards, and many are successful in winning fellowships from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSRHC) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC). 

Handbook & Policies

Writing a research proposal, taking courses, fulfilling the language requirement – these and all other aspects of the PhD and MA programs are described in detail in the Graduate Handbook of the Department of English. The Handbook is the first place to look for answers to specific questions about completing your degree. 

Research Opportunities

We encourage our graduate students to pursue opportunities wherever their research leads them, in Canada or abroad. The Department of English offers funding for students undertaking archival research or presenting their work at a conference. 

English Graduate Student Association (EGSA)

The English Graduate Student Association (EGSA) represents PhD and MA students to the department, faculty, and university, while enriching the student experience through its own social and academic activities. From organizing professionalization events to hosting guest speakers, there are dozens of ways to get involved. 

Department and University Information

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