Program Overview

---

MA in English

Overview

The one-year MA in English offers students the chance to experience the challenges and expectations of graduate school in a collegial and stimulating environment. The program prepares students for PhD programs in English literature and may serve as a conduit to the PhD in English, which is unique in Canada for its commitment to fusing archival investigation in manuscript, print, and digital cultures with theoretical inquiry into literary and social production. For those who do not want to pursue a PhD, the MA degree gives a competitive edge in the job market, whether in business, government, or non-profit sector, in areas such as publishing, human resources, communications, public relations, and marketing.

The MA program addresses questions about:

• What people understand by the idea of literature in different times and places and why it matters
• The power of literature to forge communities and become a force for change
• How these issues are influenced by broader legal, technological, political, and social contexts

The MA program offers three streams: thesis, research essay, or coursework. The degree is typically completed through coursework within three consecutive terms over a period of twelve months.

MA Admission Requirements

A four-year Bachelor of Arts, or the equivalent, in English, with at least a B+ average, is required for admission. The minimum admission requirement for the master's program is a four-year Bachelor of Arts, or the equivalent, in English, with at least a B+ average. Possession of the minimum entrance standing is not in itself an assurance of admission into the program.

Each application package consists of:

• The application form
• Original transcripts
• Two letters of reference
• A statement of interest
• An academic writing sample

The statement of interest should articulate a proposed area of research and explain how the applicant will conduct an organized study of a defined scholarly topic within a primary field. The statement should be 250 to 500 words in length.

The writing sample should be a pdf of a writing sample from one of the applicant's undergraduate courses, with an instructor's name on it along with details of the course. The sample should be a clean, ungraded copy and provide evidence of the ability to argue persuasively and conduct research or theoretical inquiry into an English literary topic. The sample should be 1500 to 3000 words in length.

Two references are required for a complete application.

Applying to the MA Program

The fall application deadline is February 1. Applicants are advised to contact their referees ahead of time to ensure that references are received by the application deadline.

Awards and Funding

There are internal and external funding opportunities for students in the MA and PhD programs. Applications for external awards must be made in the year prior to the year in which the award will be taken up.

International Students

The fall application deadline for international students is also February 1. International student fees can be prohibitive, and funding to support international students is limited.

Specializations

The MA program offers specializations in:

• African Studies
• Climate Change
• Digital Humanities

Program requirements and regulations can be found in the Graduate Calendar.