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We offer a PhD program and three different routes toward an MA in English: coursework only, courses plus a creative thesis, and courses plus a literary thesis. 

Applications to our graduate programs are highly competitive and you need to be aware that even if you meet the basic requirements, an offer of admission is not automatic. Please note that our programs are NOT in language training, language education, nor linguistics. Our programs are only in literary history and criticism. Also note that in the past 5 years, the minimum CGPA to be considered for admission is 3.82/4. Further, PhD applications are assessed (in part) on the viability of the research statement and how that research project aligns with faculty areas of expertise.

Students wishing to apply to the program must submit a complete application package that includes:

  • Application form
  • all university transcripts
  • two letters of reference from university instructors
  • a sample of academic writing. This writing sample need only be 10-15 pages.
  • a sample of creative writing (for MA with creative thesis only). A selection of 5-10 poems, one short story, or a chapter length excerpt from a novel are appropriate lengths.

All application materials must be submitted by January 15

Minimum admission requirements

MA – Bachelor's degree in English Literature (minimum second class honours) in an appropriate area of study, with 20 courses in English and minimum 80% in English courses

PhD – Master's degree in English Literature with minimum 80% in graduate courses

English Language Proficiency - International students who have completed secondary schooling, an undergraduate degree program, or a graduate degree program at a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English are advised to provide a letter from their university stating the language of instruction.

All other international students will have to provide minimum scores from acceptable standardized tests. The Department of English typically gets enough applications to reach enrolment caps from applicants whose scores are considerably higher than the university minimums, particularly in the "writing" assessments. Prospective students should ensure that their scores are are in the Department's preferred ranges: 

  • at least 70 band score on MUNTEL for "Writing"
  • 25-30 on the “Writing” component of the Internet-based TOEFL 
  • 50-68 on the “Structure and Written Expression” section of the paper-based TOEFL 
  • 7-9 on the “Writing” component on the IELTS Academic test 
  • 70-90 on the “Writing” component of the CAEL test 
  • 5 or higher on the “Writing” component of CanTEST 
  • 90 or higher on the “Writing” component of the MELAB test

Any questions or concerns? Please contact the Graduate Coordinator.