MA in English in Canada at UVic Canada

Program Overview for MA in English in Canada:

We offer various literary courses and degree paths, literary criticism methods, and literary theory. Our courses combine challenging and deep learning. You will have the opportunity to develop teaching, research, and professional files. You'll be ready for jobs that focus on writing, research, and analysis inside and outside academia.

Our master's program offers advanced courses in the literary period, genre, method, and theory. Through coursework and long final essays or critical projects, you will lay a solid foundation in research. 

Our MA has three optional professional directions: Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS), 19th Century Studies (NCS), and Cultural, Social, and Political Thought (CSPT).

Areas of focus

• British, Canadian, American, and Irish literature
• Postcolonial literature
• Critical theory
• Period-focused literature
• Digital humanities and media studies

The eligibility for MA in English in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

The admission selection process is competitive. Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admissions and Records Office and then by the English Graduate Committee, which usually makes admission decisions in February and March. Not all students who meet the minimum requirements can be admitted. In addition to the application materials required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (see Faculty Admissions), the department requires a statement of intent (not to exceed 1 typed page for MA applicants or 2 typed pages for Ph.D. applicants), a 10–15 page typed essay demonstrating advanced literary and/or critical studies ability, and a CV.

GRE scores are not required, but students who have taken the GRE may submit their results. International students whose first language is not English may be required to demonstrate competency in English (see English Language Proficiency) by providing results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language/TOEFL (with a minimum of 630 on the paper-based test or 101 on the internet-based test) or the International English Language Testing System/IELTS (with an overall score of at least Band 7).

September is normally the only entry point, and a limited number of courses are offered in the Summer. Admission to the MA program requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably with an Honours or Major that includes courses in all or most areas of English literature, including critical theory, with a minimum overall average of at least A- (7.0 GPA on a 9-point scale; 3.7 GPA on a 4-point scale) in the final two full years of credit units.

Students who wish to be considered for funding should apply for September entry by January 15. MA applications received by February 15 may still be considered but may not be eligible for funding. Ph.D. applications received after January 15 cannot be considered.

These are the test eligibilities for the MA in English to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for MA in English in Canada.

All graduate students must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:

• You must list a potential supervisor on your application
• This faculty member must agree to be your supervisor and recommend your admission.

To find a supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you've found a faculty member whose research complements your own, contact them by email.

Contact the graduate secretary at englgradsec@uvic.ca or 250-721-6331. 

Graduate students registered in full-time programs are automatically considered for a fellowship. This is based on a qualifying GPA.

Individual award amounts may vary depending on the program.

UVic Fellowship Awards

• Up to $17,500 per year (masters)
• Up to $20,000 per year (Ph.D.)

UVic Graduate Awards

• Up to $10,000 per year (masters and Ph.D.)

Eligibility

• The minimum requirement for funding consideration is an A- average on the last two years of coursework.
• Domestic and international students are considered equally for funding
• Full-time registration (3.0 units) for UVic Fellowship holders and at least part-time registration (1.5 units) for UVic Graduate Award holders
• Full-time registration for students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is 1.5 units

Every year we employ many graduate students to assist with teaching, research, and lab instruction.

• Their academic units hire teaching assistants (TAs) to assist with teaching and grading courses. These are unionized, hourly positions.
• Faculty members hire research assistants (RAs) to help with their research. These roles are sometimes called scientific assistants or laboratory instructors. RA salaries come from faculty members’ research grants. Because of this, RA hours, salary, and other details are worked out between you and the faculty member.

Work-study

The work-study program offers part-time jobs on campus that fit your course schedule.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a full-time student
• Demonstrate financial need
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Co-operative Education Program (co-op)

UVic is home to the largest graduate co-op program in Canada. You can add a co-op to your master’s or doctoral studies for work experience in your field of study.

Bursaries

We offer non-repayable bursaries based on financial needs.

To be eligible for a bursary, you must be:

• Already receiving the maximum government student loans available to you
• In full-time status as determined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• In good academic standing