This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use for web and social media privacy.  If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser’s setting to “do not track.”

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
English

Graduate programs

Master of Arts (MA)

Students in the MA program take advanced courses in a range of literary periods and critical approaches, and their degree culminates in a research-based master’s essay or project. The degree is normally completed in 12 months, though students in a special path (see below) may require 16-24 months.

Special paths (optional):

Through UVic’s Co-operative Education Program, students may extend their English MA to gain work experience and explore job possibilities outside of academia. Visit the Co-operative Education website for more details.

MA students in the Department of English may apply to the CSPT Program to pursue a concentration in Cultural, Social and Political Thought (CSPT). For more information, visit the CSPT website.

Part-time MA

We offer a part-time option for MA students who are working or live outside Victoria. Part-time students take one course per term and normally finish in 2 years. At least one online course is offered per term, and there is no required on-campus component.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Students in the PhD program undertake the most advanced, research-intensive degree offered by the Department of English. The program consists of coursework, a candidacy portfolio and a doctoral dissertation, and it aims to prepare students for a variety of humanities careers. The degree is normally completed in 5 years.

PhD students who choose a Cultural, Social and Political Thought (CSPT) concentration can apply to the CSPT program.

Admissions

Full-time programs (MA and PhD): Applications must be complete (including referee letters) and submitted by January 15th.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all their application materials well in advance of the official application deadline. 

Part-time MA program: Applications must be complete (including referee letters) and submitted by March 15th.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all their application materials well in advance of the official application deadline.

Please visit the graduate admissions website for the minimum admission standards set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The department admission requirements are: 

MA:

  • bachelor's degree in English or a related discipline (Honours BA preferred)
  • grade point average of 7.0 on a nine-point scale; 3.7 on a four-point scale; or high second-class standing

PhD:

  • master's degree in English or related discipline
  • grade point average in previous graduate courses of 7.0 on a nine-point scale; 3.7 on a four-point scale; or high second-class standing

The following constitutes a complete application:

  • the online application form
  • unofficial transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended
  • 2 letters of academic reference 
  • a statement of intent:
    • MA applicants should outline their area(s) of academic interest, describe their preparation for the program and explain why UVic is suited to these plans (1 page single-spaced)
    • PhD applicants should indicate their field of study and specific area(s) of research interest; note the most important aspects of their preparation/training; describe a current research plan that will lead to and include a doctoral dissertation; and explain why UVic is suited to the plan (2 pages single-spaced)
  • a writing sample (10-15 pages) 
  • a curriculum vitae that includes your educational background, relevant training, employment experience, awards and honours, publications, and any experience with leadership, teaching, and/or conference presentation
  • proof of language proficiency
  • a mandatory application fee

Funding

Full-time students receive funding packages that include fellowships, awards, teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for a range of additional internal and external funding opportunities. CSPT students may be eligible for extra funding through the CSPT Program. 

Full-time MA students receive a 1-year funding package of approximately $18,000

Part-time MA students are not funded

PhD students normally recieve a 5-year funding package of $125,000 ($25,000 per year) 

Courses

See our upcoming course offerings here

The Cultural, Social, and Political Thought (CSPT) Program lists CSPT-designated graduate courses are their own program site: CSPT Courses.

Resources

 If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate Advisor or Graduate Secretary.

Graduate Handbook (2025-26)
FGS forms & policies

FAQs

No, we do not offer application fee waivers.

No, you do not need to identify a supervisor before applying, though you’re welcome to look at our faculty profiles and suggest potential supervisors in your statement of intent. The graduate committee considers supervisor fit and availability when reviewing applications.

For more information on applying, see UVic's graduate admissions page.