English

Customize your degree

Shape your degree around the stories, media and ideas that interest you most.

• British literature, from the medieval period through the 20th century
• Canadian literature
• American literature
• Gender theory
• Critical theory
• Film
• Indigenous literatures
• Digital humanities
• Professional communication

Hands-on learning

Studying English is about more than reading. You’ll put ideas into action through archives, digital projects, writing opportunities and student-led publications.

Special Collections and University Archives

Get close to medieval manuscripts, rare books, photographs and archival materials. You’ll learn how texts are preserved, interpreted and connected to history, culture and memory.

Digital Humanities

From ancient cave markings to Tumblr, people have been telling stories for thousands of years. In digital humanities courses, you’ll study how technology changes the way stories are created, shared, preserved and understood.

Professional Communication

Build writing skills for today’s workplace. Professional Communication courses help you write for digital, public and professional audiences.

Research, writing and publishing

Use your degree to build a portfolio of essays, research, creative work, reviews or digital projects that can support future applications for jobs, graduate school, law, education or professional programs.

Earn while you learn

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

• Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
• Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
• On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
• Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Student life & community

Find your people in a department where reading, writing, creativity and conversation are part of everyday student life.

The Albatross English undergraduate journal

The Albatross is an undergraduate peer-reviewed academic journal. You can volunteer as an editor, copy editor or proofreader, or submit your own writing for publication.

The Warren Undergraduate Review

The Warren is a creative journal that publishes original art, poetry, prose and essays by undergraduate students. You can volunteer as an editor, submit your work or connect with an upper-year student mentor.

English Students’ Association

Build community through the English Students’ Association. Attend social events like galas and trivia nights, and take part in annual poetry and short story contests.

Crafternoons

Gather with students, staff and faculty at this free weekly event. Bring a project, take a break and get to know people in your department.

Learn from award-winning profs

Career possibilities

English builds skills that stay useful as jobs and technology change: clear writing, careful research, critical thinking, editing, storytelling and persuasive communication.

• Use your English degree to prepare for roles in:
• Communications and public relations
• Publishing, editing and technical writing
• Digital content, social media and marketing
• Education, libraries and archives Law, policy, government and public service
• Media, journalism and creative industries

You’ll graduate with practical strengths that employers across sectors look for: the ability to understand complex ideas, write for real audiences, make strong arguments and communicate with confidence.

Admission

Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.

Alternatively, you can apply to another major and then add this program as a minor after one year of full-time study.

Ready to apply?

We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.