English Language and Literature

The BA in English Language and Literature at Queen's University offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the English language and its rich literary tradition. This programme is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped English literature and language over the centuries. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of texts, from medieval to contemporary, gaining insights into different genres, periods, and literary movements. The programme emphasizes close reading, textual analysis, and contextual understanding, equipping students with the skills necessary for a variety of careers in education, publishing, media, and beyond. In addition to literary analysis, students will explore the structure, history, and evolution of the English language itself, understanding how language functions and changes in social and cultural settings. The programme also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to connect literary studies with history, philosophy, and cultural studies. Students will benefit from experienced faculty members known for their research and teaching excellence, and they will have access to a range of resources, including modern libraries and digital archives. The programme includes modules such as literary theory, creative writing, and contextual studies, providing a well-rounded education that combines traditional literary analysis with innovative approaches. The degree prepares graduates for diverse professional pathways, including teaching, writing, editing, research, and other fields requiring strong communication and analytical skills. By the end of the programme, students will have developed a deep appreciation for the power of language and literature to shape human experience and understanding. Overall, the BA in English Language and Literature at Queen's University offers an enriching academic journey that fosters intellectual growth, creative expression, and cultural awareness.

• Introduction to Professional and Pedagogical Skills I and II
• Topics in Medieval Literature: King Arthur: Medieval to Modern 
• Topics in Early Modern Literature: The Classical and the Popular in Renaissance Drama
• Topics in Restoration and 18th Century Literature: The Whole Show
• Topics in Victorian Literature: The “Other” Body in Victorian Literature
• Topics in Modernism: Literature and Culture of the Spanish Civil War
• Topics in Canadian Literature: “Carrying the Burden of Peace”—Exploring Indigenous Masculinities through Story
• Literary Internship
• Publishing Practicum
• Topics in Medieval Literature: Introduction to Old English Language and Poetry
• Topics in Early Modern Literature: Practical Criticism—Close Reading the Renaissance
• Topics in Restoration and 18th Century Literature: Samuel Richardson and the Rise of the Novel
• Topics in Romantic Literature: Austen and Her Contemporaries
• Topics in Victorian Literature: Victorian Vampires
• Topics in Canadian Literature: Incarcerating Indigenous Peoples: Cultural and Political Perspectives
• Topics in Canadian Literature: Alice Munro
• Topics in American Literature: Black Lives Matter—African-American Culture and Politics
• Topics in Romantic Literature: Thomas De Quincey
• Topics in Contemporary Literature: The Refugee Crisis—Migration, Human Rights, and the Meaning of Citizenship

Requirements

• Successful completion of a research Master's degree 
• Letter of Intent
• Writing Sample. 15 pages maximum (including bibliography), preferably from your chosen research area
• For international students, if required, a TOEFL total score of at least 627(paperbased) or TOEFL iBT minimum scores of 109. Applicants must have the minimum score in each test as well as the minimum overall score.
• Two Official Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
• Two current academic recommendations are required from professors under whom the applicant has recently studied.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - score of 7 on the academic module
• Pay the non refundable application fee on-line (currently $105 CDN).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Basic Funding Package (teaching and research assistantship, internal fellowships, bursaries and incremental growth).minimum $18,000; most students receive between $18,000 and $22,000 per year
• Queen’s Graduate Awards (QGA)
• Graduate Entrance Tuition Awards (GETA)
• International Tuition Awards (ITAs)
• Conference Travel Awards

Queen's University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature that is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of English literary history, language, and criticism. The program combines core modules in literary analysis, historical contexts, and language studies, allowing students to explore a wide range of texts from different periods and genres, including medieval, modern, and contemporary literature. Students will engage in critical reading and writing practices essential for scholarly research and professional communication. The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, theoretical approaches, and contextual understanding to enable graduates to interpret complex texts and develop their own arguments effectively.

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as creative writing, linguistics, modern poetry, or drama, depending on their interests and career aspirations. The program also encourages engagement with cultural, social, and political themes represented in literature, fostering a broader understanding of how language shapes identity and society. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, supported by access to extensive academic resources and libraries. The program prepares students for diverse career paths, including teaching, publishing, writing, editing, journalism, and further academic research or postgraduate studies.

Queen's University’s dedicated faculty comprises experts in various fields of literature and linguistics who are committed to providing personalized academic support and mentorship. The university emphasizes a vibrant scholarly community, facilitating participation in literary societies, conferences, and extracurricular activities that enrich the educational experience. The program's duration is typically three or four years, depending on the chosen pathway, with opportunities for study abroad or internships that enhance practical skills and employability.

Overall, the English Language and Literature program at Queen's University aims to cultivate critical thinkers, skilled communicators, and cultural historians, equipping students with the knowledge and abilities necessary to thrive in a competitive global environment. The university's reputation for academic excellence and its supportive learning environment make it an ideal place for students passionate about exploring the richness of the English language and its literary heritage.