English University of British Columbia

Overview

The English programme at the University of British Columbia provides a vibrant and wide-ranging environment for advanced postgraduate study. Students can choose to focus their research on either English Literature or English Language, benefiting from one of the few departments in North America to offer such a comprehensive dual-stream approach. This flexible degree allows for completion with or without a thesis, catering to diverse academic and professional goals.

Why English at the University of British Columbia?

The Department of English Language and Literatures is distinguished by its field-leading research and highly productive faculty members. It is unique in Canada for offering integrated tiers of study across all major literary historical periods, from Medieval to Contemporary, alongside robust linguistics and rhetoric streams. Students benefit from the university's outstanding interdisciplinary links, allowing for collaborative work in areas such as Medieval Studies, Sexuality Studies, and Science and Technology Studies. Furthermore, the department is actively involved in global research projects funded by major bodies, exploring innovative intersections between digital media and traditional humanities research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 9884 per year
• National fee: CAD 5626 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is divided into two primary streams, allowing students to tailor their learning to specific academic interests. Modules may include:

• English Literature
• English Language
• History and Structure of Language
• Discourse and Genre Analysis
• History and Theory of Rhetoric
• Cognitive Linguistics
• Functional Grammar
• Semantics and Pragmatics
• Stylistics

Careers with English

Graduates from this programme are equipped with advanced analytical and communication skills suitable for a variety of professional sectors. The department supports research that intersects with media studies, digital humanities, and public pedagogy, preparing students for roles in academia, publishing, and cultural heritage. Many alumni leverage their expertise in literary analysis and linguistic variation to pursue careers in education, media, and international research organisations. The programme's focus on diverse literatures, including Indigenous and postcolonial studies, ensures graduates are prepared for the complexities of the global professional landscape.