English literature (PhD)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Program overview
The PhD in English Literature will deepen your mastery of period- and area-specific archives and develop your skills as a literary scholar. You will investigate the cultural categories of literature and the media in both historical and contemporary contexts. Living and studying in the vibrant, bilingual city of Montreal, you will study literatures in English with a focus on interdisciplinary exchanges and cross-cultural environments. The program is of special interest to doctoral students seeking to work across discourses, media, or literary languages and traditions.
Program details
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree in English or equivalent.
- GPA of 3.50 or above from a recognized university.
- Promise as a scholar as demonstrated by letter of intent and submitted writing sample.
- Proposed research that is relevant to the program.
- A feasible research proposal in terms of material resources including faculty supervision.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
Please see the English Courses page for course descriptions.
English Literature PhD (90 credits)
| 7 | credits of Required Courses: |
| 12 | credits of Studies Courses, chosen from the following lists, with a minimum of three credits of pre-20th Century courses: Independent Studies in English Literature Special Topics in English Literature Studies in Early English Literature and Medieval Literature Studies in Renaissance Literature Studies in Restoration and Eighteenth Century Literature Studies in Nineteenth Century Literature Studies in Twentieth Century Literature Studies in Poetry Studies in Drama Studies in Fiction Studies in the History of Ideas Studies in Shakespeare
Studies in Canadian Literature Studies in Post-Colonial Literature Studies in Literary Criticism Studies in Selected Areas |
| 6 | credits: |
| 12 | credits of Field Examinations: |
| 53 | credits: |
Independent Studies in English Literature
|
Special Topics in English Literature
| • ENGL 601 Special Topics in English Literature (3.00) • ENGL 602 Special Topics in English Literature (3.00) • ENGL 603 Special Topics in English Literature (3.00) • ENGL 604 Special Topics in English Literature (3.00) |
Studies in Early English Literature and Medieval Literature
|
Studies in Renaissance Literature
|
Studies in Restoration and Eighteenth Century Literature
|
Studies in Nineteenth Century Literature
|
Studies in Twentieth Century Literature
| • ENGL 625 Studies in Twentieth Century Literature (3.00) • ENGL 626 Studies in Twentieth Century Literature (3.00) • ENGL 627 Studies in Twentieth Century Literature (3.00) • ENGL 628 Studies in Twentieth Century Literature (3.00) • ENGL 629 Studies in Twentieth Century Literature (3.00) |
Studies in Poetry
| • ENGL 630 Studies in Poetry (3.00) • ENGL 631 Studies in Poetry (3.00) |
Studies in Drama
| • ENGL 635 Studies in Drama (3.00) • ENGL 636 Studies in Drama (3.00) • ENGL 637 Studies in Drama (3.00) |
Studies in Fiction
| • ENGL 640 Studies in Fiction (3.00) • ENGL 641 Studies in Fiction (3.00) |
Studies in the History of Ideas
| • ENGL 645 Studies in the History of Ideas (3.00) • ENGL 646 Studies in the History of Ideas (3.00) • ENGL 648 Studies in the History of Ideas (3.00) |
Studies in Shakespeare
| • ENGL 650 Studies in Shakespeare (3.00) • ENGL 652 Studies in Shakespeare (3.00) |
Studies in American Literature
| • ENGL 655 Studies in American Literature (3.00) • ENGL 656 Studies in American Literature (3.00) • ENGL 657 Studies in American Literature (3.00) • ENGL 658 Studies in American Literature (3.00) • ENGL 659 Studies in American Literature (3.00) |
Studies in Canadian Literature
| • ENGL 660 Studies in Canadian Literature (3.00) • ENGL 662 Studies in Canadian Literature (3.00) • ENGL 663 Studies in Canadian Literature (3.00) • ENGL 664 Studies in Canadian Literature (3.00) |
Studies in Post-Colonial Literature
| • ENGL 665 Studies in Post-Colonial Literature (3.00) • ENGL 667 Studies in Post-Colonial Literature (3.00) |
Studies in Literary Criticism
| • ENGL 668 Studies in Literary Criticism (3.00) • ENGL 669 Studies in Literary Criticism (3.00) |
Studies in Selected Areas
| • ENGL 685 Selected Area III (3.00) • ENGL 687 Selected Area IV (3.00) • ENGL 688 Selected Area V (3.00) • ENGL 689 Selected Area VI (3.00) |
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of Purpose (three pages maximum): Outline your academic background and, as specifically as possible, describe the research project you expect to focus on and the relevance of your proposed research to our program. The English Graduate Program Committee invites members of equity-seeking groups to identify themselves if they wish
- A sample of your written work. Fifteen pages maximum
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| English | PhD |
Jan. 15 | n/a | n/a |
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of courses and read about upcoming, current and past course offerings
We are committed to providing financial support to all of our students. PhD candidates usually receive three-year funding packages, which include Concordia fellowships and English teaching assistantships. Students are eligible to apply for graduate funding (e.g., conference awards, accelerator funds) throughout the degree. We also assist you in the preparation of applications for external grants from SSHRC and the FQRSC
Please consult the English Department’s funding page and Financial Aid and Awards
Our faculty are accomplished scholars across many fields of literature. Learn more about us by visiting:
Graduate students hold writing sessions and workshops, host literary and scholarly events, and publish a journal. Learn more about Concordia Write Nights, Headlight, and visit SAGE to get involved.
Our doctoral students will emerge prepared to enrich the social and cultural milieux of Montreal, Québec, Canada, and beyond, embarking upon careers as researchers, educators and writers either inside or outside of the academy.