English (MA)

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Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

Program type

Thesis

Primary campus

Sir George Williams (SGW)

Duration

2 years

Credits

45 credits

Start term

Fall

Program overview

The MA in English gives you the opportunity to pursue your degree by choosing between English Literature and Creative Writing. The English Literature options allow you to explore your interest in literary texts of all kinds, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, digital writing, and even video games. With the support of our faculty members, you will be encouraged to go beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. As you explore a variety of media, forms, and genres, you will stay grounded as a scholar thanks to our department’s widely shared commitments to literary historical concerns.

The Creative Writing option allows you to hone your abilities in the company of other writers. You will attend seminars that broaden your understanding of others’ work and write your thesis with a professor whose expertise complements your area of interest. The program gives you the freedom to explore your creative vision and find your voice as a writer in the artistically vibrant city of Montreal. Students have the flexibility to propose a thesis project in traditional or innovative genres and media, including digital media.

Program structure

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.

Please see the English Courses page for course descriptions.

English MA (45 credits)

45	credits chosen from: English Literature MA with Thesis (Option A) English Literature MA with Thesis (Option B) Creative Writing MA with Thesis (Option C)

English Literature MA with Thesis (Option A)

credits of 600-level Courses with a minimum of 6 credits of courses designated by the Graduate Committee as fulfilling the "Period" requirement and a minimum of 3 credits of courses designated as fulfilling the "Theory" requirement.

credits:

• ENGL 693 Bibliography (6.00)

• ENGL 694 Research Thesis (18.00)

English Literature MA with Thesis (Option B) (45 credits)

Note:

Admission to this option has been suspended

credits, with a minimum of 6 credits of courses designated by the Graduate Committee as fulfilling the "Period" requirement and a minimum of 3 credits of courses designated as fulfilling the "Theory" requirement.

credits:

• ENGL 690 Thesis (24.00)

Creative Writing with Thesis (Option C)

credits of 600-level Courses chosen from the regular academic course offerings

credits of Creative Writing Courses:

• ENGL 670 Seminar in Creative Writing: Prose Fiction, Poetry and Drama (3.00)

• ENGL 671 Seminar in Creative Writing: Prose Fiction, Poetry and Drama (3.00)

• ENGL 672 Seminar in Creative Writing: Prose Fiction, Poetry and Drama (6.00)

• ENGL 673 Seminar in Creative Writing: Prose Fiction, Poetry and Drama (3.00)

• ENGL 674 Seminar in Creative Writing: Prose Fiction, Poetry and Drama (3.00)

Note: ENGL 670 and ENGL 671 are Creative Writing courses. Only six credits of creative writing workshops (from ENGL 672 , ENGL 673 , ENGL 674 ) may be elected in any year.

credits:

• ENGL 692 Creative Writing Thesis (21.00)

Consult the Graduate Calendar for the complete list of courses

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

The MA program, with the exception of the Creative Writing option, requires an Honours degree or its equivalent in English with a minimum of a B+ (3.30 GPA) average.
The Creative Writing option requires a major in English Literature or its equivalent with a minimum of a B+ (3.30 GPA) average.
Portfolio submission, as outlined on the English Department website.
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.

Application process

Review these four steps before applying

Make sure to check for program specific requirements

Application deadlines

FALL

January 15

WINTER

n/a

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Use the tuition & fee estimator

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

Learn more about entrance awards

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

Consult the list of awards available

English (MA)

Program overview