English Literature (PhD)
Doctorate (PhD)
Offered by:Department of English, Faculty of Arts & Science
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
- 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 Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
7 credits – Required Courses
ENGL 800 - Pro-Seminar I: Theory (3 credits)
ENGL 801 - Pro-Seminar II: Methodology (3 credits)
ENGL 802 - Professional Development Workshops (1 credit)
12 credits – Studies Courses
ENGL 801-804 Independent Study in English Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 601-604 Special Topics in English Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 605-609 Studies in Early English Literature and Medieval Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 610-614 Studies in Renaissance Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 615-619 Studies in Restoration and Eighteenth Century Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 620-624 Studies in Nineteenth Century Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 625-629 Studies in Twentieth Century Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 630-634 Studies in Poetry (3 credits)
ENGL 635-639 Studies in Drama (3 credits)
ENGL 640-644 Studies in Fiction (3 credits)
ENGL 645-649 Studies in the History of Ideas (3 credits)
ENGL 650-654 Studies in Shakespeare (3 credits)
ENGL 655-659 Studies in American Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 660-664 Studies in Canadian Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 665-667 Studies in Post-Colonial Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 668-669 Studies in Literary Criticism (3 credits)
ENGL 685-689 Studies in Selected Areas (3 credits)
A minimum of three credits must be pre-20th Century.
6 credits – Thesis Proposal
ENGL 890 - Thesis Proposal (6 credits)
12 credits – Field Examinations
ENGL 891 - The Major Field Examination I (6 credits)
ENGL 892 - The Sub-Field Examination II (6 credits)
53 credits – Thesis
ENGL 895 - Thesis Research (53 credits)
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 |
| *Late applications are being accepted until June 15. |
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of courses and read about upcoming, current and past course offerings
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
