Program type
Major, Minor, Honours, Specialization
English Literature (BA)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter
Virtual information sessions
Discover what makes Concordia's Faculty of Arts and Science stand out as a leader in the humanities and social and natural sciences, including academic opportunities, hands-on learning and how to achieve your goals.
Why study English Literature?
Immerse yourself in the words of past poets or contemporary thinkers. With every turn of the page, you have the opportunity to imagine and reflect on lives and worlds different from your own experience, and challenge your assumptions about the meaning of morality and the world from new and unanticipated perspectives. When you study literature, you develop a cultural vocabulary that examines the human condition through history, philosophy and many literary modes from tragedy to satire. It goes without saying that, as a literature student, you'll sharpen your abilities as a critical reader, thinker and writer.
In a curriculum that stretches through time and spans the globe, you will study texts ranging from Old and Middle English to contemporary post-colonial voices from around the world. You'll also study literary theories and models of interpretation, and develop indispensable communication, research, analytic, and rhetorical skills.
After graduation, you will leave with the knowledge and skill for any career that values critical thinking and superior communication skills.
Program highlights
- Hone your writing skills while learning about literary traditions that span history and the globe
- Explore courses in all periods, genres, and regions of a global literature, extending as well to Media, Print, Game and Environmental Studies, the Graphic Novel, Fantasy, and more.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options
- Honours in English Literature (60 credits)*
- Specialization in English Literature (60 credits)
- Major in English Literature (42 credits)
- Minor in English Literature (24 credits)
*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major or specialization.
Courses
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
- Honours (internal transfers only): B+
Additional requirements for admission
English proficiency
Some applicants may be required to write an English language proficiency test with the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) – a minimum score of 100 with 22 in the writing component
- IELTS – 7.0 overall with a 6.5 in the writing component
- DET score of 120 and above with no subscore under 90
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
It’s not too late to apply
Most undergraduate programs are still accepting applications for fall 2025.
FALL ENTRY (September)
Deadline: March 1
International applicants: Apply no later than February 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country, and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
WINTER ENTRY (January)
Deadline: November 1
International applicants: Apply no later than August 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country, and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Student story
Kavi Neva
Major English Literature Minor Human Rights
Whether exploring the city or diving into a book, Kavi Neva found a place to grow in Montreal.
Léandre Larouche
Honours in English Literature Minor in Professional Writing
This French-speaker took on English literature, and career doors began opening.
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