English Literature (BA)

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.

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

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec CEGEP: DEC
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
• High School: C+
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required 
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 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.

Graduates leave with indispensable skills in communication, research and critical thinking, and enjoy careers in teaching, law, journalism, business or advertising. Others pursue graduate studies.