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MA in English


There are three ways of earning an MA degree in English:

Type of MA
Format
Characterization

   Course Based

  24 credits of course work (1)

  + Bibliography seminar

  Program Checklist
  • Broadest exploration of a diversity of ideas, literatures, and theories
  • Most structured because of the course format

   MRP

  18 credits of course work (1)

  + Bibliography seminar

  + Major Research Project

  Program Checklist
  • Ample exposure to diversity of ideas, literatures, and theories
  • Completion of an MRP, which is a piece of original research and critical writing of 50 to 75 pages on an approved topic, under the direction and supervision of a faculty member of the GPE (2)

   Thesis

  12 credits of course work (1)

  + Bibliography seminar 

  + Master's Thesis

  Program Checklist
  • More limited exposure to the structure of course work
  • Completion of a thesis of approx. 120 pages that  in its research and analysis demonstrates independence, originality, and thorough understanding of the area of investigation (2)

 

(1) Full courses are 6 credits and cover two terms.  Half courses are 3 credits and cover one term.  Most courses in the Program are half courses.
With permission, 6 credits of course work may be chosen from courses offered at the 6000 level by another graduate programme.

(2) Proposals for the MRP and/or Thesis topic must be submitted to the Graduate Study Committee by October 15, January 15, or April 15. The format of the proposal should follow the Guidelines outlined in the MA Procedures Handbook, available in 215 Stong.  Normally the paper must be completed within a calendar year of being approved.

Note:

Students in doubt about which model best suits their interests and abilities should consult the Program Director.  Students wishing to complete the Thesis option must be absolutely certain that they have the self‑discipline and research/writing skills to undertake the kind of extended research and writing that a thesis requires.  Completion of an Honours Thesis during one’s undergraduate degree provides a lower-level sample of the kind of work involved.  Embarking on the thesis without a clear focus and ready skills often results in time delays and additional fees.  This is not to discourage but to advise.  You have to know who you are and level of your abilities.  Most students choose the course-based model.

 

*IMPORTANT*

All MA candidates must complete the degree requirements as established above.  In exceptional circumstances, the waiving of a requirement, the changing of deadlines, or the changing of a schedule for completion of requirements may be granted on academic or compassionate grounds. Petitions requesting such waivers or changes must be submitted in writing to the Programme Director who consults with the appropriate person(s) or committee(s) before reaching a decision. The decision on the request will be communicated in writing to the student.


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Admission Requirements

Students will be considered for admission as Candidates for the MA degree with at least the following:

While applicants are ranked initially for consideration according to their GPA, full assessment of an applicant’s file includes careful attention to the Statement of Interest, writing sample, and letters of recommendation.  We look at numbers, but we want people who are as imaginative as they are capable.


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