Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Honours
Forget what you’ve heard about studying English. Here, you’ll take an in-depth tour of literature ranging from the traditional (classic novels and poetry) to the popular (sci-fi and mysteries) to the innovative (graphic novels and film).
Our engaging professors explore contemporary ideas and theories, even while working with historical texts. You’ll also focus on world literature, including Indigenous, African Diaspora, and Middle Eastern literature.
Our English majors have found successful careers in a wide range of fields across Canada. They’re applying the skills they developed here at York to their work as journalists for the major news outlets, as communications and marketing directors for companies large and small, in governmental positions at the local, provincial, and federal levels, and as directors of non-profit and outreach organizations.
What you’ll learn
- Develop the critical thinking, reading and writing skills essential for success in a wide range of careers.
- Explore a vast range of literary works while learning leadership, persuasive writing and problem solving.
- Tailor your upper-year studies to specific theories, literary periods, genres and individual authors to suit your interests.
Hands-on experiences
- Take advantage of Toronto’s many literary events including the Harbourfront Reading Series and Word on the Street.
- Attend live performances as part of our drama and Shakespeare courses.
- Get an introduction to the country’s best writing with the Canadian Writers in Person series where you can quiz the authors of the very works you’re studying.
QS University Rankings
In the 2026 Quacquerelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings by Subject report, English Language & Literature ranked in the top 100 in the world and top 5 in Canada.
Hear from our Students
The DARE program was pivotal to my academic journey. Through one-on-one mentoring, I gained meaningful research experience that strengthened my postgraduate applications and transformed how I saw academia. Working closely with my faculty supervisor showed me that undergraduate research can contribute to real, professional scholarship and it ultimately led me to discover my passion for archives and museums, which I will now pursue at the graduate level.
— Mckenzie Tzeng
English student and DARE participant
My York English degree supported me in developing critical analysis skills and helped me hone my ability to communicate persuasively in my written work and oral presentations. I use these skills daily in my work to comment on legal opinions and litigations strategies using an anti-colonial and anti-racist lens.
— Kirsten Manley Casimir
Acting Legal Director, Indigenous Justice Division, Ministry of the Attorney General, Ontario
After coming to York I was pleasantly surprised at the incredible sense of student community, given that York has such a large student body. There are many academic and social clubs, along with causes to get involved with, so every person is guaranteed to find something that sparks their interest. It was within the social clubs at York that I met some of my closest friends and within my college community that I felt like I was a part of something smaller that contributed to the larger YorkU community. I expected to feel small within a large university with many students, but to my surprise, I have always felt I was a part of something bigger alongside my friends and peers.
— Sabrina Fortino
Alumna, English
Interested in this program?
As a future student if you fill out this form you will be entered into a draw for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 YU Bookstore gift cards. See full contest details.
