
Hagey Hall Hub located on Waterloo's main campus
Conduct original research and become an agile scholar in multiple fields with the Phd in English program.
This limited enrolment program is unique in Canada for its integration of literary studies with fields such as rhetoric, new media, and discourse analysis.
Working with preeminent faculty, you’ll develop a singular research project that combines literary, rhetorical, and digital studies, while also developing as teacher. In our vibrant and active graduate community, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in events and present your research at national and international conferences.
With the unique combination of knowledge and skills gained from the program, you’ll be prepared for a career in business, industry and the non-profit sector, or for a career in academia where graduates of the program have an enviable placement rate.
Research fields
- Experimental Digital Media
- Genres
- Literary Theory and Discourse Analysis
- Rhetoric
Program overview
Department/School: English Language and Literature
Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis
Application deadlines
- February 1 (for admission in September)
Key contacts
Admission limitations
Due to funding restrictions, the Faculty of Arts is currently limiting the number of international students we can admit. Please contact the department's Associate Chair, Graduate Studies prior to applying to discuss your interest in this program.

Email potential supervisors to check their availability and expertise alignment. Choose someone you want to work with for the next four years, who provides the supervision and feedback you need. The right supervisor can make your PhD a great experience.
Supervisors
- Review finding a supervisor resources.
Admission requirements
- Students may be admitted to the PhD program upon completion of an MA program in English. Although candidates normally enter PhD studies from master's programs, it is possible for outstanding candidates to enter directly from an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA). Because enrolment in the program is limited, only candidates with an 85% average and up will be considered. Applicants should also complete a Plan of Study detailing plans for their PhD studies and describing their goals once their studies are completed.
Degree requirements
- Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
- Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the department of English Language and Literature graduate students.
Application materials
- Supplementary information form (SIF)
- The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement.
- If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
- References
- Three academic references are required.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
- TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)
Tuition and fees
-
Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
-
Review living costs and housing.
-
Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.