English - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Hagey Hall expansion building

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 such fields 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 areas and degree 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

englishgrad@uwaterloo.ca

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.

Supervisors

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

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

  • Transcript(s)

  • References
  • 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