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 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)

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.

Kellie Chouinard

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.

Kellie Chouinard, PhD student, English

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

Tuition and fees