English (BA)
Explore literature, culture, and creative expression while building the communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills valued in every sector.
Why choose this program?
Stories shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us. In English, you'll explore literature, culture, language, and creative expression while developing skills that help you communicate clearly, think critically, and engage with complex ideas.
The English program invites students to explore a wide range of literary traditions, voices, genres, and media. You'll study works from different historical periods and cultural contexts while examining how language shapes meaning, identity, and society.
Through reading, discussion, writing, and research, you'll learn to analyze texts, build persuasive arguments, and communicate effectively. Courses explore topics such as literature, film, popular culture, creative writing, and contemporary issues.
The program's flexibility allows you to follow your interests while developing transferable skills that prepare you for careers in communications, publishing, education, media, law, public service, and many other fields.
Careers
English graduates develop strong communication, writing, research, and analytical skills that are valued across a wide range of industries. Graduates pursue careers in communications, publishing, education, media, government, business, and the non-profit sector.
Employers consistently seek professionals who can write clearly, think critically, analyze information, and communicate ideas effectively.Ìý
English graduates bring these skills to careers in communications, marketing, public relations, content creation, policy, publishing, and many other fields.
What you will learn
In a world shaped by constant change, strong communication and critical thinking skills matter more than ever. Studying English will help you read thoughtfully, write with confidence, and explore the ideas, stories, and experiences that shape our lives.
You'll gain the skills to understand different perspectives, navigate complexity, and make meaningful contributions in any field.
Sample courses
- Literature: How It WorksÌý
- Literature: Global Perspective
- Reading Popular Culture
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Canadian Literature
- ShakespeareÌý
- Literary Theory
- Introduction to Film Studies
- Modern and Contemporary Poetry
- Topics in Creative Writing
- Advanced Seminar in Literary StudiesÌý
- Special Topics in Literature and Culture
- Honours Thesis Research
- Advanced Creative Writing Workshop
Students can participate in research projects, honours theses, creative writing workshops, and discussion-based seminars that encourage close collaboration with faculty and peers. Small upper-level classes provide opportunities to engage deeply with literature, culture, and contemporary issues while developing advanced writing and analytical skills.
Get paid work experience
Dal Arts students can apply for the FASS Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pilot Program, which offers a one-semester paid work term where you put what you learn in the classroom into practice, build career-ready skills and gain experience in the workplace.
Learn beyond the classroom
Arts students have opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ experiential learning program.
Students can participate in internships, community-based projects, research opportunities, and career-focused experiences that help connect their studies to future goals.
Customize your degree
Customize your degree through major, double major, minor, concentrated honours, or combined honours pathways. Explore areas such as Canadian and Indigenous literatures, creative writing, film and media studies, cultural studies, popular culture, literary theory, and global literatures. Ìý
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Whether you're interested in storytelling, contemporary media, or diverse perspectives, you'll have the flexibility to build a degree that reflects your interests and goals.
Major
Double Major
Concentrated Honours
Combined HonoursÌý
Minor
Creative WritingÌý
Canadian LiteratureÌý
- Film StudiesÌý
Cultural StudiesÌýÌý
Literary TheoryÌý
Popular CultureÌý
Global Literatures
Honours Thesis
Creative Writing WorkshopsÌýÌý
Research ProjectsÌý
Advanced Literary Seminars
Develop the communication, analytical, and creative skills to succeed in a changing world. You'll graduate prepared to share ideas, solve problems, and pursue diverse career and educational opportunities.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many ÆÞÓÑ programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic Grade 12 subjects
