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Program details
The Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media offers programs of study leading to a Master of Arts degree in English, and a pre-master’s option.
Master of Arts in English
Expected duration: 2 years
There are two options for the MA program – either a combination of coursework and a thesis (critical or creative), or a coursework-only MA.
Tuition and fees: Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms. (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)
Thesis-based route
In addition to the minimum course requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section, students must complete:
- 18 credit hours of coursework, including:
- At least 12 credit hours of graduate English seminars at the 7000 level or above
- 6 credit hours of ancillary coursework at the 3000, 4000 or 7000 level in English or in a related discipline
- Preparation and successful defense of the thesis (critical or creative)
The creative thesis option requires the student to write original fiction, poetry or drama including a critical forward/afterward. In all other respects, the requirements are the same as in the critical thesis route.
Course-based route
In addition to the minimum course requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section, students must complete:
- 24 credit hours of coursework, normally composed entirely of graduate seminars at the 7000 level or above
Second language reading requirement
Students are required to have some knowledge of a language other than English.
For a master’s degree, a grade of C+ or better in 6 credit hours of introductory-level language course(s) satisfies the requirement.
Sample course offerings
- ENGL 7050: Studies in Canadian Literature (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 7070: Studies in British Literature since 1900 (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 7140: Studies in International Literature (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 7170: Studies in Media (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 7180: Studies in Old English Poetry (6 credit hours)
- ENGL 7190: Special Topics in Literary Figures (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 7300: Creative Writing (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 7800: Studies in Drama/Theatre (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 7860: Topics in Cultural Studies (3 credit hours)
- ENGL 7900: Studies in Medieval Literature (3 credit hours)
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Pre-master's option
Expected duration: 1 year
Tuition and fees: Varies (refer to the pre-master's section in Graduate tuition and fees)
Students with a Bachelor's degree in English, film or theatre, but who lack an honours degree, may apply to enter the pre-master’s program, which is designed to allow students to attain the equivalent of an honours BA in English. An honours BA in English is usually a total of 60 credit hours of English literature courses (two years/ten full courses), including the equivalent of 24 credit hours of literature prior to the twentieth century (four full-year courses), and a course in literary analysis or theory.
The pre-master’s program consists of up to 30 undergraduate credit hours in English (including ENGL 2650) selected from areas not previously covered by the student. Students with a limited background in English may be required to complete more than 30 credit hours; students with a strong background may complete the program with fewer credit hours.
Since every student will have a unique background, each program will be individually established in a conference between the student and the Chair of Graduate English Studies after the student has been accepted into the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Note that completing the English pre-MA year does not guarantee entry into the English MA program. A separate application will be required.
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Admission decisions are based on the qualifications of the applicant as well as the ability of the Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media and the University of Manitoba to serve the applicant’s intended program of study and area of specialization.
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
To be considered for admission to the English (MA) program, you must have a minimum of a four-year honours degree in English literature (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in prior English studies and an overall GPA of 3.0.
Pre-master’s admission requirements
To be considered for the pre-master’s program you must have a minimum of a three-year bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two full years of university study. Completing the English Pre-MA year does not guarantee entry into the English MA program. A separate application will be required.
How to apply
The Master’s in English program accepts applications for Fall entry only. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:
- $100 application fee (non-refundable)
- Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
- A sample of the student's scholarly writing
- Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.
Application deadlines
Applications are reviewed on a committee basis. The Admissions committee for English reviews applications in February.
Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.
| Term | Annual application deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | January 5 |
| Term | Annual application deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | November 1 |
| Term | Annual application deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | March 1 (International applicants) |
| Fall (September) | June 1 (Canadian and US applicants) |
Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.
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Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media, Faculty of Arts
625 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellor's Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
english@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9678
Fax: 204-474-7669