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English Major

English

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  2. College of Arts

Why Study English at U of G?

You will discover that the English program is more than just reading books! It helps you understand people better through popular stories, modern poems, ideas and tales from around the world. Uncover how stories from the past shape today’s world and help us learn important lessons from books, movies and media.

In class, you will develop skills like understanding different cultures, being aware of social issues, and connecting with others emotionally. You will become great at reading critically, analyzing texts and communicating your ideas clearly. Plus, you will learn how to do research and write effectively. It is all about exploring new worlds through words!

Read about the Human Experience

Explore stories that cover friendships, romance, survival, social justice, hope, loneliness and more. Dive into different times and perspectives to understand what it means to be human.

Enhance Your Writing Skills

Learn how to craft compelling stories, develop characters, and connect emotionally with your readers. Become a skilled writer by adding a Creative Writing minor.

Expand Your Written Cultural Knowledge

Join lively discussions and lectures exploring genres and styles from around the world and throughout history. Build your understanding of global cultures and perspectives through exciting seminars.

To see all courses offered in the English program, visit our Academic Calendar.

How to Apply
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Study in Canada

Learn more about studying in Canada and the resources available to support your success.

International Student Information

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Careers for English Majors

Graduates of the English program can embark on exciting career paths where their skills in communication, critical thinking and creativity are highly valued. If you are passionate about education, you could become a teacher and inspire the next generation. You can also find roles in public relations, editing, publishing, and even digital media, adapting your skills to various industries. Regardless of your career path, the skills and experience derived from the English program will prepare you for the future. Graduates can go on to Master in English or earn a PhD in Literary Studies.

Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Advertising copywriter
  • English teacher
  • Publisher/editor
  • Content/Social Media Manager
  • Librarian
  • Technical Writer

Hear From A Current Student and Alumni

A headshot of Sophia, an English student

Guelph's English program is designed for you to tailor your education toward your own personal interests and growth, so you are sure to graduate with exceptional skills as well as knowledge and experience in the areas you love. I thoroughly enjoyed many of the core courses (Intro, Critical Practices, Social Change, Form and Value) as well as some more niche ones (Cosplay Cultural Studies). I've been able to explore my own personal interest by enrolling in an independent study for my final year, while also broadening my horizons to writers and movements which I never would have thought to read.

Sophia De Goey, Undergraduate StudentEnglish
Rebecca Buckle, an English alumni

I am now a published poet, an award-winning essayist, and a short-listed screenwriter in an international screenplay competition. I have developed a website portfolio that now displays my various works and am continuing to pursue my creative endeavors with numerous projects. In addition to my story writing, I have also revived previous studies in programming and video games, merging my technical and creative talents to now being able to develop a narrative-heavy video game, which is currently projected for a demo release in the upcoming months. The University of Guelph's English program allowed me to prepare for these accomplishments.

Rebecca Buckle, AlumniEnglish

Guaranteed Postgraduate Admission Pathways

When you start your undergraduate degree, you’re already building the foundation for your future. But have you thought about what comes next?

By completing a four-year Bachelor of Arts you are eligible for guaranteed admission to select postgraduate programs at the University of Bristol.

Pathways at Bristol include:

  • Masters of Arts in Law
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
  • Masters of Science in Education

Learn more about how you can study abroad.

If you're successful in your application to the Master's Guaranteed Admission Pathway, you will receive a conditional offer of admission to:

  • your chosen undergraduate program from the list of participating programs, including options like:
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History, Classical and Modern Cultures, Creative Writing, Culture and Technology Studies, English, French Studies, History, Music, Philosophy, Sexualities, Genders and Social Change, Studio Art, or Theatre Studies
    • Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BAS)
    • Bachelor of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness (BCA)
  • a Master's degree program, provided your undergraduate program meets the eligibility requirements for one of our participating master's programs (see information below)

Learn more about Master's Degrees Guaranteed Admission Pathways.

Discover More Options

Students considering English may also be interested in Creative Writing, Theatre Studies, History, or the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree, and other programs.

Admission Requirements

Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!

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Scholarships & Bursaries

We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.

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College of Arts, Dean's Office
MacKinnon Extension (MCKX)
87 Trent Lane, Guelph, ON, N1G 1Y4
coado@uoguelph.ca

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