English

Why Study English?

We all know the power of the written word! Maybe you:

  • Were swept away by the magical world of Harry Potter
  • Fell for Darcy and Elizabeth’s love story in Pride and Prejudice,
  • Fought against your own fear while turning the pages of the Handmaid’s Tale.

There are countless stories, genres, styles, and eras that can transport readers to a different time and place, because a great writer can bring you there. 

 

What You'll Learn

In this program, you’ll explore contemporary poetry, popular literature, and literatures from around the world. You’ll learn how literary history influences our current culture and talk about the lessons we’ve learned from literature, film, and media to better understand each other and the world around us.

 

English isn't Just Reading

As a graduate of this program, you will have strong skills in:

  • Social and cultural awareness
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Empathy
  • Critical reading and textual analysis
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Writing

You can apply these skills successfully within careers like journalism, education, brand management, book publishing, copywriting, reporting, and more.

 

Students in the English ENGL program may also be interested in studying History, a degree in Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, or other majors.

To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our 2023-2024 Academic Calendar.

Be Transported Through Literary Time and Space

 Explore What it Means to be Human 

Through the written word, you will be captured by great stories of friendship, romance, survival, family, power, hope, loneliness, social justice – the full range of human experience – through various eras and literary genres. You will read stories about people told from different perspectives and experiences. .

 Add a Minor in Creative Writing 

You can learn the craft of storytelling. You will learn how to construct stories, build characters, and create emotional connections with your readers that will leave a lasting impression, providing you the tools to be an effective writer.

 Develop Your Cultural Competence 

You will participate in lectures and discussion-based seminars where you will expand your knowledge of genres and styles from around the world and throughout history, building your global understanding.  

What Can You Do with an English Degree?

Through your encounters with a wide range of literary texts, genres and medias within the program, combined with skill development in critical thinking, writing and analysis, your English degree from the U of G opens a wide variety of flexible career pathways.

 Here are a few pathways our graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Advertising copywriter
  • English teacher
  • Media relations
  • Publishing/editing
  • Technical writer
  • Editor and Content Manager
  • Librarian
  • Social Media Manager

Admission Requirements

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

View Admission Requirements

Scholarships & Bursaries

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

Explore Scholarships & Financial Aid

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Students

Talk to a Current Student

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