Master of Arts in Integrated Humanities
Shape Global Perspectives. Build a Meaningful Career.
Are you passionate about arts and culture, language and global issues? In the MA in Integrated Humanities you will explore human thought and expression through literature, history, the arts and linguistics. You will develop critical thinking, learn about cultures from around the world and gain tools to address modern challenges. Choose to study through the lens of Art History: Theory and Practice, European Studies, French Studies, Francophone Studies and Transcultural Europe or Latin American and Caribbean Studies. You can also pursue a dual degree with Vrije Universiteit Brussel, earning an MA in Linguistics and Literary Studies alongside your MA in Integrated Humanities.
This flexible program offers global perspectives on literature, teaching and identity, while preparing you for impactful careers in fields like education, government, the arts and international affairs.
Fields of Study
- Art History: Theory and Practice
- European Studies
- French Studies
- Francophone Studies and Transcultural Europe
- Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Collaborative Specializations
A Collaborative Specialization is an additional area of study within a program that allows graduate students to apply a broader, cross-disciplinary lens to their Master’s or PhD studies.
This program offers the following Collaborative Specializations: Sexualities, Genders and Bodies.
Program Overview
- Study Option: Major Research Project, Major Research Paper or Thesis (dependent on chosen field of study)
- Delivery: In-Person
- Duration & Start Terms: Typically 12 Months (18 months for Thesis students), starting in Fall
This dual degree program creates a pathway between the MA in Integrated Humanities at the University of Guelph (U of G) and the MA in Linguistics and Literary Studies at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The dual degree brings together expertise in European and Francophone culture, history, contemporary politics and society, and multilingual mediation and communication with six areas of specialization. Students will spend one year at each university and will earn an MA from both institutions. Applicants must apply to and be accepted into each program, separately, indicating interest in the dual degree program. Coursework for both programs is normally done in English and/or French.
Subject Areas: Intermediality, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Multilingualism and Foreign Language Acquisition, Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics, Multilingual Mediation and Communication
Visit the Linguistic and Literary Studies and Integrated Humanities Dual Degree website for more information.
- Admission Average: Average of at least B+ (77-79%) in two four years of study
- Deadlines: February 1
School of Languages and Literatures, located within the College of Arts.
Take a Closer Look at the Integrated Humanities MA
Program Structure
Integrated Humanities is built on a set of core courses that develop your interdisciplinary research and professional skills.
Mandatory Core Courses:
- Fall: Interdisciplinary Research Methods (HUMN*6000)
- Winter: Professional Practices Seminar (HUMN*6110)
Alongside the core courses, you will take specialized courses based on your chosen field of study to build expertise in either Art History: Theory and Practice, European Studies, French Studies, Francophone Studies and Transcultural Europe, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
You also have the option to pursue a dual degree through our partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussel, allowing you to obtain two Master of Arts at once. Along with an MA in Integrated Humanities, you will graduate with an MA in Linguistics and Literary Studies.
Visit the Graduate Calendar for more information on the program courses
Fields of Study
Art History: Theory and Practice provides students with knowledge-building practices and opportunities to expand their objects of analysis and scholarly methods to include the visual arts and material culture. This field will prepare students for careers in the arts, teaching and communication, and management; and will equip them with the skills needed to play leading roles in international institutions, national administrations, cultural organizations or media groups.
Field Course Requirements: Special Topics in Art History and Visual Culture (AVC*6300)
Capstone: Art History and Visual Culture Major Research Paper (AVC*6800) or Thesis
Visit the Graduate Calendar for more information on the program courses
Questions about this field? Please contact Amanda Boetzkes.
European Studies is designed to bridge disciplinary boundaries, exploring European culture in its interactions with other continents. This stream prepares you for advanced doctoral research in the Humanities and equips you with skills for careers in the arts, teaching, communication, management, and leadership roles in international institutions, national administrations, cultural organizations, or media groups.
Field Course Requirements: European Identities (EURO*6010)
Capstone: Major Research Project (EURO*6100) or Thesis
Visit the Graduate Calendar for more information on the program courses
Questions about this field? Please contact Paola Mayer.
French Studies focuses on the converging and diverging historical and linguistic forces in French-speaking cultural environments. It is designed for those seeking careers in teaching, research, administration, government service, and roles requiring bilingual and multicultural skills in national or international contexts.
Note: Courses in this field are taught in french.
Field Course Requirements: Topics in FSL Pedagogy (FREN*6042)
Capstone:
- Option 1: Major Research Paper (FREN*6051) and Practicum in French Studies (FREN*6053)
- Option 2: Major Research Project (EURO*6100)
- Option 3: Thesis
Visit the Graduate Calendar for more information on the program courses.
Questions about this field? Please contact Margot Irvine.
Francophone Studies and Transcultural Europe allows you to customize your studies according to your interests and goals, focusing on the cultural traditions and linguistic diversity of both French and English-speaking worlds in Canada.
Note: Courses in this field are taught in french.
Capstone:
- Option 1: Major Research Project (EURO*6100)
- Option 2: Major Research Paper (FREN*6051) and Practicum in French Studies (FREN*6053)
- Option 3: Thesis
Visit the Graduate Calendar for more information on the program courses.
Questions about this field? Please contact Margot Irvine.
In the field of Latin American and Caribbean Studies students can explore the cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean in their historical, linguistic, literary and general cultural dimensions; emphasizing interdisciplinary study while remaining open to disciplinary approaches, this program extends and refines students’ awareness of the context of Canada’s interactions as part of the Western Hemisphere; the program introduces students to a variety of methodological approaches in preparation for advanced doctoral research in the humanities; careers in the arts, teaching, communications, and management; it equips them with the skills needed to play leading roles in international institutions, national administrations, cultural organizations or media groups which focus on Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS). Students may submit their work for the courses in the field in either Spanish or English.
Field Course Requirements: Latin American and Caribbean Identity & Culture (LACS*6010), and Re-Imagining Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Communities (HUMN*6020)
Capstone: Major Research Project (LACS*6100) or Thesis
Visit the Graduate Calendar for more information on the program courses.
Questions about this field? Please contact Gordana Yovanovich.
The School of Languages and Literatures is home to faculty who are not only dedicated teachers but also active researchers in areas ranging from literature and myth, visual arts and material culture, migration studies, memory studies, second language acquisition, contemporary art history to 19th and 20th century French women writers, and more. Our faculty members cover various genres, time periods and geographical locations, making it easy to find topics that resonate with your personal and academic passions. They’re here to mentor you and support your academic journey, encouraging you to develop your own voice and research interests. You will be learning from experts who are engaged with cutting-edge scholarship, making your experience both enriching and inspiring.
Within your chosen field of study (Art History: Theory and Practice, European Studies, French Studies, Francophone Studies and Transcultural Europe, or Latin and Caribbean Studies) or while pursuing the Dual Degree program, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of research areas and focus on one that aligns with your individual interests.
Interested in exploring a diverse field while earning an additional credential? Consider the Sexualities, Genders and Bodies Collaborative Specialization
Art History: Theory and Practice: This field will prepare students for careers in the arts, teaching and communication, and management; and will equip them with the skills needed to play leading roles in international institutions, national administrations, cultural organizations or media groups.
European Studies: This stream will prepare you for advanced doctoral research in the Humanities. It will also equip you with the skills needed to play leading roles in careers in international institutions, international relations, cultural organizations, the arts, media groups, teaching, communication, management and more.
French Studies: This stream will equip you with advanced bilingual skills and an understanding of francophone cultures. This will position you well to pursue careers in a variety of fields such as teaching, research, administration, federal and provincial government service and international relations.
Francophone Studies and Transcultural Europe: In this stream, you will acquire a broad range of linguistic skills and historical and contemporary knowledge of Francophone and European cultures. After completing this stream, you will be prepared for national and international careers in fields such as education, archivism, government, communications, foreign service and policy analysis.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies: This stream will prepare you for advanced doctoral research in the Humanities. It will also equip you with the skills needed to play leading roles in careers in international institutions, international relations, cultural organizations, the arts, media groups, teaching, communication, management and more.
In my current job as a web designer, where user experience is everything, I can’t think of better preparation than having studied how humans have interacted with art and culture throughout history. It’s given me the insight to create digital experiences that feel meaningful and intuitive, connecting with people in a way that’s rooted in centuries of evidence.
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Meet our Faculty
How To Apply
Students in our graduate programs work with an Advisory Committee usually made up of one main Advisor and one to three additional Advisory Committee members depending on the program. These Advisors are faculty members whose research is in an area related to your interests. They will guide you as you prepare your Major Research Project, Major Research Paper, or Thesis. It is a good idea to introduce yourself as early as possible to faculty members who you think might be interested in your work. You do not need to have an Advisory Committee in place before arriving.
Once you start your program, you will have plenty of opportunities to get to know the faculty members in your department or area. Faculty are well used to being sought out by students who might want to work with them. They will welcome hearing from you and can help you focus your ideas. Towards the end of your first semester, the Coordinator of your program will ask you who you think you would like to have on your committee and they will help you as necessary to get everything set up. You should have your committee formally established by the middle of your second semester at the latest so that they can work with and support you as you plan your project.
The deadline for receiving your complete application package for Fall admission is February 1.
Official transcripts from all previous secondary and post-secondary institutions.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic and educational background, professional achievements, and, where relevant, creative accomplishments, exhibitions, grants, residencies, or involvement in specialized communities, including any pertinent volunteer experience.
Two (2) letters of reference (you will be prompted to enter your referees' contact information, and a secure link will be sent to them directly). Please inform your referees that they are encouraged to email gradapps@uoguelph.ca if they experience difficulty or encounter issues with this process.
A detailed statement (1 page, approximately 400-500 words) outlining your academic background, research interests, and reasons for pursuing graduate studies at the University of Guelph. The statement should describe your proposed research focus, its significance, and your ability to carry it out. If applicable, include specific fields of study, topics, or areas you wish to explore, and mention any faculty members or resources at Guelph you hope to engage with during your studies.
A writing sample of approximately 2,500 words that demonstrates your research skills and analytical thinking abilities.
If your first language is not English, a certification of English language proficiency must also be included e.g., Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) test scores for applicants whose first language is not English.
Note: The University of Guelph no longer accepts Duolingo test results.European Studies: a reading competence in a European language is recommended, but not required.
French Studies: French Proficiency is required.
Francophone Studies and Transcultural Europe: French Proficiency is required.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies: reading knowledge (at a minimum) in Spanish, French or Brazilian Portuguese is required.
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall average of 77-79% in the last two semesters of undergraduate study.
- If applying to the French Studies or Francophone Studies and Transcultural Europe streams, proficiency in French is required.
Most Offers of Admission that we make for our graduate programs include an offer of funding. As part of your admission offer you will receive a detailed break-down of what that funding will include over the duration of your program. Most funding consists of a mix of a guaranteed offer of paid work for the University, usually as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and scholarship income. Once you enroll in your program, you will be set up with an account with Student Financial Services; your funding will be paid into this account (every two weeks in the case of employment income) and you can pay your tuition and fees from this account and then move the rest into your own bank account.
If you are an International student, visit the University of Guelph International Student Experience website for information about pre-arrival resources, orientation programs (including START International) and counselling help.
Please visit the University of Guelph’s Guelph Graduate Tuition and Fees website to find tuition and fee information.
Have Questions?
Graduate Program Coordinator:
Paola Mayer
519-824-4120 Ext 58562
pmayer@uoguelph.ca
European Studies and the Dual-degree in Integrated Humanities + Linguistics and Literary Studies:
Margot Irvine
519-824-4120 Ext 53182
mirvine@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant:
Darren Sargent
519-824-4120 Ext 56887
solalacademic@uoguelph.ca
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Contact Us
College of Arts, Dean's Office
MacKinnon Extension (MCKX)
87 Trent Lane, Guelph, ON, N1G 1Y4
coado@uoguelph.ca