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PhD in Literary Studies/Theatre Studies

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  2. College of Arts

Degree

  • PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Program Type

  • Thesis

Delivery

  • On-campus

Entry Terms & Deadlines

  • Domestic:

    • Fall (September): January 15

  • International:

    • Fall (September): March 15

Duration

  • Full Time: 48 months
  • Part Time: 96 months

Admission Average

A- (80% - 84%)
Program Structure

Advance your Expertise in Literature and Theatre

The University of Guelph’s PhD in Literary Studies/Theatre Studies invites you to explore one of the most distinctive interdisciplinary programs in Canada, combining the strengths of both fields. PhD students work with leading researchers and practitioners in literary studies, theatre, and creative writing, giving students unique opportunities for interdisciplinary work. The program’s faculty are leaders in their fields, with a strong record of academic publishing and research grants from national and international agencies.

In this program, you will explore how written texts and live performances connect to and reflect the issues of our time. You will study the relationship between literary analysis and theatre in ways that are relevant to today’s world where stories greatly influence public opinion, identity and social change.

As a student in this program, you will be a part of a rich academic environment that will offer you valuable insights into current scholarly debates. You will experience the flexibility and creativity to define the areas and methods of your research, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and goals.

As a student in this program, you will also benefit from unparalleled access to a wide range of library resources and specialized archives, including the renowned L.W. Conolly Theatre Archive. These resources are further enhanced by the program’s direct affiliations with major research initiatives, such as:

  • The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI)

  • The Orlando Project – Feminist Literary History and Digital Humanities

  • Collaboratory for Writing and Research on Culture (CWRC)

As a graduate of this program, you will be equipped to pursue advanced research and academic careers that demand expertise in more than one specialization or area of interest.

Collaborative Specialization

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 Specialization: Latin American and Caribbean Studies

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Scholarships & Funding
Graduate Academic Calendar
Graduate Studies Viewbook
Current Graduate Students

Program Overview

  • Study Option: Thesis
  • Delivery: In-Person
  • Duration & Start Terms: 4+ Years
  • Admission Average: The typical requirement for admission is an MA degree in English or Drama/Theatre from a recognized post-secondary institution, with a minimum GPA of A- (80%) in graduate work.
  • Deadlines: January 15

School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing, located within the College of Arts

Take a Closer Look at the PhD, Literary Studies/Theatre Studies

Program Structure

You can complete the PhD, Literary Studies/Theatre Studies in 4+ years. In your first year, you will complete five graduate-level courses designed to deepen your understanding of literary studies and theatre studies. These courses will prepare you to demonstrate competency in one major area and two minor areas of study, with support from your advisor committee. In years one and two, you will also complete an Oral Qualifying Exam (OQE). Following the OQE, you will dedicate the next two or more years to completing an original research project.

Visit the Graduate Calendar for more information on the program courses.

Program Components

You will complete five graduate-level courses in your first two years. These courses help you build your knowledge in literary and theatre studies. They also prepare you to demonstrate your skills in one main area and two other areas.

A sample of courses available to you include:

  • Problems of Literary Analysis (ENGL*6003)
  • Environmental Writing, Art and Media (ENGL*6020)
  • Children's and Young Adult Literature and Culture (ENGL*6621)
  • Topics in 18-Century and Romantic Literature (ENGL*6421)

To see the full listing of courses, please visit the Graduate Academic Calendar.

Once you've completed the coursework, you'll move on to the Oral Qualifying Examination, which you must pass by the end of your fifth semester.

The OQE involves:

  • Thesis Proposal: Prepare a 3,000-5,000 word thesis proposal that outlines the scope, methods, and objectives of your research.
  • Oral Defense: Defend this proposal in an oral exam before your advisory committee.

Depending on your focus area, you may complete one of the following research projects to support your OQE:

  • English Stream: ENGL*6803: Major Research Project
  • Theatre Studies Stream: THST*6500: Research Paper

To pass the OQE, you'll need to demonstrate mastery in your major area and proficiency in two minor areas of study, as assessed by your advisory committee.

Following the OQE, you'll dedicate the next two or more years to completing an original research project. Your research will culminate in a dissertation of 50,000-75,000 words, contributing to knowledge in your chosen field.

You'll be guided by an advisory committee of three faculty members, with one serving as your primary advisor. This committee will provide support and feedback as you refine your work.

Once your dissertation is complete, you will defend it in an oral examination. The process for submission, examination and publication of your dissertation follows guidelines outlined by the University’s Chapter IV PhD Degree Regulations.

This clear and structured timeline ensures you have a strong foundation in your field while giving you the freedom to pursue innovative, original research. With personalized support from experienced faculty, you will develop the skills and expertise needed to succeed in academia and beyond.

The School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing is home to amazing faculty who are not only dedicated teachers and industry professionals, but also active researchers. Our faculty members bring their research into the classroom so that you are learning about the latest developments in literary studies, theatre studies, and creative writing. Our faculty include esteemed writers, scholars, and theatre practitioners. You will be learning from experts who are engaged in cutting-edge scholarship, making your experience both enriching and inspiring. They are here to mentor you and support your academic journey, and are able to support a wide range of critical and creative projects.

In this program, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of research areas including:

  • Studies in Canadian Literatures
  • Digital Humanities and Media Studies
  • Postcolonial and Diasporic Studies
  • Early Modern Studies
  • Studies in the History and Politics of Performance and Theatre
  • Sexuality and Gender Studies
  • Transnational Nineteenth-Century Studies

Our classes combine theoretical approaches with practical work in digital scholarship, performance and theatre and community-engaged scholarship.

A Top Comprehensive University in Canada
Macleans, 2025
55% of world leaders
are humanities and social sciences graduates (Universities Canada)
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Times Higher Education, 2025

Meet our Faculty

Paul Barrett
Rebecca Barnstaple
Susan Brown
Catherine Bush
Julie Cairnie
Gregor Campbell
Elaine Chang
View All Faculty

How To Apply

When applying through Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), you’ll be asked to identify a preferred supervisor as part of your application.

The deadline for receiving your complete application package for Fall admission is January 15.


  • 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.

  • Three (3) 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 (1-3 pages, approximately 400-900 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.

  • If your first language is not English, certification of English language proficiency must be included (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB test scores).
    Note: The University of Guelph no longer accepts Duolingo test results.

PhD in Literary Studies/Theatre Studies Specific Documents

  • A sample of your scholarly writing. For doctoral students, this should be a portion of a major research paper or thesis or a paper written for a graduate course. Please note that papers will not be returned to applicants.

Disclaimers

  • Applicants from outside Canada whose educational background is not easily assessed may be asked to demonstrate their knowledge through alternate methods, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

  • Registration at one university for three degrees (BA, MA, PhD) is discouraged.

  • The normal requirement for admission is an MA degree in English or Drama/Theatre from a recognized post-secondary institution, with a minimum GPA of A- (80%) in graduate work. Students with degrees in other disciplines may also be considered.


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

Paul Barrett
barrettp@uoguelph.ca

Graduate Program Assistant

Pam Keegan
sotecacademic@uoguelph.ca

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