The Department of English has a strong reputation for its stimulating approach to literature and its high level of support for graduate students.
Our MA and PhD programs address questions about:
- what people understand by the idea of literature in different times and places and why it matters
- who should have access to literature, either as readers or writers
- the power of literature to forge communities and become a force for change
- how these issues are influenced by broader legal, technological, political and social contexts
Our MA program offers three streams: thesis, research essay or coursework. We also offer specializations in African Studies, Climate Change, and Digital Humanities, at the Master’s level.
Our PhD program develops our students’ research agendas and nourishes their work within the theoretical, critical and historical study of the production of literature.
Graduate students can learn from our faculty researchers who are renowned for their expertise on many diverse areas of literature. For more details, you can explore the Bookshelf and Faculty Research Profiles.
MA in English
The MA in English offers students the chance to experience the challenges and expectations of graduate school in a collegial and stimulating environment.
Collaborative MA in African Studies
The collaborative Master’s program in African Studies is especially designed for current Carleton Master’s students in participating programs within the Faculties of Arts and Social Science, Public Affairs, and the Sprott School of Business who wish to enrich their training by developing expertise in the field of African Studies through interdisciplinary dialogue.
Collaborative MA in Climate Change
The collaborative Master’s program in Climate Change draws on Carleton’s demonstrated strengths and its internationally recognized climate change researchers across our faculties, creating an integrated, diverse specialization responsive to student demand in this area. Working directly with professors and students from across the various faculties on campus, students in this specialization will examine the interconnected nature of climate change, including the impacts and potential options to manage within ecosystems, communities and institutions and explore collaborative opportunities to address this global challenge.
Collaborative MA in Digital Humanities
The collaborative Master’s program in Digital Humanities will help you to rethink how digital technologies are changing our understanding of art, film, music, literature and popular culture; to explore how new media are shaping our global communities, intercultural dialogue, and individual and collective identities; and to learn what new scholarly tools are available for studying and interpreting these developments.
PhD in English
Carleton’s PhD in English studies the production, circulation, and reception of texts through analyzing their institutional, technological, and discursive contexts.
Graduate Professional Development (FGPA)
As a graduate student at Carleton, you have access to a variety of professional development resources. These include skill workshops, one-on-one career and writing consultations, career-oriented events, and even structured programs. Challenge yourself by acquiring new skills that can help you boost your employability. To learn more, visit the Graduate Professional Development website.
International Students
Please contact englishgrad@carleton.ca with any questions about MA or the PhD Program and before submitting your application. The deadline to submit a complete application, including referee letters, is February 1st.
Our graduate program is eager to consider international applications. We note, however, that international student fees can be quite prohibitive, while the funding we can access to support international students is limited. For important information regarding graduate admissions, please see below: