English (PhD) at Simon Fraser University

Programme overview

The department offers a doctor of philosophy (PhD) program, with the following major areas of study: English literature, language, and print culture. Library resources include the contemporary literature collection, the largest single collection of post-war experimental and avant-garde poetry in Canada; the Wordsworth collection, including one of the largest collections of Lake District writings; William Blake drawings, illuminations and engravings in facsimile.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences | Department: Department of English | Duration: 12 terms (4 years) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

The program consists of course work, field exams, a thesis prospectus, and a thesis oral defence. The first two years involve course work, field examinations, and a thesis prospectus to provide necessary grounding before the thesis project. In the third year, students engage in thesis research and writing. The supervisor, in consultation with the graduate program chair, advises the student about course choices.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulation 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Students must have a master of arts (MA) or equivalent with high standing from a recognized university and a solid grounding in English studies. To fill any academic gaps, extra undergraduate or graduate courses may be required. Before accepting a student into the program, the department will consider the proposed research in relation to faculty resources in the field.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Trimester system: Fall term runs September through December, Spring term January through April, Summer term May through August. Admission is specific to each programme.

The application fee is 112 CAD for applicants with Canadian transcripts and 160 CAD for applicants with international transcripts, paid online after submitting the application form. Deadlines are set by each programme.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply.html

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