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Graduate Studies

As the graduate chair of English, I'd like to welcome you to graduate studies in English at the University of Waterloo. Please write me, Ken Hirschkop , or our Graduate Studies Co-ordinator, Sarah Morse , with any questions you have that are not answered here.

We offer four graduate degrees: *a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication Design (RCD); a Master of Arts in Literary Studies (LIT) ; a Master of Arts in Experimental Digital Media (XDM)** and a Doctor of Philosophy in English Language and Literature. In all programs, students gain core expertise in critical theory and research techniques. The MA-Literary Studies draws on the strengths of our department in all major areas of British, American, Canadian and postcolonial literatures in English. The MA-RCD is led by our faculty whose research and expertise lies in rhetoric, multimedia design and critique, discourse and text analysis, and professional writing. Our unique doctoral program allows students to develop research projects that integrate literary studies with fields of study related to professional writing and communication.

~Please Note - The deadline for applications for admissions starting in September 2010 has been extended to February 28, 2010.~

We have 22 full-time faculty, including - but not limited to - leading experts in voice interface design, early modern literary and rhetorical culture, workplace communications, digital arts, American literature, autobiography studies, and Victorian literature and culture. We also draw on the expertise of members of the affiliated Colleges. All full-time department members are active researchers and many are engaged on funded projects. The Faculty of Arts, like the University as a whole, hosts world-class research and both cutting-edge and traditional programs. It maintains the highest standards for the intellectual, cultural and practical value of its research and education.

The English department and its members are leaders within the faculty and within the University: almost all members of the department are past or present holders of major research grants including one of the principal members of the Canadian Health Information Research Network. We are committed to our communities, and speak in high schools, serve on the boards of cultural organizations, and volunteer in the service of local causes. But our greatest strength is our students: each year, we host major award holders, and diverse projects that promise to produce state-of-the-art knowledge. Click here for information about current student research Every year we have a conference organized by graduate students, and we host other occasional conferences - such as the recent Elizabethan Theatre Conference.

For more information on our programs, faculty and students, follow the links. But perhaps the best representation of our range and strength is in the slate of graduate courses we have scheduled for the next two years. Because all our courses are designed by instructors in light of their research interests, these will give you a great idea of the diversity and calibre of the education we offer. Enjoy.

*Program requirements described on this website are effective September 2007. Students who began their studies prior to September 2007 will continue with the program requirements ineffect when their studies commenced. See the Graduate Calendar archives for past program requirements.

**Disclaimer: The XDM program is subject to final approval by the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies.

To view where some of our PhD Graduates are now click here.