The Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies at Lakehead University is designed to cater to students' diverse interests and academic goals. This program not only serves as a terminal degree for those looking to deepen their understanding of literature but also equips students with the necessary skills for further doctoral studies. With a focus on both innovative and traditional approaches, the program offers various options, including thesis, coursework, and research projects, allowing students to tailor their educational experience to their personal and professional aspirations.
Program structure
The Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies program offers a flexible structure that accommodates different learning preferences and career goals. The program options include:
Thesis Option: Ideal for students interested in conducting in-depth research.
Coursework Option: Provides a broad coverage of various fields and the opportunity to work with multiple professors.
Research-Project Option: A combination of coursework and research.
Creative-Project Option: Allows students to produce a creative work while engaging in critical analysis.
Collaborative Graduate Program: Specialization in Gender and Women’s Studies, integrating expertise from both English and Gender Studies departments.
The program is designed to be completed within two years of continuous registration, ensuring that students can efficiently progress through their studies while gaining valuable insights and experiences.
Featured Experiences
The Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies program at Lakehead University offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:
Graduate Assistantships: Incoming Canadian students can work as Graduate Assistants, gaining teaching experience and mentorship opportunities.
Creative-Project Opportunities: Students can engage in creative writing projects across various genres, including poetry and creative non-fiction.
Collaborative Programs: Specializations in Gender and Women’s Studies and Social Justice Studies allow for interdisciplinary learning and research.
Personalized Attention: Smaller class sizes enable closer interactions with faculty, fostering a supportive academic environment.
Career Options
Graduates of the Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:
Academic Researcher: Conduct research in literary and cultural studies, contributing to scholarly publications and conferences.
University Lecturer: Teach courses in English literature, cultural studies, or gender studies at post-secondary institutions.
Editor: Work in publishing, editing manuscripts, articles, and other written content for clarity and coherence.
Content Developer: Create educational materials and resources for schools, universities, or online platforms.
Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies related to social justice, education, or cultural initiatives within governmental or non-profit organizations.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute as well as show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least second class standing (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent.
For applicants from countries that follow a British-patterned grading system, please note:
Overall standings are normally reported in lieu of an average. The CGPA can be determined on the basis of annual or overall standings as reported on the transcript or degree certificate.
A minimum grade of B, or Second Class, Upper Division, is required.
The National Diploma and Higher National Diploma are not recognized for admission to a graduate-level program.
Be sure to include a copy of your institution grading scale when uploading your transcripts.
An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of courses taken and academic standing.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised by the Office of Graduate Studies in writing of their admission status.
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Program Specific Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements for Master programs, the following requirements also apply:
Theory Requirement - As prerequisites and/or co-requisites for graduate work, candidates must have taken/be taking at least one FCE in literary and cultural theory, such as English 2913 or its equivalent. Should the candidates be lacking in this area, they must take one FCE in literary and cultural theory, normally English 2913, in addition to the other courses in order to qualify for the Master of Arts degree.
Candidates should communicate with the Graduate Coordinator of the Department of English concerning offerings for the ensuing year.
Thesis, research-project, and creative-project program candidates should also discuss possible thesis, research-project, or creative-project topics with the Graduate Coordinator of the department in order that a thesis, research-project, or creative-project supervisor may be assigned.
Graded English Essay - International applicants must provide a graded English essay from their undergraduate studies, as part of the application process.
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Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
Accepted tests and minimum scores:
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) or CAEL CE (Computer Edition) or CAEL Online: 60
Cambridge Academic English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): 176 (no individual score less than 169)
Duolingo English Test: 120 (no individual sub-score less than 115)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 (no individual score less than 6.0)
Michigan English Test (MET): 85
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 58 (no component score less than 50)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Institution Code 0888: 4.5 overall (no section below 4.0) for tests completed as of January 2026; Internet Based Test (iBT) 80 (no component score less than 19) for valid tests taken prior to January 2026
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.
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