The Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies with a specialization in Gender and Women's Studies at Lakehead University is designed for students who wish to explore the intersections of gender, culture, and literature. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to critically assess gendered experiences and scholarship. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of gender as a category of analysis in scholarly inquiry, preparing graduates for both academic and professional pursuits in various fields. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, equipping students with the necessary skills for further studies or careers in related areas.
Program structure
The Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies program offers a flexible structure to accommodate diverse student interests 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 six terms (2 years) of continuous registration, ensuring that students can efficiently progress through their studies while gaining valuable insights and skills.
Featured Experiences
The Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:
Graduate Assistantships: Incoming Canadian students can work as Graduate Assistants for up to two years, gaining teaching experience and mentorship opportunities.
Interdisciplinary Focus: The program encourages collaboration between English and Gender and Women's Studies, allowing for a rich exploration of gendered scholarship.
Creative Projects: Students have the opportunity to engage in creative writing projects, fostering both artistic expression and critical analysis.
Personalized Attention: Smaller class sizes ensure that students receive individualized support from faculty members, enhancing their academic experience.
Career Options
Graduates of the Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies with a specialization in Gender and Women's Studies can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:
Gender Studies Researcher: Conduct research on gender issues, contributing to academic knowledge and public policy.
Advocacy Coordinator: Work with non-profit organizations to promote gender equality and women's rights.
Educator: Teach at the secondary or post-secondary level, focusing on literature, cultural studies, or gender studies.
Content Writer: Create articles, blogs, and other content that addresses gender and cultural issues for various media outlets.
Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies related to gender and social justice for government or non-profit organizations.
These career options reflect the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, preparing graduates for impactful roles in society.
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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