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 existing models of knowledge and their relevance to gendered experiences. The collaborative nature of the program enables students to benefit from the expertise of both the English and Gender and Women's Studies departments, fostering a rich academic environment. Graduates will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of gender as a category of analysis, preparing them for further academic pursuits or careers in related fields.
Program structure
The Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies program offers a flexible structure to accommodate various academic interests and career goals. The program includes:
Program Length: Students must complete all requirements within six terms (2 years) of continuous registration.
Program Options:
Thesis option for in-depth research.
Coursework option for broader coverage of fields.
Research-project option that combines elements of both thesis and coursework.
Creative-project option allowing students to produce original creative works while engaging in critical analysis.
Collaborative graduate program with a specialization in Gender and Women's Studies.
This structure ensures that students can tailor their educational experience to their specific interests while receiving comprehensive support from faculty members.
Featured Experiences
The Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:
Opportunity to work as a Graduate Assistant for up to two years, providing valuable teaching experience and funding.
Access to skilled and supportive supervisors who offer personalized attention and mentorship.
Interdisciplinary instruction that encourages critical assessment of gendered experiences.
Engagement in collaborative projects that combine advanced disciplinary research with gendered scholarship.
Creative-project option that allows for the exploration of various genres, including poetry and creative non-fiction.
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:
Academic Researcher: Conduct research in gender studies, cultural studies, or related fields, contributing to scholarly publications and conferences.
Policy Analyst: Work with government or non-profit organizations to analyze and develop policies related to gender equality and social justice.
Educator: Teach at the secondary or post-secondary level, focusing on English literature, cultural studies, or gender studies.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Develop and implement programs that promote awareness and education on gender issues within communities.
Content Writer/Editor: Create and edit content for publications, websites, or organizations focused on gender and cultural issues.
These career options reflect the diverse skill set and knowledge base that graduates acquire through their studies, preparing them for impactful roles in various sectors.
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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