Master Of Arts - English And Cultural Studies - (Thesis)

Academic Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies program must meet the following requirements:

• Graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute.
• Evidence of scholarly achievement, with a minimum of a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
• A minimum academic standing of at least second class (B) based on the last 20 half courses or equivalent.

For international students, particularly those from countries that follow a British-patterned grading system, the following additional requirements apply:

• Overall standings are typically reported instead of an average. The CGPA can be determined based on 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.
• It is essential to include a copy of your institution's grading scale when uploading your transcripts.
• An applicant holding a degree outside the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered based on courses taken and academic standing.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as all candidates must be recommended for admission by the academic unit. All applicants will be informed of their admission status in writing by the Office of Graduate Studies.

In addition to the general Academic Requirements, the following program-specific requirements apply:

• Theory Requirement: Candidates must have taken or be taking at least one FCE in literary and cultural theory, such as English 2913 or its equivalent. If lacking in this area, candidates must take one FCE in literary and cultural theory in addition to other courses to qualify for the Master of Arts degree.
• Candidates should communicate with the Graduate Coordinator of the Department of English regarding course offerings for the upcoming year.
• Thesis, research-project, and creative-project candidates should discuss possible topics with the Graduate Coordinator to assign a supervisor.
• Graded English Essay: International applicants must provide a graded English essay from their undergraduate studies as part of the application process.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate they can cope with the language demands of an English language university and will be required to present proof of English language proficiency. Lakehead University may consider the following as proof of English language proficiency:

1. Language Tests:

To satisfy Lakehead University's English language proficiency requirements, applicants can complete one of the following recognized language tests with the required minimum scores:

• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) or CAEL CE (Computer Edition) or CAEL Online - Minimum Score: 60
• Cambridge Academic English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) - Minimum Score: 176 (no individual score less than 169)
• Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 110
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Minimum Score: 6.5 (no individual score less than 6.0)
• Michigan English Test (MET) - Minimum Score: 85
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Minimum Score: 58 (no component score less than 50)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Minimum Score for Internet Based Test (iBT): 80 (no component score less than 19)

2. Medium of Instruction

Applicants to an undergraduate program at Lakehead University may meet our English language requirements by completing a certain number of years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction:

• University Level: One year of full-time undergraduate/graduate-level study at a university where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is the official language.
• College Level: Two years of full-time diploma level study at a college where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is the official language.
• High School Level: Three years of full-time study at a high school where English is the language of instruction. English does not need to be the official language of the country.

Applicants must arrange to have a school administrator send a letter, confirming that their medium of instruction was in English, directly to Lakehead University. Alternatively, the official transcript must indicate the language of instruction was English.

3. Lakehead University Academic English Program:

Applicants will automatically be considered for admission through Lakehead University's Academic English Program if they meet Lakehead University's Academic Requirements but do not meet English language proficiency requirements. Applicants who complete Lakehead University's Academic English Program will meet the English language proficiency requirement for programs that require an IELTS score of 6.5 (no minimum score less than 6.0) or a TOEFL score of 80 (no minimum score less than 19).

4. Approved Pathway Programs:

For a list of Lakehead University's approved Academic English pathway partners, please contact Lakehead University International at (807) 346-7848.

5. Completion of Senior Level English Courses:

For all undergraduate programs excluding limited enrolment programs, Lakehead University may accept certain senior-level English courses at the high school level:

• Ontario high school’s Grade 12 university-level English (ENG4U): 70%
• Any other Canadian provincial Grade 12 academic level English course that is equivalent to ENG4U: 70%
• International Baccalaureate Programme: 3 Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) English A: Literature; HL or SL English A: Language and Literature
• British Patterned Curriculum: C
  • Ordinary Level English Language
  • Advanced Subsidiary Level Literature in English and English Language, Language and Literature, or English as a Second Language
  • Advanced Level Literature in English, English Language, or English as a Second Language

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.