Bachelor of Arts in English and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at Simon Fraser University (SFU) - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-03

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in English and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies is a joint major offered by the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies and the Department of English at Simon Fraser University. This program is designed for students who are passionate about exploring the intersections of gender, sexuality, and women's issues through a comprehensive curriculum. Students are encouraged to collaborate with advisors from both departments to tailor their educational journey, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of these critical areas of study.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts in English and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies is structured to provide a robust educational experience over a minimum of 120 units. The program includes:

Lower Division English Requirements: Completion of two 100-division English courses and four 200-division English courses.
Lower Division Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Requirements: Completion of 18 lower division GSWS units, including two foundational courses.
Upper Division English Requirements: Completion of 20 units of upper division English courses, with a minimum of four units at the 400-level.
Upper Division Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Requirements: Completion of 20 upper division GSWS units.

Students have the option to engage in various experiential learning opportunities, such as co-op placements or internships, which may enhance their practical understanding of the subjects studied.

Featured Experiences

Joint major program that combines English with Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies.
Opportunity to work closely with advisors from both departments for personalized academic planning.
Engagement in interdisciplinary studies that explore contemporary issues in gender and sexuality.
Potential for hands-on experiences through co-op placements or internships.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in English and Gender, Sexuality, 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 and policy discussions.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Work with organizations to promote gender equality and support marginalized communities.
Content Writer/Editor: Create and edit content for publications, focusing on gender and sexuality topics.
Advocacy Specialist: Advocate for policies and programs that support women's rights and gender equity.
Educator: Teach courses related to gender, sexuality, and women's studies at various educational institutions.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Simon Fraser University (SFU) official website

Last updated on 2025-12-03

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For students interested in the Bachelor of Arts in English and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies program, the following Academic Requirements apply:

All applicants must submit a transcript which includes interim marks for their senior year. Admission is calculated based on senior level academic subjects.
International students, particularly from Vietnam, must have a Bàng Tót Nghiêp Phó Thông Trung Hoc (Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate).
Applicants need a minimum of 6/10 in Senior Mathematics for admission (based on a 50% pass scale).
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
For the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, which includes the Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies program, there are no additional faculty/program course prerequisites beyond the general requirements.

It is advisable for all prospective students to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines and requirements. For any clarification or support, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors who are ready to assist you in your application process.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at SFU. All applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, will be required to have demonstrated competence in the English language prior to admission. Competence is required in all four of the following skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

As an applicant to undergraduate studies, you must demonstrate English language competence through one of the options below:

Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canada
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English, in a country in which the principal language of instruction is English
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last four (4) years of full-time secondary school education in English at a recognized international school in a country in which the principal language of instruction is not English
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program including English A (HL/SL) or English Literature and Performance (SL)
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a 3
Completion of a three unit English (ENGL) course or a certified W (writing intensive) course for which SFU grants transfer credit
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a C- (C minus)
GCSE O-Level English (or GCSE English Language B)
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a 4 (or C)

Alternatively, you may complete a Language Proficiency Exam:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic)
- Minimum score: Overall 6.5 with no part less than 6.0
Cambridge English Qualifications
- B2 First
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiency
- Minimum score: Overall score 176 with no part less than 169
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT)
- Minimum score: Overall score 88 with no part less than 20
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 70, with no part less than 60
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 65, and a minimum score of 60 in the Communicative Skills
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 125

Enrolment in first-year writing intensive courses requires higher grades than admission grades. Students must meet the University’s literacy requirements in addition to the English language Requirement.

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.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview