Bachelor Of Arts - English (Co-op) (Honours) at UBC - The University of British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in English at UBC's Vancouver campus offers students a comprehensive study of the English language and literature from around the globe. This program allows students to explore various aspects of English, including its history, structure, and literary significance. Students can choose to major in English Literature, English Language, or Language and Literature, providing a well-rounded educational experience. The program emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural understanding, preparing graduates for diverse career paths.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts in English is designed to be completed in 4 years. The program offers both co-op and honours options, allowing students to gain practical experience and specialize in their field of interest. Key features of the program structure include:

Small class sizes, typically fewer than 50 students, fostering a more personalized learning environment.
Capstone seminars for all majors, encouraging in-depth exploration of topics.
A wide selection of electives, enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests.
Opportunities for experiential learning through community engagement courses and independent research seminars.

Students can also engage in unique learning experiences such as writing an honours thesis and participating in student-directed seminars, which allow them to design their own courses.

Featured Experiences

Co-op opportunities that enable students to combine their studies with full-time, paid work at leading organizations.
Student-centred seminars that promote independent research and critical thinking.
Community engagement courses that provide real-world experience in various settings, including First Nations communities and local high schools.
Access to key campus resources, such as the UBC Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections and UBC Press.
Hands-on learning in book history courses, including the use of a printing press.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in English can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Secondary Education Teacher: Teaching English literature and language to high school students, fostering their critical thinking and communication skills.
Journalist: Reporting on current events, writing articles, and creating content for various media outlets.
Content Writer: Producing written content for websites, blogs, and marketing materials, focusing on engaging and informative writing.
Communications Specialist: Developing communication strategies and materials for organizations, ensuring clear and effective messaging.
Editor: Reviewing and revising written content for publication, ensuring clarity, coherence, and adherence to style guidelines.

With strong analytical and communication skills, English graduates are well-equipped to thrive in diverse fields such as law, business, and non-profit organizations.

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

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Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts - English program at UBC's Vancouver campus, prospective students should be aware of the following Academic Requirements:

Minimum GPA: A BC-equivalent mark of "A" (86%) in English 12 or "B+" (80%) in English Literature 12 is required for certain courses.
Transcripts: Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
International Students: Students from international high schools must meet general Academic Requirements, which do not specify additional courses beyond those needed for general admission.
Prerequisite Courses: No specific courses are required beyond those needed for general admission, but related courses in Language Arts, Mathematics, Second Languages, Social Studies, and Visual and Performing Arts are recommended.

It is advisable for all students to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet any deadlines that may be in place. For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English before they’re admitted.

There are nine ways to meet UBC’s minimum English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) for an undergraduate degree on the Vancouver campus:

Complete four or more consecutive years of recognized, full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending UBC.
Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language. These four years must be immediately prior to attending UBC.
Achieve a final exam grade of 70% or better on the provincial examination portion of Alberta English Language Arts 30-1, BC English 12 (achieved August 2019 or earlier), or equivalents.
Achieve a final grade of 4 or better on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition; or achieve a final grade of 5 or better on International Baccalaureate English A: Language and Literature or English A: Literature (higher-level or standard-level).
Achieve the competence standard indicated by one of the tests of English language proficiency that evaluates skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Successfully complete the equivalent of six credits of transferrable post-secondary first-year English studies at a recognized university in an English-speaking country.
Graduate from a recognized degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the principal language.
Attend four or more years at an eligible international secondary school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English.
Achieve a UBC Certificate in English Language or CEL by completing Level 600 and Level 650 of the UBC English Language Institute’s English for Academic Purposes program on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

If you are fully proficient in English but do not meet any of the nine options listed above, you may request a waiver for the English Language Admission Standard.

Tests that satisfy UBC’s English Language Admission Standard include:

Test	Minimum score
CAEL or CAEL Online	Overall 70
Cambridge English Qualifications	180
CEL	600
IELTS	6.5, with no part less than 6.0
PTE or PTE online Academic	Overall: 65
TOEFL or TOEFL iBt Home Edition	Overall: 90
DET	Overall: 125

Please check with our team for more details.

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!