Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts And Business - English - Literature And Rhetoric at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Earn an English degree at Waterloo and immerse yourself in the world of literature and communication. This program offers a unique opportunity to specialize in areas such as Digital Media Studies, Global Literature, or Technical Writing. With over 150 undergraduate courses available, students can explore their passion for the written word while developing essential skills in communication, critical thinking, and analysis. The program is designed to prepare graduates for various career paths, whether in technical communication, creative writing, public relations, or beyond. At Waterloo, you will learn from internationally recognized scholars, ensuring a rich educational experience.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts and Business in English - Literature and Rhetoric is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a four-year period. Students will have the flexibility to choose their major at the end of the first year, with options including:

Creative and Professional Writing
Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication
Literature
Literature and Rhetoric

Key features of the program include:

Co-op program available, allowing students to gain relevant paid work experience.
Regular program option for those who prefer a traditional study path.
Opportunity to customize the degree with minors and additional areas of focus.

Students will engage in a mix of core English courses and electives, with the possibility of studying abroad to enhance their educational experience. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for the workforce.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts and Business in English - Literature and Rhetoric offers several unique experiences that enhance learning:

Co-op opportunities that provide hands-on experience in various fields related to English and communication.
Small class sizes, typically capped at 40 students, fostering a close-knit learning environment.
Engagement in collaborative projects through Arts First courses, where students tackle intriguing challenges.
Access to internationally recognized faculty who are experts in their fields.
Possibility to explore diverse subjects through electives and minors, enriching the educational journey.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts and Business in English - Literature and Rhetoric can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Marketing and Communications Specialist: Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products and services.
Technical Writer: Create user manuals, guides, and documentation for technical products and services.
Communications Coordinator: Manage internal and external communications for organizations, ensuring clear messaging.
Content and Project Specialist: Oversee content creation and project management in various media formats.
Teacher: Educate students in English language and literature at various educational levels.

These roles highlight the versatility of an English degree, equipping graduates with the skills needed to succeed in diverse industries such as media, education, publishing, and corporate communications.

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

Visit University of Waterloo official website

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts and Business - English - Literature and Rhetoric program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Prerequisite Courses:
- English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average required: 8.3.
For international students, specifically those from Vietnam:
- Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate) is required.
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 necessary requirements and deadlines. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

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!