Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - English - Literature 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, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in diverse fields.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - English program at Waterloo is structured to provide a comprehensive education in English studies. The program length is four years, allowing students to delve deeply into their chosen major. Key features of the program structure include:

Choice of four majors at the end of the first year: Creative and Professional Writing, Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication, Literature, and Literature and Rhetoric.
Co-op program available, providing students with relevant paid work experience.
Opportunity to study abroad and earn credits toward the degree.
Integration of classroom learning with real-world experience through a co-op work-study sequence.

Students will take a mix of English courses and electives, with 40% of their classes dedicated to English studies in the later years. This structure ensures a well-rounded education while allowing for customization through minors and areas of focus.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - English program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Co-op opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience and build a professional network.
Small class sizes, capped at 40 students, fostering a close-knit learning environment.
Access to internationally recognized scholars in the Department of English.
Hands-on learning through projects and collaborative courses, such as the Arts First course.
Possibility to customize the degree with minors and areas of focus, including Communication Design and Digital Media Studies.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - English program can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in Canada. Some potential job titles include:

Marketing and Communications Specialist: Develops marketing strategies and manages communication efforts for organizations.
Technical Writer: Creates user manuals, guides, and documentation for technical products and services.
Content and Project Specialist: Manages content creation and project coordination for various media platforms.
Communications Coordinator: Oversees internal and external communications, ensuring consistent messaging.
Teacher: Educates students in English language and literature, fostering a love for reading and writing.

These roles highlight the versatility of an English degree, preparing graduates for success in writing, publishing, communications, and education across various sectors.

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 - English - Literature program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified, but students are encouraged to maintain a strong academic record.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses: English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average of 8.3 is required for admission consideration.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements must be met:

Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate) is required.

It is important to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

At the University of Waterloo, English is the primary language of instruction, and a high level of English language proficiency is essential for success in our programs. If you are applying for undergraduate admissions, you will 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.

Here are the accepted English language tests and their minimum score requirements:

Test	Minimum score
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening
Duolingo English test	120 overall, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110 (before July 1, 2024); 120 overall with Literacy and Production scores of 125 (after July 1, 2024)
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing

It is important to note that tests not listed above are not accepted for admission consideration. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

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!