Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - 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 Department of English at Waterloo is home to internationally recognized scholars, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for various career paths, including roles in technical communication, creative writing, public relations, and more.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - English - Literature and Rhetoric program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in English studies. The program structure includes:

Program Length: Typically spans four years.
Students choose one of four majors at the end of their first year:

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

Available as a co-op program, allowing students to gain relevant work experience.
Students can also opt for a regular program without co-op.
Electives from various subject areas are available, enhancing the learning experience.

Throughout the program, students will engage in a mix of theoretical and practical coursework, preparing them for diverse career opportunities upon graduation.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - English - Literature and Rhetoric program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and career readiness:

Co-op opportunities provide students with relevant paid work experience, allowing them to apply their education in real-world settings.
Classes are capped at 40 students, fostering a close-knit learning environment where students can connect with peers and professors.
Students can participate in a work-study sequence, alternating between study and co-op terms, integrating classroom learning with practical experience.
Access to a wide range of electives and minors, enabling students to customize their degree according to their interests.
Engagement in projects that challenge students to think critically and creatively about various topics.

Career Options

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

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

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

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 and Rhetoric program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
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 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 advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner. 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 specific subscores depending on the test date)
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!