Bachelor of Arts in English Degree Program Guide

English degree program guide header

What do novels, poems, memoirs and new media tell us about our contemporary culture and the social and creative worlds of our past? We explore the richness of literature and language to develop tools for understanding our complex society and to appreciate the work of the imagination in changing the world.

Our award winning teachers and researchers will help you discover, think and see in new ways within a dynamic workshop environment. Students have access to internationally renowned professors and can take courses spanning a broad range of topics, cultures, histories and perspectives. You can study Medieval, Canadian, Indigenous, queer and children's literature. Your studies can include popular culture, creative writing, film studies, video games and new media. Students at all levels of study are eligible for a large number of awards and prizes, many of substantial cash value, distributed annually.

Academic Requirements for English Majors

General Requirements and Information
  • The Department of English and Film Studies strongly recommends that students take a broad range of courses (consult the department website), including courses in:
    • Indigenous literatures and cultures
    • Canadian literature and culture
    • Pre-1900 literature and culture
Course Requirements
  • 6 units of junior English (or 3 units of junior ENGL plus WRS 101)
  • A minimum of 30 units to a maximum of 48 units at the 200-level or above, including:
    • 9 units at the 200-level (or 6 units for students admitted before 2019-20)
    • 9 units at the 300-level
    • 6 units at the 400-level
Additional Notes
  • ENGL 150 may be used to fulfill part of the “6 units of junior English” requirement
  • Certain 300- and 400-level WRITE (Creative Writing) courses have specific 200-level and/or 300-level prerequisites
  • Students taking English as a major and Creative Writing as a minor cannot count WRITE courses toward the requirements for the major. WRITE and approved cross-listed courses apply as ENGL courses for students taking English as a major and a subject other than Creative Writing as a minor; however, no more than 15 units of WRITE courses may be used to fulfill program requirements

Academic Requirements for English Minors

Minor Requirements
  • 6 units of junior English (OR 3 units of junior ENGL plus WRS 101)
  • Minimum of 12 units to maximum of 42 units at the 200-level or higher of which 6 units must be at the 300-level or the 400-level

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can English students take?

  • ENGL 102 - Introduction to Critical Analysis
  • ENGL 125 - Indigenous Literatures
  • ENGL 206 - How Poems Work: Introduction to Poetry
  • ENGL 207 - How Stories Work: Introduction to Narrative
  • ENGL 221 - Reading Class and Ideology
  • ENGL 300 - Social and Cultural History of the English Language
  • ENGL 303 - Digital Culture
  • ENGL 394 - Race, Capitalism and Culture
  • ENGL 483 - Studies in Popular Culture

What kinds of careers can you pursue with an English degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with an English degree. From writing and publishing to media and communications, graduates are equipped with communication, critical thinking and attention to detail skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Editor & Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Communications Strategist 
  • Content Writer
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Grant Writer
  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Technical Writer
  • Social Media Manager
  • Human Resource Specialist 
  • Multimedia Creator
  • User Experience (UX) Writer
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

Important Links

Department Contact Information