Overview

This English programme offered by University of Waterloo prepares researchers to undertake original scholarly inquiry across multiple areas of English studies through an innovative and interdisciplinary approach. Distinctive for its integration of literary studies with rhetoric, digital media, and discourse analysis, the programme enables students to develop sophisticated analytical and research skills while exploring complex questions related to language, texts, communication, and culture. Students work closely with leading faculty members to design and complete a unique research project that reflects their individual scholarly interests.

Key Facts

Alongside advanced research training, candidates develop teaching experience and participate in an active academic community that supports intellectual exchange, professional growth, and scholarly engagement. Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences further strengthen research, communication, and academic leadership skills. The combination of literary, rhetorical, and digital expertise prepares graduates for careers within and beyond higher education, including positions in business, industry, and the non-profit sector.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Experimental Digital Media
Genres
Literary Theory
Discourse Analysis
Rhetoric
Literary Studies
Digital Humanities
Communication Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

68

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Waterloo, Canada

Disciplines

Language Studies British Studies View 29 other PhDs in Language Studies in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

68

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Students may be admitted to the PhD program upon completion of an MA program in English. Although candidates normally enter PhD studies from Master's programs, it is possible for outstanding candidates to enter directly from an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA). Because enrolment in the program is limited, only candidates with an 85% average and up will be considered. Applicants should also complete a Plan of Study detailing plans for their PhD studies and describing their goals once their studies are completed.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Waterloo and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14792 CAD / year

≈ 14792 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4596 CAD / year

≈ 4596 CAD / year

Living costs

Waterloo

Canada

810 - 1447 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for English.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Waterloo

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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