English | Undergraduate Programs

Program overview

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Gain reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills that you will find invaluable throughout your life.

Reading closely, thinking deeply, and writing well: a degree in English literature can offer you unmatched intellectual challenges and rewards while providing an excellent base for future studies and professional development. Our Department is proud to offer courses in all the major historical periods and national traditions of literature in English, as well as on topics like science fiction, fantasy, children’s literature, digital publishing, and environmental literature. Learn to use the great stories of the past and present – whether in novels, poetry, movies, or graphic novels – to engage with today’s most pressing issues, be they social, environmental, technological, or aesthetic.

Why choose this program

Critical Thinking Skills: The English program emphasizes reading closely, thinking deeply, and writing effectively, which provides valuable skills for life-long learning and professional development.

Wide Range of Courses: You will have the opportunity to explore various literary traditions and topics, including science fiction, fantasy, children’s literature and environmental literature, enabling you to engage with contemporary issues from different perspectives.

Flexible Program Options: With options for honours BA, major, and minor programs, you can tailor your degree to your interests and career goals, while the co-op program provides valuable work experience and networking opportunities.

Culture and Creativity: In addition to its minor in creative writing, the Department offers numerous opportunities for you to develop your creative capacities and cultural literacy, including a writer-in-residence program, an in-house arts journal, and many links with the Ottawa arts community.

Diverse Career Paths: Graduates of the program are equipped with critical thinking, research and communication skills that are highly valued in various fields, including book editing, content development, digital copywriting and advertising, with opportunities to work in government agencies, health-care institutions and cultural organizations.

Program structure

Get a glimpse into how uOttawa’s English program is structured and the courses you’ll have the opportunity to take.

Understand program path and options

View course catalogue

Browse program options

4 years120 units

Honours BA in English

The Honours Program allows more extensive and focused study than is possible in the Majors Program, offering a particular concentration of courses in the core periods and problems (3000-level). Yet, it can be combined with a Minor in another area of study. This academic focus and breadth makes this program an excellent preparation for students who are seeking admission to professional or graduate programs, or who intend to pursue careers in senior secondary education.

Program structure

Course sequence

42 units

Major in English

The Major Program allows students to have the same range of course experiences as the Specialization Program– including the same number of Seminars and Special Topics courses at the 4000-level– but offers a greater number of electives, so that students might pursue a broader range of interests. Majors can combine their degree with either a Minor or a second Major. It is an excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue careers in such fields as education, communications, public policy, consultancy, advocacy, or marketing.

Program structure

Course sequence

30 units

Minor in English

The Minor Program allows students who are following Major or Specialization programs in other disciplines the opportunity to pursue and sustain their interests in literary studies. It offers both a solid background in the major literary traditions and, through a combined 21 elective credits, the opportunity to explore those areas that interest students the most. These courses provide exactly the same skills and experiences that make an English program valuable to Majors and Specialists.

Program structure

Course sequence

Admission requirements and deadlines for English

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After your studies

After completing your undergraduate studies in English, you have two main paths to consider: continuing your education or entering the workforce.

You may choose to pursue graduate studies, such as a Master’s degree (MA or MC), to deepen your knowledge and develop advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. A research-based MA is ideal if you’re interested in specializing in a topic or eventually pursuing a PhD, while the Master of English (MC) offers a more practical approach, with the option of gaining professional experience through co-op placements.

Alternatively, you can move directly into the job market. Your degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as Book Editor, Writer, Content Developer (Web and Social Media), Digital Copywriter, Advertising or Marketing Consultant. These opportunities allow you to apply your skills in writing and communication in real-world settings.

Whether you choose further studies or enter the workforce, your degree provides a strong foundation to build a career.

Potential Career Paths

Career development and experiential learning

Apply concepts you learn in class through paid work terms. You’ll get not just a degree showing that you participated in a co-op program but also approximately 16 months of experience in your field of study and a network of valuable contacts.

Learn more about co-op requirements for the program of English

Tuition and fees

Learn about the costs associated with your program and explore the scholarships and funding options available to help support you along the way.

Tuition fees

Scholarships and bursaries

Student experience

The Undergraduate English Students' Association (UESA)

The Undergraduate English Students’ Association (UESA) represents undergraduate students in the Department of English at the University of Ottawa. That means we represent you and your interests at the department, faculty, and university level. Any student enrolled in an English degree program is considered a member of the UESA.

Students' Association of the Faculty of Arts uOttawa

SAFA represents the interests of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts within the UOSU, the Faculty, the University, the community, and the provincial and federal governments. The students’ association also works to foster a sense of community through social, academic, and cultural events, while at the same time offering a variety of services to its members.

The Graduate Students’ Association

The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) of the Department of English represents graduate students studying English at the University of Ottawa. The purpose of the English GSA is to foster a sense of community among graduate students, to liaise with faculty and staff on issues relevant to graduate students, and to represent our department at the campus-wide Graduate Students’ Association (GSAÉD) and the Union of Student Workers at the University of Ottawa (CUPE 2626).