Program information
Mastery of the English language is a powerful political and philosophical tool to expand career options in the information age. Become an expert communicator in such occupations as speechwriter, editor, and media producer.
What you'll learn
English involves the close study and analysis of complex texts. The program provides a historical overview of English literature, as well as an introduction to contemporary literature in Canada and around the world. You will gain an appreciation for the study of language and how it is one of the most powerful political and philosophical tools in an information age. English professors engage students in research projects, labs, and centres that range from Indigenous studies and the study of animal ethics to digitized cultural history.
Courses range in focus from composition to Renaissance literature; from 17th, 18th, and 19th century studies to contemporary American and Canadian writing; and from Indigenous and postcolonial literatures to studies in the emerging field of digital humanities. You can complete a Bachelor of Arts in English with a major, combined major, honours, or a general studies BA with a concentration in English.
Experiential learning and research
The Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (FCCS) hosts numerous events and happenings in the Okanagan community, including theatre, visiting authors, and the AlterKnowledge discussion series. You can also meet your peers, get involved with student life, and explore career options in the UBCO Critical Studies Club. Joining The Phoenix, the Okanagan campus’s student newspaper, is another worthwhile opportunity to meet fellow writers and hone your real-world English skills.
The English program coursework contains many opportunities for undergraduate research, including a directed studies course, where you will undertake supervised research in a clearly-defined area, leading to a major research paper. The FCCS offers $2,500 undergraduate research awards that provide undergraduate students support to engage in research and creative activities over the summer months.
Campus features
UBC’s Okanagan campus is home to the Woodhaven Eco Culture Centre, which is located on a 3.5-hectare nature conservancy, and is a project of an agreement between the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. The centre comprises a large heritage home with three self-contained apartments used to host graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and visiting artists and scholars, plus a studio cabin for seminars, retreats, art projects, events, and meetings.
Program advantages
Explore literature and how it imparts meaning in multiple contexts and eras, including the contemporary world. Choose from a wide variety of courses in areas such as Indigenous literatures, postcolonial literatures, world literatures, media studies, ecocriticism, critical and cultural theory, and the digital humanities.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within English. Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to literary interpretation through a focus on literature in a range of genres such as poetry, drama, and fiction.
Representations of animals in contemporary culture, including philosophical ethics, critical animal studies theory, and analysis of text and image. Explores novels, graphic novels, poems, plays and films that attempt to investigate and question the boundary we imagine to exist between ourselves and other animals.
Addresses computational methods for student-led humanities research, including visualizing, mapping, and encoding.
Advanced critical analysis of engagement with science in contemporary literary texts. Focusing on a specific area of science, such as climate change, complexity theory, cognitive psychology, or genetic modification, the course seeks to build constructively critical relationships between disciplines.
Outcomes
A degree in English sets you up for a wide range of career paths, including linguist, editor, court reporter, fundraising specialist, and much more.
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“I decided to major in English for the amazing Indigenous literature classes that Ä¢¹½´«Ã½offers. In these classes, I’ve studied groundbreaking authors with Indigenous-focused perspectives and have had many amazing professors.”
Richelle A-B., English
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit Ä¢¹½´«Ã½in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies website to learn more about English.