Program Highlights
English is not just a language we speak; it is an art form, a history, and an expression of thought and being. By studying English you gain a comprehensive understanding of its language and literature, while exploring its connection to other areas of study and everyday life. Through developing invaluable skills in critical reading, writing, analysis, and research, you become more flexible and creative in your thinking as well as improving your abilities as a communicator — abilities that are an asset for any future career.
Program Options
Students can enroll in an Honours degree or certificate, Major, Combined Major, Concentration, Minor in English Literature, or the Writing Minor. Any Mount undergraduate student can take individual courses as electives, and many of our courses are relevant to students interested in Cultural Studies and Women’s Studies. Learn more about our Program Requirements »
- Honours degree — students interested in pursuing further education after their degree or in conducting independent research can explore our honours program. In the full-year course for honours students, you’ll produce a substantial thesis — a year-long independent research project — a unique opportunity among Halifax universities.
- Writing Minor — regardless of where your path may take you, writing effectively is an essential skill for success. The Mount’s Writing Minor is a distinctive program in our region; courses focus on the theory and practice of writing, researching, editing, publishing across genres, and various types of written communication.
- BA Internship — the Mount has recently introduced a new internship program enabling you to apply your education in a workplace setting. You’ll develop valuable work experience in corporate, government, or non-profit sectors, while exploring career options. Learn more »
Small class sizes
English at the Mount prides itself on its small class sizes. Whether in Writing workshops of no more than 25 students or in literature classes of 20 to 30 people, you will have the opportunity for close interaction with other students and your professors, ensuring a receptive space for developing key skills in critical thinking and persuasive, clear communication. In addition, your work is graded by your professor, who is able to give you ample feedback on your progress and meet with you in person as needed.
Experiential (hands-on) learning
The Mount has long been a leader in experiential learning, and we in the English Department provide students with many opportunities to develop skills they can apply to real-world experiences. Experiential learning includes a wide range of work-integrated learning, including co-op work terms, internships, practicums, volunteerism, research projects and service learning.
English Society
From theatre trips to readings, themed socials, and the annual Atlantic Undergraduate English Conference, students are encouraged to participate in our active, student-led English Society. Connect with the English Society Instagram account.
Faculty who are innovative teachers & researchers
Our professors are innovative teachers and researchers, whose scholarly works are recognized nationally and internationally. They bring enthusiasm and dedication to the classroom, to their students, and to their research activities, making the English Department a stimulating and encouraging environment — an exciting place to pursue your studies. Read more about our faculty’s recent research in their faculty profiles.
Advancing your Career
Teacher, editor, lawyer, video game scriptwriter, librarian, journalist, communications officer, publicist, professor — these are some of the careers that our English graduates have pursued. Our students have also been very successful in getting into programs for further training, such as education, law, library and information management, environmental studies, and journalism, or in winning top national scholarships for graduate studies. Don’t just take it from us – read some statements from recent graduates!
