English and Film Studies (PhD)

Our PhD in English and Film Studies provides you with the unique opportunity to pursue rigorous, specialized research in either literary studies or film studies, or to take advantage of the rich intellectual and theoretical confluence between the two disciplines.

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Engaging faculty with diverse research interests.

Small class sizes with one-on-one mentorship.

Focus on professionalization to prepare for dynamic job market.

Program Details

Mentorship and Training

The relatively small size of our program is an immense advantage to students who can expect one-on-one mentorship from faculty with respect to their research, pedagogical training, scholarship and professionalization. Our department is proud of its students’ excellent track record as holders of external scholarship and major award.

We are deeply committed to the academic development of our students and to their professionalization through teaching, presentations, colloquia, research assistantships, and the practical application of new technologies to pedagogy and scholarship. Our ambitious commitment to professionalization provides solid preparation for today’s dynamic job market, and has resulted in our graduates earning tenure-track positions as well as a competitive edge in important non-academic careers.

Requirements

Research

Concentrations

These major fields of specialization reflect the ground-breaking scholarship of our graduate faculty who offer courses in both traditional and emerging areas, including period studies, memory studies, masculinity studies, transnational studies, Canadian studies, and Indigenous studies.

Recently Completed Theses

  • Rebekah Ludolph, "Debilitating Publics: Reading CanLit’s Investigations into Psycho-Affective Pain and Social Change.” Supervisor: Dr. Tanis MacDonald.
  • Anton Bergstrom, “Holy Estrangement: The Poetics of Estrangement in John Donne's Divine Poems and Sermons.” Supervisor: Dr. Anne Russell.
  • Grace McCarthy, “'Not Shap'd For Sportive Tricks': Representations of Disability in Film and Digital Broadcast Cinema Adaptations of Early Modern Drama.” Supervisor: Dr. Russell Kilbourn.
  • Claire Meldrum, "'The Mockery of Things': Material Culture and Domestic Ideology in the Detective Fiction of Anna Katharine Green." Supervisor: Dr. Ken Paradis.

See more theses and current student profiles.

"I feel very supported within this program. I am deeply grateful for the enthusiasm, knowledge, and guidance my committee and the rest of the faculty have bestowed on my research. I have become a more confident student and scholar within this warm and open-minded environment."
Allison Koopman (PhD candidate)

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

  • Start: Fall (September)
  • Format: Full-time
  • Application opens: Oct. 1 (domestic and international applicants)
  • Application deadline: Jan. 15 (domestic applicants first consideration deadline); Mar. 30 (international applicants); July 30 (domestic applicants). Applications will be considered until the program is full.

Your Next Steps

Questions? Contact Madelaine Hron, graduate coordinator, at mhron@wlu.ca. For general inquiries, contact Joanne Buchan at ENFSGradProgram@wlu.ca or 548.889.4879.

"I found connection and community with faculty and fellow graduate students throughout my time at Laurier, something that was critical is helping me stay on track and complete my degree."

Ada Sharpe (2014)

Waterloo Campus

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus.

Laurier Waterloo is where tradition, innovation and incredible school spirit collide.

The Waterloo campus spans one large city block, ensuring you’re close to your classes, favourite study spots, student services and favourite coffee shops. Laurier is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, and many of our research centres and institutes are housed in Waterloo.

We offer the guidance and support you need to thrive academically and personally throughout your degree.

Discover Laurier Waterloo for yourself: 

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

Laurier welcomes international applicants to all of our doctoral programs. International students who have confirmed funding from a third-party, such as their employer or a scholarship program in their home country, will be considered for admission. Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants.

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Careers

Our graduates have gone on to work in publishing, teaching, media and marketing. Examples of careers held by our graduates include:

  • marketing and communications
  • university professor
  • publishing
  • film production and editing

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Faculty

Learn about the interests and ongoing research of our faculty members. If their research interests you, email the professor directly to set up a meeting. Include information about yourself, your skills, your experience, and why you’re interested in their research.