About

Think critically & creatively

Words make worlds. Gain insight into the world of ideas. Deepen your knowledge of language, literature, and writing. Understand the role of the written word in reflecting and shaping culture. Think critically, creatively, and deeply. Discuss, defend, refine, and argue your ideas with others.

The Department of English offers a wide range of courses covering the spectrum of English studies from Print Culture to Creative Writing, Performance Studies to Writing and Rhetoric, Old English language to Postmodern poetry, and Shakespeare and Chaucer to contemporary Indigenous, Settler, and Diasporic literatures.

In addition to the major, minor, creative writing minor, and honours program, students can also choose from blended and online courses, take advantage of cooperative education opportunities, register in one of our interdisciplinary certificates, or pursue a joint degree with:

  • Communications
  • French 
  • Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS) 
  • History
  • Humanities

The Department of English also gives students the opportunity to participate in field schools, to work with the department's writer-in-residence, and even to assist faculty with research.

Where can English take you?

  • Book, multimedia, and magazine environments
  • Government policy analyst or researcher
  • Public relations and communications, broadcasting, and journalism
  • Consulting firms
  • Community and social service workers
  • Public administration
  • International development agencies and organizations
  • Education and academia

Why study English?

The history of literature, the study of the English language, and training in precise and meaningful writing are important components of English. By refining research and critical thinking abilities and learning to write cogently and persuasively, English students will be able to interpret the written word and use it effectively.

SFU career services

Learn about career possibilities when you study in the Department of English.

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Undergraduate student advising

Do you have questions about SFU English's programs? Contact our undergraduate advisor.

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Arts & Social Sciences Co-op

Connect with a diverse range of job opportunities and employers to help you gain practical job experience.

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