MA in Language and Literacy

Thesis-based, on-campus degree

Language and Literacy prepares students to understand and conduct research on various dimensions of literacy, linguistic and cultural diversity, especially as they relate to the acquisition, use, teaching, and learning of languages, multiliteracies (multiple meaning-making systems, including print, visual, oral, audiovisual, and gestural texts), and new literacies and digital media . This program is open to applicants from a broad array of regions/countries, It will be of interest to prospective educators and researchers in the areas of literacy, English as an additional language (EAL) or second language (ESL), bilingual education, teaching and learning French as first and second language and other languages, including Aboriginal languages, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, German.

Program Information for Current Students

Program requirements* are as follows:

Course requirements

(a) Educational Research 608 and 3 units from any other 600-level thesis-based research methods in education course.

(b) 9 units selected from Language and Literacy courses and any additional courses as determined by the supervisor in consultation with the student.

For courses offered by term, please refer to the Master of Arts homepage.

Graduate courses from other departments, faculties, or universities may be taken to partially fulfill your degree requirements. Approval from your supervisor and the unit in question are required to take these courses. Please ensure that your Graduate Program Administrator in Graduate Programs in Education receives written confirmation of these approvals. 

Your Master's thesis is the focus if your degree program. You should, in consultation with your supervisor, formulate an appropriate thesis topic as early in your program as possible. The nature and type of your proposed research will affect the time needed to complete your program.

Our students typically complete their program requirements within two years from their first term, and are expected to complete all requirements within four years from their first term.

Visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies' website for more information on writing and defending your thesis.

Thesis

(c)The Masters thesis is the focus of the degree program. In consultation with the supervisor, the student should formulate an appropriate thesis topic as early as possible because the nature and type of proposed research will affect the time needed to complete the program.

Master's students are normally assigned a permanent supervisor at the time of admission.

Students typically complete all program requirements within two years and are expected to complete all requirements within four registration years.

*Please visit the University Calendar to see all program requirements for the Master of Arts degree.

Master's Procedures Checklist

At the beginning of program:

  • Register for an eID to access myUCalgary. Keep your eID and password confidential.
  • Accept your Offer of Admission in the online Student Centre.
  • Activate your UCalgary IT computing account that comes with a UofC email. We strongly encourage you to use this email while in program.
  • Before you start utilizing your UofC email, update your email address in the online Student Centre.
  • Confirm your current e-mail address to your Graduate Program Administrator (see your Admission Letter for contact information). Please include your full name, UCID number, program, and specialization.
  • Attend one of the scheduled Virtual Welcome Sessions for Graduate Programs: Education (GPE) students.
  • Attend one of the scheduled Student Orientations to GPE Online Delivery Tools. We recommend this for students in on-campus programs, due to the fact that online tools may be utilized in on-campus courses.
  • Connect with your supervisor to plan your program.
  • Initialize your registration.
  • Register for courses.
  • Check with FGS, Research Services and SSHRC for possible research funding.

Within 12 months:

  • Confirm the number of courses required for program completion with the supervisor.

Every May:

  • Submit the online Annual Progress Report form through student centre, approved by supervisor, and Graduate Program Director of GPE or designate.

Every 12 Months:

Within 4 years:

  • Have ethics clearance approved before collection of data.
  • Complete thesis.
  • Supervisor establishes the committee for final oral examination.
  • Upon successful oral examination, submit two unbound copies of the thesis to the Faculty of Graduate Studies along with the Thesis Clearance form.
  • Submit an Application for Degree through your Student Centre.
  • Attend convocation and celebrate!

Program Forms

There are various forms related to a student’s progress through their graduate degree. Please refer to the forms for detailed instructions on their proper completion. Students who have any questions or concerns should contact their Graduate Program Administrator. Required forms are available in the GPE office and some can be accessed by downloading them from Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Contact Us

GPA

GPA

Sylvia Parks Graduate Program Administrator (GPA) 403.220.4105, sparks@ucalgary.ca

AC

Academic Coordinator

Dr. Erin Spring, erin.spring@ucalgary.ca

Complete Program Details

Complete Program Details