Master of Arts in Cultural Studies M.A.

Create and Critique.

In Cultural Studies at Trent, you will explore the very foundations of the systems of belief that will determine our future. This program offers an environment that encourages the kind of creative and critical thought that will prepare you for the challenges of the workplace, and for the opportunities of a rewarding life of cultural and political inquiry. Working with your fellow students and professors as part of a closely-knit community, you will read and reflect in your coursework, and then write a critical or creative project to take your thinking to the next level.

Program options include a new one-year major research paper stream, or the traditional two-year thesis stream. The program invites proposals for academic projects, as well as for projects invested in research-creation, in which your own artistic production plays a major role.

• Prepare yourself for a career that requires informed, creative and dynamic perspectives or for Ph.D. studies.
• Study beyond disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with experts in their fields.

Cultural Studies M.A. Website

Program Options

• M.A.
• Full time studies or Part-time Studies
• Thesis or major research paper option. Research-creation projects also welcome
• 2-year thesis or 1-year major research paper stream
• 1 – 2 years full time 
• September intake only

​Admission Requirements 

• Honours degree (a four year undergraduate bachelor's degree) with at least B+ (77%) in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
• Demonstrated aptitude for interdisciplinary study

  A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program 

Required Documents

Transcripts

Post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required.  This includes transcripts for courses taken on a Letter of Permission, for transfer credit, or on an exchange program.   Transcripts must show all course work completed and grades received.   If applicable, evidence of degree completion is required.  Transcript must include a grading scale or transcript legend.

Please note: Transcripts are not required to be official and final when applying to the School of Graduate Studies.   Official transcripts are only required to be submitted if an applicant receives an offer of admission.

Previous or current Trent University students do not need to submit a transcript for degree and course work completed at Trent University.   Transcripts must be submitted for any course work completed at another institution – i.e.) study abroad, letter of permission, transfer credit.

Two Letters of Reference

Academic references are preferred; however, professional references will be accepted. Links for your referees to submit an online reference will be sent directly to the referees you have provided on your application. We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting an application to confirm their availability and contact information. If your referee does not receive the link, you can suggest that your referee check their junk email folder and email setting.  The email may have unintentionally been blocked by their email server.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English usage, both written and oral, is essential to pursue graduate studies at Trent University. It Is required for applicants to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Applicants who completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university in Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the USA are exempt from this requirement. If you have completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English, the School of Graduate Studies is prepared to consider alternate proof of English language proficiency.

For detailed information about English Language Proficiency requirements, see International Applications. 

Plan of Study          template

Typically 1-2 pages, outlining applicant's objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests (if known), relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included. If a potential supervisor has been discussed, please identify this in your plan of study.     Template

A Writing Sample

Submit a sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. Writing samples preferred format is PDF. Hard copies will not be accepted. Good choices for writing samples include:  an undergraduate essay, lab report, research report, journal article, a chapter from a masters thesis, or a published article. 

Additional information: 

Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate) will be requested, only if an offer of admission is made.

Program contact information:

For any program specific inquiries or current application status, please contact the program directly: 

Email: culturalstudiesma@trentu.ca
 

Apply Now