Athabasca University

Programme overview

This is Athabasca University’s Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies with a Literary Studies focus. The program is 33 credits, delivered online, and requires that at least 18 credits be completed through Athabasca University. Students declare their focus after admission by submitting a study plan to the Graduate Office. The program is offered with three annual intakes and can be completed in as little as two years full time, with a normal completion expectation of three to four years and a maximum allowable period of six years.

What you'll study

Students concentrate on close, active reading and iterative critical writing, while sampling methods and theories from the humanities and social sciences. Readings may include literature in English, in translation, or in other languages where student and supervisor language competencies permit. The curriculum emphasizes interpreting literary texts in relation to their contexts of production and exploring how literature shapes and reflects culture and human experience. The degree culminates in a final integrated project, which can be completed as a paced capstone course or an individual study project that addresses a personally significant question, relates research to specific works or life situations, or tackles a community problem.

Entry requirements

Admission into the MA – Interdisciplinary Studies requires a baccalaureate degree and successful completion of an academic writing assessment. Applicants are admitted to the overarching MA program and must submit a study plan to declare the Literary Studies focus. There are application deadlines and start dates each year (Jan. 15 for spring, May 15 for fall, Sep. 15 for winter).

Career prospects

The program develops transferable strengths in analytical reading, research, and written communication. Graduates are prepared to apply advanced textual and critical skills in academic pathways, cultural and heritage sectors, publishing, communications, education, and other professional settings that value close analysis and clear argumentation.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should consult Athabasca University’s financial support pages for program-specific funding, bursaries, and eligibility. The program page notes tuition and fee structures and additional administrative fees; prospective applicants can use those figures to plan finances and investigate external scholarships, employer sponsorship, or graduate funding options.