Folklore

Why Folklore @ Memorial?

The only Anglophone university in Canada to offer comprehensive folklore programs at all levels, Memorial is also a vital part of its community - one steeped in unique lifestyles and traditions, and where the study and celebration of culture and heritage is considered crucial. This provides folklorists with rich opportunities for innovative community partnerships and learning experiences.

In the 40 years since its creation, Memorial's Department of Folklore has built an international reputation as a thriving, imaginative, eclectic, and highly professional department. Ethnographic field research practices are fundamental to folklore studies. Excellent library and archive services are also available to graduate students, including the Folklore and Language Archive, the Centre for Material Culture Studies, and the Research Centre for the Study of Music, Media, and Place.

Training in folklore studies offers valuable preparation for careers in a variety of cultural enterprises, particularly those involving intangible cultural heritage. Graduates of our program teach at universities and colleges in many parts of North America and Europe, not only in folklore departments but also as interdisciplinary appointments in fields such as communications, dance ethnography, English, French, and women's studies. Not all have followed academic careers; our graduates have also gone on to work in museums, archives, print and broadcast media, public sector folklore, and arts administration.

Description of programs

• Graduate diploma - Disciplinary graduate diplomas provide an opportunity to acquire additional academic credentials at the graduate level without committing to a full master's program. These programs allow students to expand on their knowledge of a particular discipline and may also be used for professional development within their careers.
  
  
• MA " The MA program includes three options: 1) courses and comprehensive exam, 2) courses and thesis, and 3) courses and co-op education work term. The MA can normally be completed in two years of full-time study.

• PhD " The PhD program involves courses, a comprehensive exam, and a thesis. It can normally be completed in four years of full-time study.

• MASF (course work): Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class) in a relevant area of study OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed area for the major project.
  
  
• MASF (thesis): Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class) in a relevant area of study OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed area for the major project.
  
  
• PhD: Master’s degree in a relevant area of study and an excellent academic record OR 12 months in a Master’s program and demonstration of exceptional ability to pursue research at the doctoral level OR Bachelor’s degree with honours (or equivalent) and 5 years of related full-time professional experience OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed research area (with permission).

• The application must be fully and accurately completed. Please note the online application only supports the English language.
• Ensure your full legal name (including previous last name if applicable) is listed in the correct order, as it appears on your passport or other government-issued ID. Please ensure your date of birth is entered accurately in the format listed.
• Under “Personal Information” and “Canadian Immigration Status”, select "Student Visa" if your citizenship is not Canadian and you require a study permit to legally study in Canada. Select "Permanent Resident" if your citizenship is not Canadian and you have immigrated to Canada.
• Please carefully review the definitions of full-time and part-time status before selecting this under “Student Status”. Graduate student status is not determined by the number of courses one registers for.
• If you have previously applied to or enrolled in Memorial University, please ensure you enter your MUN student number under “Program Information”. You can find this in Self-Service (if you were previously a student) or on a decision letter emailed to you (if you previously applied). This will ensure your application is processed quickly and accurately.
• Please ensure you choose the right graduate program under “Program Information”. This normally cannot be changed after you submit your application online.
• Please note the correct route (e.g., thesis, course, internship) for your program of interest under “Program Information”. Refer to the Graduate Programs and Routes document for details. Incorrect routes may lead to delays in the admission process. You can only be considered for a route available for your graduate program of interest.
• If you are applying for a research program (e.g., one that requires a thesis), under “Program Information” please note the names of up to two faculty members you may be interested in working with. Please visit our website for more information on how to find potential supervisors.
• If you are applying for a research program (e.g., one that requires a thesis), please note the research area or focus you are interested in for your graduate thesis (or instrument for Master of Music applicants).
• Under “Program Information” and “Self-declared Average”, please enter in number form your overall average from your most recent undergraduate (bachelor’s) program as it appears on your university transcript (e.g., 80%, 3.0, 16, etc.). In the following field, please select the country in which your most recent undergraduate (bachelor’s) program was completed.
• Ensure you provide names and email addresses for all referees. Please ensure you contact your referees before applying to confirm their availability and willingness to write a reference letter on your behalf. Please also ensure the email address you enter is correct and one actively used by your referee.
• Ensure that the “Statement of Interest” section is properly completed, as most academic units place considerable emphasis on this section. You’ll find a video tutorial on this at the bottom of this page.
• Please complete the “Special Circumstances” section if there are any exceptional circumstances that may have had an impact on your past academic records.