While the curriculum focuses on literary study, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the English language that will stand them in good stead in all other fields of academic and professional endeavour. English is, in fact, a central study. The language is every student's essential instrument of understanding and expression, and the subject-matter of the literature touches on every area of human knowledge and experience.

- As English is the primary language of instruction at Mount Allison University, students must possess a mastery of English sufficient to communicate effectively, follow lectures, and write assignments and examinations in English. All applicants will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. This evidence may take one of the following forms: Successful completion of at least three years of instruction in Canada at a secondary institution as recognized by Mount Allison University Successful completion of at least 30 credit hours (or equivalent) at a post-secondary institution as recognized by Mount Allison University where English is the primary language of instruction TOEFL score of 213 (computer test) 580 (paper test) or 90 (internet test) with no band score lower than 20 Michigan English Language Assessment Battery MELAB score of 85% International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6 Completion of the ELS USA Program with a score of 109 Canadian Academic English Language Assessment CAEL (or CAEL CE) with an overall score of 70, and no sub-test result below 60 Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) by Cambridge Assessment English with a minimum Cambridge English Score of 176. Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) by Cambridge Assessment English with a minimum Cambridge English Score of 176. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of at least 60 with no individual score less than 51. - Additional country specific requirements