Study english abroad

An English degree gives you the opportunity to study the written word in great detail. You’ll analyze a variety of authors, genres and periods to gain an understanding of how language and literature work and how they have changed throughout time.

As an English student, you’ll apply theory and criticism, as well as your own ideas and interpretations, to produce original and insightful writing. You’ll navigate your way through poetry, creative writing, film, publishing, critical theory and linguistics to develop a comprehensive knowledge of English as a subject area.

Writing has the ability to transport you to a different country, culture, or time period. By studying English abroad, you’ll learn directly about the language and literature of other countries, as well as reading texts in the cultural and geographical context in which they were set or written. Alongside strengthening your knowledge of the subject area, you’ll travel, form new friendships and make memories to last a lifetime.

You can study English as a BA, MA or PhD. Undergraduate English degrees will give you a solid understanding of the subject area as a whole and will usually take between three and four years to complete. Master’s and doctorate degrees will be structured around a more specific subject area.

Many institutions will also offer joint-honors courses in English. This means you can study English alongside another subject.

If you choose to study in the US, you’ll complete two years of general education before focusing entirely on your English major in your last two years of study.

There are plenty of options for studying English abroad. From England, Ireland and Australia, to Finland, Norway and India, you’ll be sure to find the perfect location for you. But, it’s important to bear in mind that your location of study will have a large impact on the kind of texts you’re likely to study.

Although the exact content and structure of your program will differ according to your university, you’ll typically be taught through a combination of lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials. You’ll be assessed predominantly through essay-based assignments and exams, but presentations and group projects may also contribute to your grade.

You’ll find the following areas of study in most English programs across the world:

• Language and linguistics
• Narrative forms
• Critical theory
• Poetry
• Creative writing
• Writing throughout history
• Contemporary literature

As an English graduate, you’ll have transferable skills that are highly-prized by a range of employers and industries. Your ability to effectively communicate, make reasoned arguments and think critically will serve you well in any of the following careers:

• Copywriter
• Editor
• Teacher
• Journalist
• Author
• Broadcaster
• Marketing manager

Employers will often look for evidence of your passion for English besides your choice of degree, so it’s a good idea to take part in extra-curricular activities during your time at university. You could contribute to your university’s student magazine, join the poetry society, or start your own blog.