Find your perfect english literature programs abroad
Find english literature programs you love that match your needs and aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.
English Literature degrees abroad
English literature is the academic study of texts spanning a range of time periods and genres. You’ll be challenged to analyze the form and meaning of novels, poetry, plays, short stories, and various other texts.
It’ll be your job to examine how texts have been influenced by the historical and cultural contexts in which they were set or written. You’ll apply critical theory and research to offer insightful and original interpretations of texts.
Studying English literature abroad is a great way to understand more about the world we live in. You’ll see for yourself how literature is used to educate, entertain, and inspire people across the globe. Visiting the setting of your favorite novel, or the hometown of your go-to author, will enrich your understanding and spark your creativity, helping you to become a deeper and more critical thinker.
English Literature program structure
You can study English literature as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. A BA usually takes three or four years of study and will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the academic field.
Unlike an undergraduate degree, postgraduate qualifications require you to narrow your focus to a specific genre, period, or author. An MA can be studied over one or two years, while a PhD can take between four and seven years to finish.
It’s popular to study English literature alongside another subject as part of a joint-honors course. Although subject combinations vary, the most common pairings include philosophy, history, politics, or a foreign language.
If you choose to study in the US, you’ll major in English literature. This means that you’ll dedicate a certain number of hours and credits to English-specific modules, alongside working on your wider liberal arts education.
English programs are famous for having a low number of dedicated teaching hours, so you’ll be expected to do lots of individual reading and study. You’ll attend lectures introducing you to key scholars, concepts, and theories. You’ll then use seminars and workshops to apply this knowledge to texts, as well as discussing and debating interpretations.
You’ll mainly be assessed through critical essays and written exams, but presentations and group projects may also feature.
Most English programs are highly flexible and students can choose from a wide range of elective modules. However, there are some core topics that you can expect to study, including:
- Literature throughout history
- Literature and theory
- Creative writing
- Introduction to poetry
- Narrative forms
- Contemporary literature
- Literature and sociocultural contexts - gender, sexuality, and race
- Literature and the nation

Best countries to study english literature
Best universities to study english literature
English Literature study abroad programs
What are the top english literature undergraduate programs abroad?
Bath Spa UniversityCreative Writing and English Literature - BA (Hons)
- 3 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Creative Writing, English Literature
- Location
- Bath, UK
- Next available start date
- September 2025
- Annual tuition fee
- 17,430GBP
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
California State University, East BayEnglish: British and American Literature - BA
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- English Literature, English
- Location
- San Francisco, USA
- Next available start date
- January 2026
- Annual tuition fee
- 17,663USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Florida Atlantic UniversityLiberal Arts and Science: English Literature - BA
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- General Science, English Literature, Liberal Arts
- Location
- Boca Raton, USA
- Next available start date
- May 2025 +4 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 20,584USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
John Cabot UniversityEnglish Literature - BA
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- English Literature
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Next available start date
- May 2025 +3 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 21,700EUR
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Liverpool Hope UniversityBusiness Management and English Literature - BA
- 3 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Business Management, English Literature
- Location
- Liverpool, UK
- Next available start date
- September 2025
- Annual tuition fee
- 14,500GBP
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
See all undergraduate degrees in english literature abroad
What are the top english literature postgraduate programs abroad?
Cardiff Metropolitan UniversityEnglish Literature - MA
- 1 year
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- English Literature
- Location
- Cardiff, UK
- Next available start date
- September 2025
- Annual tuition fee
- 11,000GBP
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Liverpool Hope UniversityEnglish Literature - MA
- 1 year
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- English Literature
- Location
- Liverpool, UK
- Next available start date
- January 2026
- Annual tuition fee
- 14,500GBP
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Mercy UniversityEnglish Literature - MA
- 30 months
- Full-time
- Online
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- English Literature
- Location
- New York City, USA
- Next available start date
- September 2025 +1 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 16,620USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Teesside UniversityEnglish Literature - MA
- 1 year
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- English Literature
- Location
- Middlesbrough, UK
- Next available start date
- September 2025
- Annual tuition fee
- 17,000GBP
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
University of GreenwichEnglish Literature - MA
- 1 year
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- English Literature
- Location
- London, UK
- Next available start date
- September 2025 +1 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 17,450GBP
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
See all postgraduate degrees in english literature abroad
Future english literature careers
Your English literature degree will act as a springboard for further study or employment. The communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills you’ve developed will be transferable to several sectors and roles. Here are some of the most common graduate destinations:
- Copywriter
- Editorial assistant
- Writer
- Publisher
- Teacher
- Marketing and media assistant
- Journalist
- PR assistant
Future employers will often ask for extra evidence of your passion for English literature. It’s a good idea to join your University’s literature society, contribute to the student magazine, or arrange some work experience in the career you’d like to pursue. These activities will help to strengthen your CV and improve your employability.
