Find your perfect literacy programs abroad
Find literacy programs you love that match your needs and aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.
Literacy degrees abroad
By studying a literacy program, you’ll learn how to improve the reading and writing abilities of individuals.
As well as studying the theory and research behind literacy pedagogy, you’ll develop the practical teaching skills needed to improve learning outcomes. You’ll learn about the components and design of literacy curriculums, and keep up to date with trends and research in the sector.
Despite global advances in education, millions of children and adults across the world remain illiterate. Studying abroad is an eye-opening and fulfilling experience that’ll help you to develop as a practitioner by supporting individuals to unlock their potential.
Literacy program structure
Most literacy degrees are only offered at the graduate level. To enroll in these programs, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field. If you hold an undergraduate degree in an unrelated discipline, you might need to earn an accredited teaching qualification before being accepted.
Master’s degrees in literacy require up to two years of study. They blend theoretical, research, and practical modules to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the field.
Graduate certificates are shorter programs of study that typically take a year or less to finish. They’re more vocational and practically-focused than master’s degrees, offering students the chance to specialize in a specific branch of literacy.
If you’re still interested in learning more, you could enroll in a doctorate program. PhDs allow you to conduct original research and contribute to academic discussions in the field. They can take anywhere from three to seven years to complete.
As well as theoretical lectures, seminars, and tutorials, you’ll attend and lead practical lessons and workshops. Examination methods include essays, research projects, presentations, and practical assessments.
Postgraduate programs typically contain lots of elective modules so that you can easily tailor your degree. However, here are some of the most common core units offered at universities:
- Foundations of literacy
- Fundamentals of literacy education
- Literacy theory
- Teaching reading
- Teaching writing
- Trends and issues in literacy research
- Literacy curriculum development and design
- Literacy assessment and intervention

Best countries to study literacy
Best universities to study literacy
Literacy study abroad programs
What are the top literacy undergraduate programs abroad?
Arizona State University (in partnership with Kaplan International)English: Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies (Tempe Campus) - BA
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Creative Writing, English, Literacy
- Location
- Phoenix, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2025 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 35,430USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Auburn UniversityEnglish: Professional Writing and Literacy Studies - BA
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- Professional Writing, English, Literacy
- Location
- Auburn, USA
- Next available start date
- January 2026 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 35,182USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
California State University, East BayEnglish: English Language and Literacies - BA
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- English Language, English, Literacy
- Location
- San Francisco, USA
- Next available start date
- January 2026
- Annual tuition fee
- 17,663USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
California State University, SacramentoTeaching Composition - Cert
- 1 year
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Subject area
- Literacy
- Location
- Sacramento, USA
- Next available start date
- January 2026 +1 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 16,800USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Colorado State UniversityEnglish: Rhetoric and Literacy - BA
- 4 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Subject area
- English, Rhetoric, Literacy
- Location
- Fort Collins, USA
- Next available start date
- January 2026 +1 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 34,751USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
See all undergraduate degrees in literacy abroad
What are the top literacy postgraduate programs abroad?
Duquesne UniversityReading & Literacy Education - MSEd
- 2 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Reading Education, Literacy
- Location
- Pittsburgh, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2025 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 25,254USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Lewis UniversityCurriculum and Instruction: Literacy and English Language Learning - MEd
- 20 months
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Curriculum and Instruction, Literacy
- Location
- Romeoville, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2025 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 16,200USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Mercy UniversityLiteracy and Multilingual Studies - MSc
- 2 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Literacy
- Location
- New York City, USA
- Next available start date
- September 2025 +1 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 16,620USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Middle Tennessee State UniversityLiteracy - MEd
- 2 years
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Literacy
- Location
- Murfreesboro, USA
- Next available start date
- August 2025 +2 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 38,000USD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
Mount Saint Vincent UniversityLiteracy Education - MA/MEd
- 1 year
- Full-time
- On campus
- Program type
- Master's
- Subject area
- Literacy
- Location
- Halifax, Canada
- Next available start date
- January 2026 +1 more
- Annual tuition fee
- 14,343CAD
- Admission requirements
- Am I eligible?
See all postgraduate degrees in literacy abroad
Future literacy careers
With a degree in literacy, you’ll be prepared for several challenging but rewarding roles in education and public policy.
You’ll have the knowledge and expertise to make a real difference to people’s lives through roles like:
- Teacher
- Special educational needs teacher
- Literacy coach
- Curriculum developer
- Adult literacy educator
- Reading specialist
- Policy advocate
- Literacy education editor
Gathering relevant work experience is one of the best ways to make your CV shine. Get in touch with your university’s careers office to see how they can support you with placement and internship opportunities.
