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Study english literature abroad
An in-depth guide to studying english literature as an international student.
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 universities to study english literature
How to study english literature abroad
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English literature study abroad programs
English literature undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in english literature
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Classical Literature & Civilisation and Philosophy - BA University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
26,021 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,700 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Arabic Language and Literature - BA American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,590 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,590 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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English: Literature - BA California State University, San Bernardino, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,722 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,722 USD
- Start date
- August, January
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Biblical Literature - BA Indiana Wesleyan University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,184 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,184 USD
- Start date
- September, January, May
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Children's Literature - BA Stephen F. Austin State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,564 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,564 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Associate in english literature
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English: Literature and Writing Studies (Direct Transfer) - AA North Seattle College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,687 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD
- Start date
- September, January, April, June
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Literature & Society - AA South Seattle College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,687 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD
- Start date
- September, January, April, June
Diploma in english literature
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English Literature - DipHE University of Cumbria, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,811 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,800 GBP
- Start date
- September
Pathway in english literature
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English Literature (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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15,167 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
English literature graduate programs
Master's in english literature
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English Literature - MA American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,902 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,902 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Victorian Gothic: History, Literature and Culture - MA University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
5,079 USD
Fee in university's local currency 3,650 GBP
- Start date
- October, January
-
Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies - MA University of Limerick, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,847 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,510 EUR
- Start date
- September
-
English (Creative Writing and English Literature) - MA University of Hull, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,481 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
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English Language and Literature - MA Linnaeus University, Sweden
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,787 USD
Fee in university's local currency 110,000 SEK
- Start date
- September
Doctorate in english literature
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Arabic Language and Literature - PhD American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,710 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,710 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Area Studies, History, Politics and Literature - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,681 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
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English Pedagogy: Teaching English Literature - DA Murray State University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,200 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,200 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Diploma in english literature
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Childrens Literature - PGDip Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
20,619 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,374 EUR
- Start date
- September
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.
