
Study english literature abroad
: We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universitiesThe smart alternative to applying direct for english literature degrees abroad and the easy way to find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations
Find your perfect english literature programs abroad
Find english literature programs you love that match your needs & 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
How we maximize your chance of studying english literature abroad
-
Programs matched to you
Filter 10,000s of programs down to a shortlist perfect for you, where you have a strong chance of getting admitted
-
Apply online via Studee
Complete our application form and only answer the same question once no matter how many programs you apply for
-
Review, improve & submit
We rigorously assess your application to ensure you have the best chance of getting admitted before we submit it
-
Reminders & guidance
Relax - never miss a deadline or request that could cost you an offer with clear, day-by-day updates on what needs to be done
Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.
English Literature study abroad programs
English literature undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in english literature
-
English Literature and Media & Communication - BA (Hons) Liverpool Hope University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,506 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Drama and English Literature - BA (Hons) University of Greenwich, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,366 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Creative Writing and English Literature - BA (Hons) (with foundation) London Metropolitan University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,754 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,700 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
-
English Literature with Creative Writing - BA (Hons) Edge Hill University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,196 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,250 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
English Literature - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,669 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,050 GBP
- Start date
- January
Associate in english literature
-
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
Diploma in english literature
-
English Literature - DipHE University of Cumbria, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,839 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,575 GBP
- Start date
- September
Pathway in english literature
-
English Literature (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,513 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,700 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
English literature graduate programs
Master's in english literature
-
English Literature - MA McNeese State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,500 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
English Literature - MA Liverpool Hope University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,506 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP
- Start date
- October, January
-
English Literature - MA Ulster University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 15 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,649 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,840 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
English: Literature - MA California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,800 USD
- Start date
- November, May
-
English: Literature - MA University of South Alabama, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,458 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,458 USD
- Start date
- August, January
Doctorate in english literature
-
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, April, August
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.
