Study English Literature Abroad

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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

- UK
- USA
- Lebanon
- Fiji
- Canada
- Turkey
- Cyprus
- Sweden
- Ireland
- Italy

Best universities to study english literature

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How to study english literature abroad

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English literature study abroad programs

English literature undergraduate programs

English literature graduate programs

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.

Explore english literature programs abroad

Bachelor's programs inenglish literature

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PhD programs inenglish literature