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Study english literature abroad

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The smart alternative to applying direct for english literature degrees abroad and the easy way to find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations

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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

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English Literature study abroad programs

English literature undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in english literature

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    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
    Show program overview about English Literature and Media & Communication
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    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
    Show program overview about Drama and English Literature
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    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
    Show program overview about Creative Writing and English Literature
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    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
    Show program overview about English Literature with Creative Writing
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    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
    Show program overview about English Literature

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
    Show program overview about English: Literature and Writing Studies (Direct Transfer)

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
    16,839 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,575 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about English Literature

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
    14,513 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,700 GBP

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about English Literature (Foundation)

English literature graduate programs

Master's in english literature

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    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
    Show program overview about English Literature
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    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
    Show program overview about English Literature
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    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
    Show program overview about English Literature, MA
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    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
    Show program overview about English: Literature
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    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
    Show program overview about English: Literature

Doctorate in english literature

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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, April, August
    Show program overview about English Pedagogy: Teaching English Literature

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.