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
Alternative teaching degrees
Best countries to study literacy
How to study literacy abroad
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Literacy study abroad programs
Literacy undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in literacy
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Language, Literacy, and Cultural Studies - BAEd Western Washington University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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24,690 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,690 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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English - Professional Writing and Literacy Studies - BA Auburn University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
32,220 USD
Fee in university's local currency 32,220 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
Literacy graduate programs
Master's in literacy
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Language and Literacy - MEd Western Washington University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,588 USD
Fee in university's local currency 23,588 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Literacy - MEd Central Washington University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,007 USD
Fee in university's local currency 23,007 USD
- Start date
- September, January
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Education: Reading and literacy - MEd Saint Martin's University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,800 USD
- Start date
- August, January
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Childhood Education/Literacy (Grades 1-6) - MSEd Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
44,100 USD
Fee in university's local currency 44,100 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Literacy Specialist - MSEd Pace University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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28,650 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,650 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Doctorate in literacy
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Language, Literacy & Culture - PhD University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,896 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,896 USD
- Start date
- August
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English Pedagogy: Teaching English Literacy K-Adult - DA Murray State University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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13,200 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,200 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Developmental Education - Developmental Literacy - EdD/PhD Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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15,034 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Certificate in literacy
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Media and Digital Literacy - PGCert Western Washington University, USA
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,588 USD
Fee in university's local currency 23,588 USD
- Start date
- -
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.
