Top Universities for English Literature in the UK

The UK has always been one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue a degree in arts and humanities, especially English literature apparent through the plethora of world-class universities in the UK. The top universities for English literature in the UK, easily rank among the best in the world. 

Studying English literature in the UK offers many benefits for international students. Not only can they learn from some of the world’s best educators and researchers in this field, but they can also immerse themselves in the rich and diverse literary culture of the UK. From Shakespeare to Rowling, from Dickens to Ishiguro, from Austen to Adichie, the UK has produced some of the most influential and celebrated writers in history. Studying English literature develops critical thinking, communication, and creativity skills that are highly valued in today’s global society. As such, there is no better time to study English literature than now! In this article, we will look at some of the best universities for studying English literature, along with programs, tuition fees, and more. 

Overview of English Literature in the UK 

Why Study English Literature in the UK

Rich Literary Tradition: The United Kingdom has a long and illustrious literary history, with contributions from authors such as William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and many others. 

  Access to World-Class Universities: The best universities in the UK  have renowned English literature departments. Attending one of these institutions can provide you with access to world-class faculty, resources, and research opportunities.  

Diverse Curriculum: English literature programs in the UK often offer a diverse curriculum that covers a wide range of literary periods, genres, and authors. This diversity allows you to explore different aspects of literature and find your own areas of interest.  

Cultural Immersion: Studying in the UK provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in British culture and history, which can enhance your understanding of British literature.

Networking and Connections: The UK’s academic community is well-connected and offers opportunities for networking and building relationships with professors, fellow students, and professionals in the field. These connections can be valuable for your academic and career prospects.  

Research Opportunities: The UK is a hub for literary research, with numerous libraries, archives, and resources dedicated to English literature. If you’re interested in pursuing research in literature, the UK provides ample opportunities to access primary sources and engage in scholarly work.  

Global Perspective: English literature is a global field of study, and studying it in the UK can give you a broader perspective. You’ll not only study British literature but also explore literature from other English-speaking countries and engage with a global literary community.  

Transferable Skills: An English literature degree equips you with critical thinking, analytical, communication, and research skills that are valuable in various career paths, including publishing, journalism, education, and more.  The UK also offers post-study work visas that allow international students to work in the country for a certain period after completing their studies. Students can also work and study in the UK during their stay.   

Top Universities for English Literature in the UK 

University of Oxford 

The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, dating back to the 11th century. It is ranked first in the world for English language and literature, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. The university offers a broad and diverse range of courses in English, covering writing in English from its origins in Anglo-Saxon England to the present day, as well as works written in other languages and cultures. The English faculty is the largest in Britain, with over 200 members, many of whom are leading scholars and writers in their fields. 

The English Language and Literature course at Oxford is a three-year undergraduate degree that allows students to study a wide variety of texts and topics, from medieval literature to contemporary fiction, from linguistics to film criticism. The University of Oxford is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research in English language and literature, and for producing graduates who have made significant contributions to the field. Some of the famous alumni of the university include writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde, and T.S. Eliot critics such as Terry Eagleton, and M.H. Abrams. The university also hosts various events and activities related to literature, such as the Oxford Literary Festival, the Oxford Poetry Society, the Oxford Review of Books, and the TORCH (The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities) network

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University of Cambridge 

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, founded in 1209 and consistently ranked among the top five universities globally. The Faculty of English at Cambridge is an internationally renowned center of excellence for the study, teaching, and research of literature in English.  

The Faculty has a distinguished history of producing eminent critics and thinkers, such as Edmund Spenser, John Milton, William Wordsworth, EM Forster, Sylvia Plath, and Ted Hughes. The Faculty also hosts various events, projects, and collaborations with other institutions and organizations, such as the BBC National Short Story Award, the John Muir Trust, and the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. The Faculty offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, covering literature from the medieval period to the present day, as well as other art forms and intellectual traditions related to literature.

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The University of Edinburgh 

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2023. It is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities. The university has a rich history of excellence and innovation, dating back to its founding in 1583.  

The School of Literatures, Languages, and Cultures is the academic unit that hosts the English Literature department at the University of Edinburgh. The department is the oldest of its kind in the UK, and one of the longest-established in the world. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in English Literature, as well as joint honors programs with other subjects such as Classics, History, Philosophy, and Languages. Students can choose from a variety of courses that cover different periods, genres, and themes in English and Scottish literature, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. They can also benefit from the exceptional resources and facilities available in Edinburgh, such as the National Library of Scotland, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the UNESCO World City of Literature initiative.

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University College London 

University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading universities, ranked 9th in the world and 4th in Europe by the QS World University Rankings 2023. UCL has a diverse and international community of over 42,000 students and 13,000 staff from more than 150 countries.  

The Department of English Language and Literature at UCL is one of the most enduring and respected in Britain and is perfectly suited for students wishing to immerse themselves in a highly regarded and varied syllabus that combines traditional literary skills and modern thought. The department offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as research opportunities, in areas such as medieval literature, Renaissance literature, modern literature, literary linguistics, creative writing, and more. The department has a wide breadth of expertise across many literary periods and topics, as well as in language, both its history and its modern forms.  The department also boasts a unique tutorial system that teaches English undergraduates one-to-one, allowing them to tailor their courses around their own interests, while not losing the sense of a wider context. The department has a strong record of producing distinguished alumni, such as Mahatma Gandhi, John Maynard Keynes, Raymond Williams, Christopher Isherwood, and Malcolm Bradbury. 

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University of Manchester 

The University of Manchester is one of the leading institutions in the UK for English language and literature, ranked 22nd in the world by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in English literature, covering more than 1,000 years of writing in English, from medieval manuscripts to contemporary fiction. The university also hosts the Centre for New Writing, which supports creative writing and hosts events with acclaimed authors.  

The English literature department at the University of Manchester has a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, with a diverse and dynamic academic staff who are widely published and internationally recognized. The department has a number of centers, networks, and clusters that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in areas such as American studies, postcolonial studies, Gothic studies, and digital humanities. The department also has a strong record of student satisfaction and employability, with graduates pursuing careers in fields such as journalism, publishing, teaching, and the creative industries.

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Admission Requirements for English Literature in the UK 

Undergraduate:  

• A high school diploma or its equivalent. 
• English language proficiency certification through a test like the IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90-100). 
• You’ll often be required to submit a personal statement or a statement of purpose explaining your motivation for studying English Literature. 
• Most universities will require you to submit letters of recommendation from teachers or other individuals who can attest to your academic abilities and suitability for the course.  

Postgraduate:  

• A relevant bachelor’s degree. The specific academic background required may vary depending on the course and university.  
• English language proficiency certification through a test like the IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90-100). You’ll typically be required to submit a personal statement or statement of purpose outlining your academic and career goals, research interests, and why you want to pursue postgraduate studies in English Literature. 
• Letters of recommendation from professors or individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and potential for postgraduate study.  
• Many postgraduate programs in English Literature will require you to submit a writing sample that demonstrates your research and analytical skills.  
• Some universities may conduct interviews as part of the admissions process for postgraduate programs, especially for research-focused programs. 

Career Opportunities for English Literature Graduates in the UK 

English Literature graduates in the UK possess a range of valuable skills that are transferable to various career paths. While an English Literature degree can lead to careers directly related to literature and writing, it also opens doors to a wide array of industries and professions. Some of the jobs that are directly related to their degree include website editor, lexicographer, librarian, archivist, bookseller, and writer. They can also use their transferable skills in areas such as marketing, education, law, media, and research. Some of the employers that value English Literature graduates are advertising, publishing, media, and education organizations.  

The average salary for English Literature graduates in the UK is 24,000 GBP per year, but this can vary depending on the job, sector, and location. Some of the highest paying jobs for English Literature graduates are human resources director (79,968 GBP), marketing manager (28,260 GBP), etc. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the top universities for English literature in the UK, offer compelling programs, world-class faculty, networking opportunities, and more. Studying English literature in the UK can be a life-changing opportunity for those who are passionate about literature and want to learn from the best. A literature degree can open many doors for students who want to pursue careers in fields such as journalism, publishing, teaching, media, and research. 

However, studying English literature in the UK also comes with some challenges and difficulties. Students need to be prepared to face a high level of academic rigor and competition, as well as a different cultural and social environment. Students also need to consider the costs and benefits of studying abroad, such as tuition fees, living expenses, visa requirements, and scholarships. Therefore, students who are interested in studying English literature in the UK need to do proper research and make an informed choice based on their personal goals, interests, and abilities. To know more reach out to us at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!