Best Universities for English Literature in the UK
July 2024
Studying English literature in the UK is an immersive experience in a rich literary tradition. The university is recognised for its contributions to literature. This field is a way to explore diverse fields and genres written by Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, and other influential writers.
Why study English literature in the UK?
- British universities are globally recognised for their academic rigour and quality of education. They offer well-established English literature programs taught by leading scholars in the field.
- The English Literature course is one such course in the UK that covers a wide range of periods, genres, and themes, allowing students to explore different literary traditions and perspectives. This diversity enriches the learning experience and broadens cultural understanding among the students.
- Studying English literature fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex texts. These skills are also transferable and valuable in a variety of professions beyond academia.
- Cities like London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh are vibrant cultural centres with theatres, literary festivals, museums, and literary landmarks. With this, students get the opportunity to attend readings, lectures, and cultural events that enhance their academic experience.
- A degree in English literature from a UK university opens doors to diverse career paths, including publishing, journalism, education, arts management, marketing, and more. Employers value the degree obtained from UK universities and skills such as communication, research, and critical thinking developed through literary study.
The best universities for English literature
University of Edinburgh: The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. Known for its academic excellence and research impact, the program benefits from long-standing reputation and expertise of the faculty members. The English literature program at Edinburg offers a diverse range of program, genres, and themes related to Scottish literature, modernist literature, literary theory, and more, tailored to their interests and career goals. The students of Edinburgh attract students from around the world, providing an international perspective on literature and culture. This diverse environment enriches discussions and fosters a global understanding of literary traditions.
University of Oxford: The University of Oxford is home to one of the top English literature departments in the world. Its English Language and Literature course offers a thorough curriculum that examines written works in English from a variety of historical eras and international contexts. British literature is featured in the broadcast, along with international and multilingual works that were initially written. Developing advanced reading skills, assessing and understanding literary texts within their intellectual and historical frameworks, and investigating literary form, technique, criticism, and theory are all part of studying literature at Oxford. The evolution of the English language is another topic covered in the course. Active academics in the field teach tutorials and lectures, and students have access to top-notch library resources like the English Faculty Library and the Bodleian Library.
University of Cambridge: Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities, known for academic excellence and intellectual tradition. The university has a variety of programs. Located in Cambridge, it is known for its vibrant cultural and academic environment. Students will have access to world-class libraries, museums, theatres, and literary events, enriching their academic experience and cultural immersion. Cambridge's global reputation and extensive alumni network provide opportunities for networking and professional connections worldwide. This enhances the career prospects and post-graduation opportunities.
Durham University: Durham University is regarded as an excellent academic institution. The English department is known for its rigorous curriculum and distinguished faculty members who are experts in literary periods and genres. Students at Durham University have access to exclusive literary resources such as the Durham Cathedral Library and the university's own extensive collections. The university encourages undergraduate research and supports students in pursuing independent study projects and dissertations. Durham University attracts students and scholars from around the world, thus offering an international perspective on literature and culture. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and provides opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
Oxford Brookes University: Oxford Brookes University has a strong reputation for academic excellence, especially in humanities and literary studies. The English literature program benefits from experienced faculty. The program at this university focuses on specialised courses or concentrations that cater to specific interests within the field. This allows students to tailor their studies to areas such as modern literature, gender studies, postcolonial literature, or literary theory. The program at Oxford Brookes is designed in such a way that it equips students with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills essential for a wide range of careers, including publishing, education, media, and arts management.
Career opportunities
A degree in English literature can lead to diverse career opportunities in the U.S. Here are some of the common career opportunities for English in the UK:
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Advertising and marketing
- Education
- Library and Information Management
- Public Relations (PR)
- Digital Content Creation
- Arts and Culture Management
- Freelance Writing and Editing
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, study in Ireland and many other countries.
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