From the Scottish Enlightenment to the writings of Shakespeare and Adam Smith, the United Kingdom has long been a goldmine of literary output. Today's students have access to these works and to masters who teach them how to interpret and understand them. The website EduRank informs our list of top English literature universities in the UK.
| 🏫Which school? | 👨🎓Available courses | ⏳Course duration | 🎫Admissions requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Classics and English English and Modern Languages English Language and Literature | Three years Four years (1 year abroad) Three years | AAA, with English Literature or English Language and Literature AAA, with English Literature or English Language and Literature AAA, with English Literature or English Language and Literature |
| University College London | 6, including BA English and English with language offerings. | 3-4 years, depending on selection | AAA; English Literature/English Language and Literature grade A. Foreign language knowledge preferred for select courses. |
| University of Cambridge | English BA (Hons) | 3 years | A level: A*AA; additional requirements vary by college. |
| University of Edinburgh | 10+ | 4 years | Entry requirements vary by course. |
| Imperial College London | 1 | 8 weeks - a standalone module | No requirements to sign up for this course. |
| King's College London | 7 | 3 yearrs | Entry requirements depend on the programme selected. Minimum A-Level range: AAA - AAB Required courses: English or English Literature. |
| University of Birmingham | 10 | 3 years | A-Levels: AAB; required courses: A level English Literature or English Language and Literature |
| University of Nottingham | 10, including a foundation year programme | 3 - 4 years, depending on programme | A-levels range: AAA to BCC, depending on programme. Prerequisites required for certain programmes. |
| University of Sheffield | 11 | 3 years Select programmes offer an optional placement year, or ayear of study abroad. | A-Levels range: AAB - ABB, depending on programme. |
| University of Bristol | 11 | 3 years 4 years with year abroad 6 years part-time course available. | AAA |
| University of Leeds | 16 | 3 years 4 years for select double-degree programmes | A-Levels: AAA - ABB, depending on selected course. Prior English studies required. |
| University of Glasgow | 36 | 4 years | A-Level: AAB – BBB, with English or another Humanities subject |
| University of Warwick | 14 | 3 years, with an optional year abroad (select courses) | A-Levels: AAA or A*AB, with grade A in English Literature or English Language and Literature (combined) |
| University of Southampton | 7 4 | 3 years 4 years, with one year abroad | A-Levels: AAB to ABB, plus a written essay, depending on course selection |
| University of York | 12 | 3 years | A-Levels: range between A*AB - AAB (depending on course), with an A in English Literature (English Language and Literature. |
| Lancaster University | 15 | 3 years, with an optional 4th year for foundation or study abroad. | A-Levels: AAB |
| University of Liverpool | 5 | 3 years | A-Levels: ABB |
| University of Sussex | 12 | 3 years | A-Levels: ABB, with GCSE grades from 4 - 9 |
| Cardiff University | 13 | 3 years, with an option to study abroad for a 4th year. | A-Levels: AAB-BBB, with Creative Writing, English Language and Literature, or English Literature. |
| Newcastle University | 6 | 3 years, with the option of a 4th for study abroad. | A-Levels, with AAB, either English Literature or English Language and Literature |
1. University of Oxford
As the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest in continuous operation. This school needs no introduction. Oxford's reputation is as strong for English studies as for science, medicine and other disciplines.
Oxford's English programmes include:
English and Modern Languages
- Four-year course
- entry requirements: AAA, with English Literature or English Language and Literature
Classics and English
- Three-year course
- entry requirements: AAA, with English Literature or English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature
- Three-year course
- entry requirements: AAA, with English Literature or English Language and Literature
2. University College London - UCL
The 19th-century English philosopher Jeremy Bentham was more than a bit of a radical. His ideas influenced UCL's founders to build a school that defied convention. They succeeded beyond their wildest dreams, leaving us a vibrant campus always ready to welcome keen minds.
Those aiming for English literature degrees have their pick of courses.
| 📗Course name | 🔎What it covers | ⌛Course duration | 👨🎓Admissions requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA English | Texts from Renaissance to the present. Literary theory Understand cultural and intellectual sources of literature. | 3 years | A-Level: AAA, plus English Literature (or combined Literature and Language) required. GCSEs: English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4. IB: 36, with 18 points in three higher level subjects including English A1 Literature/Language and Literature at grade 6. |
| Latin and English | Focus is on on the linguistic, literary, historical and cultural study of Latin and English, and the connections between them. | 3 years | A-Levels: AAB, plus English Literature/Language and Literature and Latin at grade A required. GCSEs: English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4. IB: 36, with 17 points in three higher level subjects including English Literature/Language and Literature and Latin at grade 6. |
| Dutch and English | Study Dutch culture and language, alongside English literature. Course includes 1 year study abroad. | 4 years | A-Levels: AAA; English Literature/English Language and Literature grade A required, foreign language preferred. GCSEs: English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4. IB: 38, plus 18 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5, to include English/English Literature required at grade 6. |
| French and English | Enhance French language skills while exploring English literature, and discovering connections between the two languages. Course includes one year of study abroad. | 4 years | A-Levels: AAA, plus English Literature/English Language and Literature and French grade A required. GCSEs: English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4. IB: 18 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5, to include English Language and Literature/English Literature and French required at grade 6. |
| German and English | Enhance German language skills while exploring English literature, and discovering connections between the two languages. Course includes one year of study abroad. | 4 years | A-Levels: AAA; English Literature/English Language and Literature grade A required, foreign language preferred. GCSEs: English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4. IB: 18 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5, to include English Language and Literature/English Literature required at grade 6. |
| Scandinavian Studies and English | Study your choice of Scandinavian languages alongside English literature. Course includes one year of study abroad. | 4 years | A-Levels: AAA; English Literature/English Language and Literature grade A required, foreign language preferred. GCSEs: English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4. IB: 18 points in three higher level subjects including English A1 Literature/Language and Literature at grade 6, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred. |
3. University of Cambridge
When you're Cambridge, you don't need to tout your bona fides. You don't even have to list a series of English literature courses to entice the keenest minds to apply.
You do have to tell prospective students a bit about your English BA Honours programme, though.
University of Edinburgh
Our list features two of Scotland's ancient universities; Edinburgh is one of them. True to its reputation of academic excellence, it offers an array of English literature programmes, many paired with a language study course. Entry requirements vary by degree plan; it's more efficient to tell you all about them this way:
| 📖Course title | 🔎Overview | 🏫Entry requirements |
|---|---|---|
| English and Scottish Literature MA (Hons) | 4 years, full-time cultural contexts of writing in English, from the late Middle Ages to the present. | A-Levels: A*A*A* to A*AA English Literature or combined English at B |
| English Language and Literature MA | 4 years full-time Study a wide range of texts and their cultural contexts. | A-Levels: A*A*A to AAA English Literature or combined English at B. |
| Philosophy and English Literature MA | 4 years full-time Engage with a broad range of texts from around the world and a variety of approaches to reading. | A-Levels: A*A*A to AAB English Literature or combined English at B |
| English Literature and History MA (Hons) | 4 years full-time Understand today's world while shedding light on the past. | A-Levels: A*A*A* to A*AA English Literature or combined English at B |
| English Literature and Classics MA (Hons) | 4 years full-time Study Ancient Greek and Latin texts, and their influence on English writings. | A-Levels: A*A*A* to A*AA English Literature or combined English at B |
| History of Art and English Literature MA | 4 years full-time Study the shared methodologies and historical contexts of both subjects. | A-Levels: AAB to ABB English Literature or combined English at B |
| German and English Literature MA (Hons) | 4 years full-time Study a broad range of texts in both English and German. Study 1 year abroad. | A-Levels: ABB English Literature or combined English at B GCSE: a language other than English at B or 6 |
| Religious Studies and English Literature MA (Hons) | 4 years full-time Study the links between religious questions and the production of literature. | A-Levels: ABB English Literature or combined English at B |
| Spanish and English Literature MA (Hons) | 4 years full-time Study a range of texts in both English and Spanish. | A-Levels: A*AA to AAA A language other than English at B English Literature or combined English at B |
| Celtic and English Literature MA (Hons) | 4 years full-time study the literatures, languages and cultures of the Celtic world, in parallel with English writings. | A-Levels: ABB English Literature or combined English at B |
University of Manchester
Our list features six of England's nine redbrick universities. Of them, Manchester University English Lit programmes rank the highest. This school and city are a part of a UNESCO initiative called City of Literature, which emphasises literary culture. Manchester earned its place on that list in 2017 for its abundance of libraries, literary events, and the number of literature learning programmes available:
- Total number of course options: 12
- Study time: 3 to 4 years, depending on your chosen degree plan
- Minimum A-Levels: AAA; AAB for some double degree options
- Tuition: 2026 entry fees not set, projected to be slightly higher than £9 535; financial aid available
Imperial College London - ICL
ICL got its name thanks to Prince Albert's push to turn South Kensington into a cultural area, built around Royal Albert Hall. His vision was complete in 1907, when three colleges merged to form ICL.
Today, this university has fully embraced its mining and technical backgrounds, placing emphasis on STEM education.
This is not a degree programme; it's a standalone learning module.
For eight weeks, first-year students will explore classic and contemporary texts.
If not a degree plan, why feature it? Because STEM and linguistics shouldn't be mutually exclusive. Future engineers, mathematicians and scientists must know how to write effectively. This learning module helps students learn how to put their ideas into writing.
King's College London - KCL
Legend has it that students who didn't make the cut at Oxford or Cambridge still had a shot at higher education through King's College. Today, with KCL a reputable institute in its own right, learners no longer need to 'settle' for less than the best.
To wit, KCL's English lit programmes, which rank among the top 20 in the world.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham University was the first 'redbrick' to receive a royal charter, 75 years after it welcomed its first students. This gesture of acceptance went a long way to prove this school's reputation as a worthy institute of higher learning.
Ranking within the Top 15 for English studies, Birmingham sits among the best unis for English in the UK and the world.
Single and joint Honours degree plans all take three years to complete. You'll find enticing course titles such as English Literature and Film or Lit and Drama in Birmingham's course catalogue. AAB A-Levels and college English studies are all it takes to apply.
University of Nottingham
Since its founding in 1881, this school has made literature a cornerstone of its academic profile. Today, prospective undergraduates may choose from 10 degree plans that, in some form, incorporate English literature studies. Half of them are joint Honours programmes, giving students a broader spectrum of learning to choose from.
What to Know About Nottingham University
University of Sheffield
This school is one of the original redbrick universities, as well as a founding Russell Group member. Those pedigrees alone make Sheffield one of the best unis for English lit UK.
However, students have more Sheffield benefits to discover.
Types of programmes
- single-degree
- double-degree
- Honours
Options
- foundation year
- a year abroad
- extracurricular activities
Entry requirements
- AAB to ABB, depending on the programme
- some courses require prior knowledge
University of Bristol
This school requires AAA A-Levels to qualify for entry to all its programmes. Like most of the best universities for English, Bristol organises its English studies under its School of Humanities in the Faculty of Arts. So, they combine subjects like history and drama with English to deliver the most tantalising degree plans.
The University of Bristol has an Erasmus Charter, giving its students access to partner universities across Europe.
University of Leeds
From its start in 1874, this school's administrators focused on science. Through mergers, notably with the college that became the University of Manchester, Leeds Uni built other faculties. Today, it is the 10th-largest university by enrolment and the 4th most popular in the UK.
At Leeds, you have 16 Literature courses to choose from.
Required A-Levels
AAA to ABB
Prior studies
- A-Level English
- some courses have more prerequisites
Course options
- foundation year
- a year of study abroad
University of Glasgow
Glasgow was the first Scottish university to offer students from all income levels higher education. After it opened its doors in 1451, academics were no longer the purview of the wealthy. Learning became a social experiment that resulted in resounding success.
Today, learners from all over the world attend the Scottish university for English courses and other subjects.
University of Warwick
Before the Second World War, going to university meant reporting to a formal, long-established and often faraway campus. The British government had plans to establish a school in Warwickshire to serve Midlands learners.
They achieved their goal in 1965, and this university has been successful ever since.
Finding your place in a Warwick English Literature programme demands AAA or A*AB A-Levels, with one A in English Literature or English Language and Literature. When you apply, you will find 14 degree plans to choose from. Those with a language component take four years to complete and demand prior language study.
University of Southampton
Like Nottingham and Sheffield, Southampton is a Russell Group founding university. The distinction places it on the 'best university for English' list. Like the other schools this article covers, English studies are not Southampton's primary focus. Still, it's a subject these teachers cover well. Take a look at this sampling of courses:
Course titles
- English language and literature
- English and modern languages
- Film and English Philosophy and English
Requirements for entry
- ABB plus Humanities or Social Science essay
- AAB with a topical essay
- ABB A-Levels with topical essay ABB A-Levels with essay
Course duration
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 3 years
Which UK University is Best for English Literature?
All of these schools are public universities, which means that their curricula meet Department for Education standards. That, in turn, signals that all compulsory course elements are the same. Even the price to attend is universal - at least, for domestic students.
What does that leave us, then? We can compare what these schools offer their students: amenities, incentives, electives and extracurriculars. We revere the names: Oxford, Cambridge, and/or our local universities.
We might remark on the number of degree plans or the clever pairing of subjects to build double degrees. And rankings: for student satisfaction, for research output, and for achievement.
Keep in mind that we should take university rankings with a pinch of salt.
To make our point: some university ranking websites tout the University of Durham literature programme as tops in the country. However, Edurank - the source we used to inform this article- places this school at #26.
In the end, we have to conclude that the best university for English is the one that suits your needs, wants and goals the best.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
