Top UK Universities For English and Literature - Ranking & League Table

Looking to Study English and Literature in the UK?
top uk university english literature

Here’s our full guide on the top universities for English and Literature in the UK. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognized qualifications for English and Literature.

Table of Contents

UK University League Table For English And Literature (Updated 2021 Rankings)

The University League Table for English and Literature shows some of the top ranking universities to study English and Literature in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, sorted by UK and global ranking as well entry requirements.

UniversityCourse nameFees (Per Annum)DurationSubject RankingUK RankingTEF rating
Durham UniversityEnglish Literature BA £20,5003 Years37Gold
University of KentEnglish Language and Linguistics and Management - BA (Hons)£16,2003 Years2547Gold
Lancaster UniversityEnglish Language and Linguistics BA Hons£18,7003 Years118Gold
University College LondonBA Linguistics£19,9603 Years910Silver
University of WarwickLanguage, Culture & Communication with Intercalated Year (BA)£25,7703 Years / 4 Years with placement1511Silver
University of EssexBA English Language and Linguistics£16,0503 Years3941Gold
Queen Mary, University of LondonLinguistics BA (Hons)£18,0003 Years3535Silver
University of Central LancashireEnglish Language and Linguistics BA (Hons)£12,7003 Years6870Silver
Royal Holloway, University of LondonEnglish BA£18,3003 Years3124Silver
Coventry UniversityEnglish BA (Hons)£13,9003 Years3754Gold
University of ReadingBA English Literature£17,3203 Years6239Silver
University of SunderlandEnglish BA (Hons)£12,0003 Years65108Silver
Keele UniversityEnglish Literature BA (Hons)£14,7503 Years5556Gold

Types of English and Literature Courses

The study of English may refer to a broad category of subjects that includes:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • English Literature of Specific Periods
  • Literary History
  • Shakespearean Literature

Top English and Literature Schools In The UK

Durham University is ranked third in the UK for English and Literature courses. Durham offers six different three-year courses in the field of English and English Literature studies with the option to undertake joint honours in a different subject. Their programme is comprehensive, teaching students the fundamentals of literature and literary criticism while allowing students the flexibility of taking electives. You could read more about Durham’s English programmes on their website or read more about the UCAS application process here.

The University of St Andrews is ranked fourth for their English and Literature programmes. St Andrews is an outstanding choice for English and Literary studies as they offer over a hundred course – aside from English and Literature, their programmes include the study of other languages, comparative literature, film, theology, history, and more. Those who have a keen interest in the study of modern languages and comparative literature will find a course that suits them at St Andrews.

Recommended English and Literature Schools In The UK

The University of Aberdeen offers English degrees with joint studies in some interesting areas such as linguistics, Anglo-Saxon studies, religion, business management, sociology, and international relations. Their four-year Master’s programmes are held at their main campus, King’s College. Aberdeen is known to be UK’s leading centre for the study of literature, creative writing, and linguistics.

Ranking 25th in the country for their English programmes, the University of Kent offers 45 courses in English and English Literature. Kent makes a great choice for those who have a passion for the study of English, languages and culture as the range of their courses are wide, encompassing Asian studies, art history, postcolonial studies, creative writing, drama, linguistics, film, and so on. Their English studies programmes are held at their main campus in Kent, which is only about an hour or two away from London.

How To Apply To Study English And Literature In The UK?

Step 1: Choose A University

The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK which offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Things to consider when applying:

  • Location
  • Employability
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • University Ranking

Step 2: Preparation

Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.

Step 3: Submit UCAS Application

The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.

To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here

More about UCAS

The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your preferred UK universities.

UK English and Literature University Entry Requirements

Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study English and Literature.

English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)

Health checks.

Entrance interviews.

Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university. 

Get Free UK English and Literature Course Application Assistance

If you would like a free consultation on any step of the application process, contact us today or come visit us at our office in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Book an appointment with us now!

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