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 2024 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.

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

The University of St Andrews is ranked third for their English and Literature programmes. St Andrews comes highly recommended and is an outstanding choice for English and Literary studies as they offer over a hundred courses 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.

Durham University is ranked fourth 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.

Recommended English and Literature Schools In The UK

For a more affordable option, 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.

And lastly, 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.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Entry requirements for English and Literature degrees in the UK may vary between universities, but they generally require A-levels or equivalent qualifications. These typically include subjects like English Literature, English Language, or related humanities subjects. Some universities may also consider International Baccalaureate (IB) scores or other equivalent qualifications. It’s essential to check the specific entry requirements for the universities you are interested in.

Yes, international students are usually required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The specific score requirements may vary between universities, but a common benchmark is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with no individual band score lower than 6.0. Be sure to check the language requirements of the particular university you plan to apply to.

Graduates with English and Literature degrees in the UK can pursue a variety of career paths. These degrees develop strong communication, critical thinking, and research skills, making graduates attractive to employers in fields such as publishing, journalism, education, marketing, public relations, and more. Some graduates also go on to pursue postgraduate studies or research careers in academia. The career opportunities can vary, but these degrees provide a solid foundation for a wide range of professions.

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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