Degree Subject

Study English Literature Abroad

English Literature degrees explore literature across periods, genres, and cultures through close reading, critical analysis, and literary theory.Programmes cover canonical works from Chaucer to contemporary literature, alongside literary criticism, cultural theory, and often creative writing.English Literature requires extensive reading and critical thinking, preparing you for careers in publishing, journalism, teaching, media, arts administration, marketing, and any profession requiring excellent communication and analytical skills.

Entry Requirements

A-Levels: AAA-AAB (requirements vary by university)
International Baccalaureate: 35-38 points
English Literature A-level essential or strongly preferred
Strong analytical writing and close reading skills
Minimum IELTS 7.0-7.5 for international students
Passion for reading and literary analysis
Ability to engage critically with complex texts

Required High School Subjects

English Literature A-level (essential)
English Language & Literature acceptable at some universities
Languages beneficial for comparative literature
Any essay-based subjects demonstrating analytical writing

Personal Statement Tips

Your English Literature personal statement should demonstrate genuine passion for literature through extensive reading beyond A-level texts, engagement with different literary periods, genres, and forms (poetry, novels, drama), critical thinking about texts showing awareness of different interpretations, relevant reading of literary criticism or theory, specific literary interests or questions that fascinate you, understanding of how literature relates to historical and cultural contexts, creative writing if relevant to your interests, wider cultural engagement (theatre, poetry readings, literary festivals), understanding of what studying English Literature at university involves, and articulation of why particular authors, periods, or themes interest you. Discuss specific texts and demonstrate analytical engagement not just plot summary or personal reactions.

Admissions Tests

ELAT (English Literature Admissions Test)

Required by University of Oxford for English applicants. Tests close reading and critical analysis of unfamiliar literary passages.

Sections: Comparative analysis of unfamiliar literary texts (poetry and prose)

Interview Preparation

English Literature interviews assess close reading and critical thinking. Be prepared to analyse unfamiliar poems or passages provided in interview, discuss texts you've mentioned in your statement with analytical depth, demonstrate understanding of literary techniques and their effects, show awareness of different critical approaches to texts, discuss broader reading and literary interests, engage with interviewer's questions about interpretation with openness, explain why particular authors or periods interest you, demonstrate close attention to language and form, and show intellectual curiosity and willingness to develop ideas. Oxford interviews particularly focus on unseen text analysis. Bring a text you've enjoyed to discuss if requested.

Top Universities for English Literature

University of Oxford

AAA including English Literature + ELAT + Interview

University of Cambridge

A*AA including English Literature + Interview

Durham University

AAA-AAB including English Literature

Yale University

USA

SAT 1510+

University of St Andrews

AAA-AAB including English Literature

University College London (UCL)

AAA-AAB including English Literature

Career Opportunities

Publishing (Editor, Literary Agent)

Journalist / Writer

Secondary School English Teacher

Copywriter / Content Writer

Marketing and Communications

Arts Administration

Librarian / Archivist

Academic (requires PhD)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is different about studying English Literature at university vs A-level?

University English is significantly more independent, theory-driven, and specialised. Reading volume increases dramatically - expect 1-3 novels per week plus critical reading. You'll engage deeply with literary theory (feminist, postcolonial, psychoanalytic, Marxist criticism) which is minimal at A-level. Seminars expect you to lead discussion and present original interpretations. Essays (typically 2,500-3,000 words) require extensive secondary reading of criticism and more sophisticated argumentation. You'll specialise in particular periods, genres, or approaches rather than broad surveys. Close reading becomes more nuanced, analysing form, language, and intertextuality in detail. Lectures provide overview but learning happens through independent reading and interpretation. Expect to question and challenge critical orthodoxies rather than accept established interpretations.

Do I need English Literature A-level for an English degree?

Yes, English Literature A-level is essential for virtually all English Literature degrees at UK universities. Unlike subjects where A-level isn't required, English degrees build directly on A-level skills - close reading, textual analysis, essay writing, engagement with literary criticism. Universities expect demonstrated ability to analyse literature, construct arguments about texts, and write sophisticated essays. English Language & Literature A-level is sometimes accepted but pure English Literature preferred. Very few universities (some post-1992) might consider exceptional candidates without English Literature A-level if they have very strong essay-based subjects. If passionate about English but didn't take A-level, check specific requirements - most won't accept you without it.

What career prospects do English Literature graduates have?

English graduates develop highly transferable skills - communication, analysis, critical thinking, research - valued across professions. Traditional careers include: publishing (editorial assistant £18,000-£24,000, rising to editor £30,000-£50,000+), journalism (£20,000-£28,000 starting), teaching (secondary English via PGCE, £28,000-£38,000), copywriting and content creation (£22,000-£35,000), marketing and communications (£24,000-£32,000), and academia (PhD then university teaching, highly competitive). Many English graduates enter: law (conversion course), civil service (£28,000-£32,000), PR and advertising, arts administration, librarianship, or media. Employability depends on work experience - internships at publishers, newspapers, or literary organisations essential. English proves intellectual ability and communication skills valued across sectors.

Can I study Creative Writing instead of or alongside English Literature?

Many universities offer Creative Writing as separate degree or joint honours with English Literature. Pure Creative Writing degrees focus on developing your writing through workshops, craft seminars, and reading published writers. English Literature focuses on analysing existing literature. Combined English and Creative Writing degrees offer both. Consider: if you want to become a professional writer, many successful authors studied English Literature (developing critical reading informs writing) or other subjects entirely. Creative Writing MAs after diverse undergraduate degrees are common route to writing careers. Pure Creative Writing degrees are less common and sometimes less academically rigorous. If unsure, English Literature with creative writing modules offers flexibility. Strong writing emerges from reading widely and critically as much as formal creative writing study.

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