Studying Literature in the United Kingdom will give you an opportunity to discover a vast expanse of genres and time periods right up to newly published literature. Additionally, you will develop key skills which are relevant to a wide variety of different professions. Studying literature in the United Kingdom will teach how to research and review a text, incorporating debate, analysis and reporting. You can also pursue a career in fields such as publishing, journalism and broadcasting.

The United Kingdom offers both postgraduate and undergraduate courses in literature. However, you must have the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria of the school that you are applying to. Therefore, you need to stay updated with the school’s criteria and know the academic requirements that are needed for studying literature in the United Kingdom.

In this piece, I will walk you through the process and academic requirements that are needed for studying literature in the United Kingdom.

Requirements for Studying Literature in the United Kingdom

  1. A-level Certificate

    An A-level certificate is one of the qualifications that can be used to apply for a bachelor’s degree in literature in the UK. However, you must have good grades in your A-level examinations. Therefore, you are required to have grades such as A and B in subjects such as Mathematics, Literature, and English Language.

  2. Secondary School Certificate

    You need to show evidence of completing your secondary school education. Additionally, you should have a minimum of 60% in your higher secondary certificate.

  3. International Baccalaureate Diploma

    This requirement is specifically for international students. Generally, the minimum points required is 32-34 points.

  4. English Language Requirements

    You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. You can use English tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 with no sub-band lower than 6.0. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 93. However, the test and test score can vary depending on your country and the university you are applying to.

  5. Have Reference Letters

    You must submit at least two reference letters during your application. This reference letter should be from a teacher or an employer. Therefore, reference letters from friends or family will be rejected.

  6. Personal Statement

    Some schools in the UK may require you to write a personal statement. This is an essay that explains why you want to study literature in the UK and your career plans. Additionally, you should check the school’s website to know the amount of words that you need to write in your statement.

Requirements to Obtain a Masters in Literature in the United Kingdom

  1. Have a Bachelor’s Degree

    You must have an undergraduate degree in literature or a related field. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 60% or a GPA of 3.0 to apply for a master’s degree in literature in the United Kingdom.

  2. English Language Entry Requirement

    You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.0 with no sub-band lower than 6.5.

  3. GMAT Score

    This is not a compulsory requirement for most schools in the UK. However, this can give you a higher advantage over other applicants. Therefore, you can have a GMAT score of 650 or above.

  4. Submit your Literary Portfolio

    You can submit a portfolio of your literary works, if you have any while making your applications. This can include two or three samples of your writing or anything that displays your knowledge in literature. This may not be a compulsory requirement for all schools. However, it can give you a higher advantage during your applications.

  5. Letters of Recommendation

    You must submit at least three recommendation letters during your application. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected. You should have two academic recommendation letters and 1 professional recommendation letter.

  6. Write a Statement of Purpose

    You need to submit a statement of purpose stating the reasons for applying to a master’s in literature in the UK. Additionally, you need to write your plans as well as your career goals in literature. Usually, this is a 500-word statement. However, you need to verify from the university’s website to find out the required number of words that are expected.

  7. Resume/CV

    You need to submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae showcasing your work experience and educational qualifications.

How to Apply

You can apply to the undergraduate courses through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service(UCAS). Additionally, you should visit the university’s website and apply through the application portal if you are applying for a postgraduate degree.

Duration

The duration for studying literature in the United Kingdom can vary based on the program of your choice and the University. The Undergraduate program offering a bachelor’s degree lasts for a minimum of 3-4 years of full-time study. However, a postgraduate program that will offer a master’s degree lasts for one year.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for studying literature in the United Kingdom varies based on each University and the program. The average tuition fee for the bachelor’s program is £15,000 -£23,000 annually. Additionally, the average tuition fee for a master’s program is £13,000-£25,000. However, international students will be required to pay higher than this for both programs.

Universities in the United Kingdom to study Literature

  1. University of Oxford, Oxford
  2. University of Cambridge, Cambridge
  3. University College London, London
  4. University of Manchester, Manchester
  5. University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
  6. King’s College London, London
  7. University of Birmingham, Birmingham
  8. University of Leeds, Leeds
  9. University of Glasgow, Glasgow
  10. University of Bristol, Bristol
  11. University of Warwick, Coventry
  12. University of Sheffield, Sheffield
  13. University of Nottingham, Nottingham
  14. Durham University, Durham
  15. University of Exeter, Exeter
  16. Imperial College London, London
  17. Lancaster University, Lancaster
  18. University of Sussex, Brighton
  19. University of Southampton, Southampton
  20. London School of Economics and Political Science, London
  21. University of London, London
  22. University of Liverpool, Liverpool
  23. University of York, York
  24. Queen Mary University of London, London
  25. Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne
  26. University of St Andrews, St Andrews
  27. Cardiff University, Cardiff
  28. University of Leicester, Leicester
  29. University of Reading, Reading
  30. Loughborough University, Loughborough
  31. University of Kent, Canterbury
  32. University of East Anglia, Norwich
  33. Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham
  34. Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast
  35. University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
  36. University of Surrey, Guildford
  37. University of Wales, Cardiff
  38. Birkbeck, University of London, London
  39. Keele University, Keele
  40. Goldsmiths, University of London, London

In Conclusion, studying literature in the United Kingdom demands effective screening procedures for most universities. Therefore, you must make your plans ahead and prepare every necessary document that is required. Additionally, you must confirm via the school’s website before applying. You can reach out to us for further questions and assistance.

Good luck!

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