Best UK Universities for English Literature

Best UK Universities for English Literature

Choosing where to study English Literature in the UK can be challenging, given the country’s rich array of renowned programs. This guide highlights the top UK universities for undergraduate English Literature degrees, using respected ranking sources – the Guardian University Guide (subject-specific rankings), Times Higher Education (Arts & Humanities world rankings), and QS World University Rankings by Subject – to identify the best institutions. We’ll compare how these universities perform in different rankings and cover essential details like tuition fees, typical entry requirements, and graduate career prospects. The tone is informative yet accessible, aimed at students and parents seeking clarity on what each top English program offers.

Understanding University Rankings for English Literature

When evaluating “the best” English Literature programs, it’s important to understand how different ranking systems work and why they sometimes disagree. The Guardian University Guide focuses on UK undergraduate factors such as student satisfaction, staff-student ratios, teaching quality, and career outcomes. For example, the Guardian’s 2024 league table for English (published in 2023) placed the University of St Andrews first in the UK​, reflecting superb student satisfaction and teaching scores (including a 94% graduate prospect rate within 15 months)​. By contrast, global rankings like Times Higher Education (THE) and QS emphasize academic reputation and research output worldwide. These tend to favour large, research-intensive universities. Oxford and Cambridge, for instance, tie for #1 in the world in the QS 2025 English Language & Literature subject rankings​, while St Andrews (a smaller Scottish university) ranks lower globally (around the 40–50 range) despite topping some UK-focused tables​.

We use all three to ensure we spotlight universities that excel from different perspectives. Below we profile the top English Literature universities in the UK – explaining their rankings, entry requirements, and what makes each program unique.  

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Top UK Universities for English Literature Degrees

University of Oxford

Oxford’s English Language and Literature BA is world-famous, ranked #1 globally (tied with Cambridge) in the QS subject rankings​ and #1 in the UK in the latest Guardian subject league table​. The program covers literature from Old English (think Beowulf) to contemporary works, giving students a broad historical sweep. Oxford’s tutorial system means students receive individualized teaching – weekly one-on-one or small group discussions with experts. This intensive support helps explain Oxford’s outstanding outcomes: 90% of Oxford English graduates are in graduate-level work or study within 15 months of finishing​.

Entry requirements

Oxford typically requires AAA at A-level (including English Literature or combined Language & Literature)​. Candidates also have to sit the ELAT admissions test and, if shortlisted, attend an interview – reflecting how competitive this program is.

Fees

For UK students, tuition is £9,250 per year (the standard undergraduate fee). International fees are higher (around £35,000 per year)​.

Graduate prospects

Oxford’s English graduates enter diverse fields – academia, publishing, media, law, etc. – leveraging skills in analysis and communication. With Oxford’s prestige, it’s no surprise that employers worldwide value its graduates (Oxford is ranked 4th in the world for Arts & Humanities).

University of Cambridge

Cambridge’s English BA (Hons) is another top-tier program with a long heritage of literary scholarship. Globally, Cambridge is tied #1 with Oxford in QS 2025 for English​ and is ranked 3rd in the world for Arts & Humanities by THE (making it the top UK university in that category)​. In the Guardian’s UK rankings, Cambridge’s English course is consistently among the top few (it was 3rd in the 2025 Guide)​. Cambridge’s curriculum is known for its balance of traditional and innovative study: students explore canonical writers (from Shakespeare – a compulsory paper – to Austen and Dickens) but also have opportunities to study diverse literature in English from around the globe, and even to create portfolios (there’s an optional creative writing dissertation). By final year, students can specialize in areas of interest, supported by Cambridge’s expert faculty.

Entry requirements

Cambridge has one of the highest entry standards: typical offers are A*AA at A-level​, including English Literature. Successful applicants often exceed this – about 68% of incoming English students had at least A*AA in their A-levels​.

Fees

£9,250 per year for UK students. Cambridge also charges an additional College fee for overseas students.

Graduate prospects

Cambridge English grads enjoy excellent career outcomes (around 89% are in work/further study within 15 months​). Many go into research, teaching, journalism, arts and culture, or enter competitive fields like law and consulting, aided by Cambridge’s strong reputation. Like Oxford, Cambridge places heavy emphasis on small-group teaching (supervisions), which parents and students often credit for superb skill development in critical thinking and writing.

University of St Andrews

St Andrews, in Scotland, is renowned for its undergraduate focus and quality of teaching. It was ranked 1st in the UK by the Guardian 2024 for English​ (and 2nd in 2025​), reflecting exceptional student satisfaction. Small class sizes and accessible faculty are a hallmark – as evidenced by St Andrews scoring 98.9% for student continuity (few dropouts) and 94% in graduate-level outcomes​. The four-year MA (Hons) English degree at St Andrews allows a bit more breadth in the first two years (students can take modules outside English alongside core literature surveys). Later, it offers deep dives into specialized topics – from medieval literature to modern poetry, as well as interdisciplinary options (e.g. literature and ecology, gender, or world literature). This flexibility is a draw for students who want a broad liberal arts experience.

Entry requirements

St Andrews asks for high grades but slightly different qualifications structure: the standard offer for English is AAA at A-level (with an A in English) or the Scottish equivalent of AAAAB at Higher​. It’s worth noting that St Andrews, like other Scottish universities, considers two sets of grades – “standard” and “minimum/contextual” – with the minimum offer around ABB for eligible students​.

Fees

Scottish students pay no tuition (covered by SAAS), while students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland pay £9,535 per year in 2025​ (slightly above the £9,250 in England). International fees are about £30,000 per year​. Graduate prospects: Despite its small size, St Andrews produces graduates who do very well: many pursue postgraduate research, while others go into publishing, education, or the arts. The university’s global rank is lower (around 45th in the world for Arts & Humanities)​, but its teaching quality gives students a strong platform for career success.

Durham University

Durham’s English Literature BA is highly esteemed, blending a rigorous curriculum with a picturesque collegiate setting. Durham was ranked 4th in the UK by Guardian 2025​ and performs strongly globally too (e.g. 39th in the world for Arts & Humanities, and 29th in the world for English in QS 2024​). The course is structured to build a strong foundation in literary study: first-year students cover drama, poetry, and the novel, and even get an introduction to Old English. In second year, there’s a compulsory Shakespeare module and a paper on literary theory/criticism, ensuring students grasp both the classics and how to analyse literature. By third year, Durham offers a wide range of optional modules (Chaucer, American Literature, Modernism, post-colonial literature, etc.) and a dissertation. Research-led teaching is a point of pride – undergraduates benefit from the department’s research strengths (Durham’s English department is known for its work in medieval and early modern literature, for example).

Entry requirements

Typical offer is A*AA at A-level (including English Literature)​. Durham is academically demanding – this high requirement is on par with Oxbridge. General studies are not accepted; however, Durham may consider an alternative offer with one lower grade if you have a strong EPQ or certain contextual factors.

Fees

£9,250 per year (Home). Durham’s colleges may have small additional fees for accommodation/amenities, but tuition is standard. Graduate prospects: About 87% of Durham English graduates are in work or further study within 15 months​. Many go into education, given Durham’s strong reputation in that field, or into media, publishing, and law. The combination of a historic university environment and modern employability (Durham runs career events specifically for English students) yields well-rounded graduates.

University College London (UCL)

UCL offers a BA in English that stands out for its location and breadth. Situated in the heart of London, UCL gives English students access to world-class libraries (the British Library is minutes away) and cultural institutions. In rankings, UCL excels globally: it’s top 10 in the world for Arts & Humanities (QS 2024)​ and was ranked 6th in the world in THE 2024 (UK’s third behind Oxbridge)​. In the Guardian’s UK ranking, UCL’s student-focused metrics are slightly lower (it was 5th in 2025)​, with an emphasis on research perhaps affecting things like student-staff ratio. Still, UCL’s English department has a strong reputation for scholarship across the entire span of English literature and language. The BA course covers literature from the 8th century to present, and notably includes compulsory study of Old and Middle English in year one (few programs cover Beowulf and Chaucer so early, but UCL believes in grounding students in the language’s evolution). In years 2 and 3, students can choose options including modern literature, English language studies, and interdisciplinary modules, offering flexibility in a large department.

Entry requirements

AAA at A-level including English Literature (or combined Lang/Lit)​ is the standard offer. UCL also welcomes the IB (typically 38 points) or equivalents. They may conduct an informal interview and written exercise for shortlisted candidates (as part of the assessment of writing ability)​.

Fees

£9,250 per year for UK students; international students ~£28,100 per year​.

Graduate prospects

UCL graduates benefit from the university’s London connections – about 80% are in graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months​ (a bit lower than some peers, likely because a number go on to further academic study or take time off). With UCL on their CV, students often find opportunities in publishing houses, cultural institutions (museums, theatres), journalism, or pursue advanced degrees. UCL’s strong global ranking underscores its academic prestige, which can open doors internationally.

King’s College London (KCL)

King’s College London, another London powerhouse, has one of the largest Arts & Humanities faculties in the UK. While KCL’s English BA didn’t top the Guardian ranking (it was 42nd in 2025, due in part to lower student satisfaction scores)​, it is highly regarded worldwide – ranked around 20th in the world for Arts & Humanities and consistently in the global top 25 for English. King’s location plays a huge role in its English program: situated on the Strand, KCL has partnerships with the British Library, Shakespeare’s Globe, and other cultural institutions. Students can literally study Shakespeare a short walk from where his plays were originally performed. The BA curriculum is broad and flexible. In the first year, core modules introduce literary genres and concepts; from the second year, students can pick from topics like medieval romance, 19th-century Gothic, Caribbean literature, and more. There’s also an option to take modules from related departments (for example, Film Studies or Comparative Literature), enabling interdisciplinary exploration.

Entry requirements

KCL typically asks for AAA at A-level (including English Literature)​. They explicitly state General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. IB offers are usually 35–36 points. King’s also has a Contextual Offer scheme (reduced grades, e.g. AAB) for eligible students from under-represented backgrounds.

Fees

£9,250 per year for UK students. (International fees for Arts/Humanities at KCL are around £23–£26k per year.)

Graduate prospects

About 83% of King’s English graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation​. Being in London, many students secure internships and jobs during or soon after their degree in publishing, media, education, and marketing. King’s alumni network in the arts is notable – for instance, novelists and broadcasters have come through KCL’s English program, which can inspire current students. If you’re looking for a balance of academic rigor and cultural immersion in a big city, King’s offers a strong option.

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s MA (Hons) English Literature degree combines the historic charm of one of Europe’s oldest universities with a vibrant literary scene (the city of Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature). Edinburgh often appears slightly lower in UK-only rankings (it was around the mid-30s in the Guardian 2024 table​, partly due to larger class sizes and lower NSS feedback scores). However, it shines globally – 12th in the world for Arts & Humanities – reflecting its research excellence. The undergraduate English program in Scotland is four years, allowing students to study additional subjects in first two years (you might take courses in history, philosophy, or a language alongside English, broadening your education). The English curriculum itself is comprehensive: students cover literary texts from various periods and genres, and there is a strong emphasis on critical theory and contextual study. In fourth year, students at Edinburgh have the opportunity to take specialized seminars and must complete a dissertation. Edinburgh’s faculty are leaders in areas like Scottish literature, the Enlightenment, and contemporary literature, which enriches the modules offered.

Entry requirements

Edinburgh’s standard entry requirement is A*AA at A-level (or AAAA at Scottish Highers by end of S5) including English Literature​. Interestingly, they specify that the English A-level need only be at grade B or above​ (since they mainly care that you took it; most successful candidates will have it at A/A*). The minimum requirement (for contextual offers) is AAB.

Fees

Scottish students have their fees covered by the government. Rest-of-UK students pay £9,250–£9,535 per year (Edinburgh has set £9,250 for 2024 and announced £9,535 for 2025 entry)​. One advantage: in Scotland the extra year doesn’t increase costs for RUK students beyond what a 3-year degree elsewhere would cost – they pay a capped total (roughly equivalent to 3 years of £9k+).

Graduate prospects

Around 83% of Edinburgh English grads are in work or further study within 15 months​. Many pursue careers in the arts, given Edinburgh’s cultural industries (the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Fringe Festival provide unique opportunities), or go onto postgraduate study. The slightly longer degree produces very thorough scholars of literature, which employers appreciate. Edinburgh’s name carries weight internationally as well, helpful if considering work or study abroad later.

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick’s English Literature BA is a respected program that often scores high on teaching and student satisfaction. Warwick was ranked 8th in the UK for English by the Guardian in 2025​ and is known for its modern approach to the humanities. While not as research-famous globally as some (it sits around 61st in the world for Arts & Humanities), Warwick focuses on providing a quality student experience. The English department at Warwick offers a contemporary curriculum – for example, first-year students take a module called “Modes of Reading” which equips them with critical theory tools from the start​, and there’s a core module on “Literature in Theory” in second year. Students still study historical periods (Medieval, Renaissance, 18th Century, etc.), but Warwick interweaves these with discussions of modern literary theory and global perspectives. Options in the final year can include transnational literature, literature and film, and other innovative topics. Warwick also encourages interdisciplinary learning – many English students take optional modules in film, theatre, or foreign languages.

Entry requirements

Warwick’s typical offer is AAA at A-level, or A*AB (with at least an A in English Literature)​. In other words, you may be offered A*AB if one of those A’s is in English. This gives a tiny bit of flexibility if English is your strong suit.

Fees

£9,250 per year for UK students.

Graduate prospects

Warwick reports around 85% of its English graduates in work or further study within 15 months​. The university is very career-minded – even in humanities, Warwick runs skills workshops and has an active alumni network. Graduates often go into education, publishing, advertising/marketing, or further academic research. Some pursue Warwick’s own highly-regarded postgraduate programs (e.g. in English or Creative Writing). Warwick might especially appeal if you are looking for a campus university (it’s located just outside Coventry) with a strong community, and a course that combines literary tradition with cutting-edge analysis.

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester offers a large English Literature program in a dynamic city setting. Manchester is a powerhouse in research and global reputation – ranked 27th in the world for Arts & Humanities (QS 2024)​ – though its English undergrad program has been mid-table in some UK student surveys (32nd in Guardian 2025)​. One reason might be its size: a big cohort can mean larger lectures, but it also means a wide selection of modules and resources. Manchester’s English BA is three years of extensive literary study. First-year lays the groundwork with courses like “Literature and History” and introductions to poetry and drama. In second and third year, Manchester shines in offering variety: you might choose modules on topics such as Gothic literature, postcolonial literature, film and literature, gender/sexuality in literature, or American literature, among many others. There’s also the opportunity to take creative writing or cultural theory modules. The faculty includes notable scholars and writers – Manchester has a strong creative writing tradition (the Manchester Writing School, though mainly postgraduate, influences the literary atmosphere).

Entry requirements

Typical offer is AAA at A-level (with English Literature) for the standard route​. Interestingly, Manchester may give an alternative offer of AAB if you are also taking the EPQ (Extended Project) – in that case they’d ask for A in English, A in one other, B in the third + an A in your EPQ​. This can benefit students who undertake an EPQ related to literature. Manchester also has contextual offer schemes (AAB) for eligible students​.

Fees

£9,250 per year for UK students.

Graduate prospects

About 82% of Manchester’s English grads are in work or further study within 15 months​. The university’s scale and connections help many students land opportunities in media (Manchester has a growing media sector), marketing, education, and the arts. Additionally, some students leverage Manchester’s network to go into library sciences, archiving, or further academic research (the university library’s special collections are a draw for budding academics). If you want a city experience in a culturally rich, literary city (home to famous music and arts scenes), Manchester’s program is a strong contender.

Lancaster University

Lancaster might be a slightly less obvious name on this list, but it has proven itself with stellar rankings in English. It was 7th in the UK for English in Guardian 2025​ and impressively, its English department is ranked 38th in the world in the QS 2024 subject rankings​ – above many larger universities. What makes Lancaster special? It offers a very personalized approach; the English Literature BA cohort is not too large, so students often praise the amount of attention they receive from lecturers. The course covers the range of English literary history, but Lancaster is particularly known for its strength in linguistics and English language studies, which complements the literature side (students can take electives in linguistics or combine the two fields if desired). In the literature curriculum, first-year modules cover foundational narrative, poetry, and drama analysis. Later, Lancaster offers modules such as British Romanticism, Contemporary Literature, Gothic fiction, and even niche options like Literature and Place (leveraging its proximity to the Lake District – home of the Romantic poets). Lancaster also emphasizes practical skills: for instance, students can take a module on the publishing industry or do projects involving archival research.

Entry requirements

Typical offer is AAB at A-level (including English Lit)​. Lancaster’s entry standard is a notch lower than the very top universities, which can make it an attractive choice for strong students who may not have A*AA predictions. Despite the slightly lower grade requirement, Lancaster’s outcomes and student satisfaction in English are excellent.

Fees

£9,250 per year for UK students.

Graduate prospects

Lancaster boasts around 87% of English graduates in work or further study within 15 months​. The program’s supportive environment likely contributes to this success – students build confidence through small seminar discussions and one-on-one supervision of a final-year dissertation. Many Lancaster grads go into teaching, marketing, or media; some pursue creative writing (Lancaster offers postgraduate creative writing programs, so the creative vibe filters down to undergrads too). In summary, Lancaster provides an intimate, high-quality English Lit education — one strong in both academic and practical aspects — as evidenced by its leap in various rankings.

Comparison of Top English Literature Programmes

The table below summarizes key data for each of these top universities, including their ranking positions in different systems, typical entry requirements, tuition fees, and graduate prospects:

Sources: Guardian University Guide (2024 & 2025)​; Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 (Arts & Humanities)​; QS World University Rankings by Subject (English)​; University websites for entry requirements and fees​; National Graduate Outcomes data (via Guardian) for employment rates​.

Notes: “RUK” denotes rest-of-UK (England, Wales, NI) fees at Scottish universities – Scottish domiciled students have tuition covered by the government. THE and QS world ranks refer to performance in arts and humanities or specifically English Literature, as available. Grad prospects refer to the percentage of graduates employed or in further study roughly 15 months after graduation (from latest surveys)​.

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