English

The MSc in English at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of English language, literature, and cultural studies, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the development, usage, and influence of the English language across different contexts and periods. This programme is designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of English linguistics, literary traditions, and cultural histories through rigorous academic analysis and research. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of texts, from medieval to contemporary literature, and examine the evolving nature of the English language, including phonetics, syntax, semantics, and corpus linguistics. The programme also emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and scholarly writing, preparing graduates for careers in academia, publishing, communications, or related fields. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with leading experts in the field of English studies and participate in seminars, workshops, and projects that enhance their research capabilities. The MSc programme fosters an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging exploration of areas such as digital humanities, language variation and change, and the interface between language and society. With access to extensive resources at UCL’s modern libraries and research centers, students can tailor their studies according to their interests and career ambitions. The programme is suitable for those holding an undergraduate degree in English, linguistics, literature, or a related discipline, and aims to produce well-rounded professionals equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to the understanding and development of the English language and its literature. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for doctoral research, teaching, or specialist roles within literary and linguistic fields.

In the first year of your degree you will take four modules which constitute a foundation for the study of English literature. Students study eight further modules across years two and three (four in each year). Two of those eight are compulsory, the other six modules are chosen from a list covering many periods of English literature and various themes within the discipline.

The first year of the English BA acts as a foundation for the two following years, covering major narrative texts from the Renaissance to the present, an introduction to Old and Middle English, the study of critical method, and the study of intellectual and cultural sources (texts which influence English literature but which are not in themselves necessarily classified as such).

In second and third year you will study compulsory modules on Chaucer and Shakespeare and will choose six further modules from a wide range: from Old Icelandic to The Romantic Period to Literary Representations and the History of Homosexuality, and many more. American literature and literature in English from other countries also feature strongly.

Within these compulsory and optional papers you will work with your tutor and in seminars to focus your reading and essay writing around topics that interest you, within the parameters of your chosen modules. The degree thus combines breadth and depth with individual freedom to explore writers and ideas.

The course is deliberately structured to allow you to take whichever modules you want in whichever combinations you want.

Courses are assessed by a combination of regular tutorial essays and final exams at the end of the second and third years. Towards the end of the third year you will also write a longer research essay about a topic of particular interest.

A levels

Grades

AAA

Subjects

English Literature (or combined Literature and Language) required.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

38

Subjects

A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including English A1 at grade 6, with no score below 5.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing studies for the MSc in English at University College London are designed to provide students with comprehensive information regarding funding options, scholarships, and financial support available throughout the duration of the programme. UCL offers a range of financial aid opportunities to help both domestic and international students manage the costs associated with postgraduate education. Prospective students are advised to explore UCL’s Scholarships and Funding database to identify suitable awards, which include academic excellence scholarships, bursaries, and external funding sources.

Additionally, UCL has partnerships with various organizations and institutions that provide sponsorships and grants specifically targeted at postgraduate students in the humanities and English studies. Applicants are encouraged to consult the UCL Careers Service and the Student Funding Office early in the application process to discover all potential financial resources. The university also provides guidance on graduate loans, including government-funded loans where applicable, as well as private loans from banks and financial institutions.

International students may also consider external funding bodies and government scholarships from their home countries, some of which may be coordinated through UCL’s International Office. It is vital for applicants to carefully review the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts for each funding opportunity. UCL’s financial support services offer personalized advice and assistance in preparing applications for financial aid.

The total cost of attendance includes tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs such as textbooks, materials, and travel. UCL’s campus-based accommodation and support services aim to help students manage their finances effectively. To facilitate financial planning, students are encouraged to create a budget that accounts for all anticipated expenses and explore part-time work options permitted under UK visa regulations for international students.

Overall, UCL aims to ensure that financial considerations do not hinder access to its English programmes and provides extensive resources to assist students in securing necessary funding. Prospective students are advised to check the UCL website regularly for updates on available funding schemes and deadlines, and to contact the university’s financial aid advisors for further guidance.

The University College London offers a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program in English that aims to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and literary understanding. The curriculum is designed to explore a wide range of texts, genres, and historical periods, from medieval literature to contemporary works, providing students with a thorough grounding in the core disciplines of English studies. Students will engage with literary theory, cultural criticism, and linguistic analysis as part of their coursework, preparing them for diverse career paths in academia, publishing, media, education, and more.

The program typically includes modules that cover the history of the English language, literary periods and movements, as well as thematic studies such as gender, race, and identity in literature. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars and workshops that promote active discussion and debate, sharpening their interpretative and communication skills. Practical elements, such as essay writing, close textual analysis, and research projects, are integral to the program, helping students to develop an independent scholarly voice.

University College London provides access to extensive library resources, digital archives, and collaborative research opportunities, enhancing the educational experience. The program also offers opportunities for students to undertake placements, study abroad programs, and participate in cultural events and literary festivals, enriching their academic and personal development.

Graduates from the English program at UCL are well-equipped for a variety of professional roles, including publishing, journalism, arts administration, and teaching. The program’s interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on critical engagement prepare students for lifelong learning and adapting to evolving cultural and professional landscapes. The program is tailored to foster a deep appreciation of English literature and language, combined with practical skills that are highly valued across many sectors.