English Literature

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 28.9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 47.4 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jul 22, 2025
6 place StudyQA ranking:4623 Duration:2 years

Photos of university / #cambridgeuniversity

The University of Cambridge offers an esteemed and comprehensive degree programme in English Literature, designed to explore the rich and diverse tapestry of English literary history, criticism, and theory. This programme provides students with the opportunity to engage deeply with a wide range of texts from the Medieval period to contemporary works, allowing for a thorough understanding of both historical contexts and literary developments. Through a rigorous curriculum, students investigate various genres, movements, and authorial voices, fostering critical analysis and interpretative skills that are essential for a future career in academia, writing, publishing, or related fields. The programme emphasizes close reading, detailed textual analysis, and original research, supported by guidance from world-renowned faculty members who are experts in their respective areas. Students will participate in seminars, tutorials, and workshops designed to develop their analytical and communication skills, enabling them to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. In addition to core modules, there are numerous options for specialization, such as Renaissance literature, Romanticism, Victorian literature, modernism, postcolonial studies, and contemporary texts. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. The programme places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, historical awareness, and innovative interpretation, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for doctoral research, teaching, journalism, or careers in literary institutions. Cambridge’s vibrant intellectual community and access to extensive archives, libraries, and manuscripts significantly enrich students’ learning experience. Graduates of the English Literature programme at Cambridge emerge with a deep appreciation of literary art, advanced research skills, and a broadened cultural perspective, preparing them for a wide array of professional pursuits or further academic study.

The M.Litt. is a research based degree so there are no required teaching elements of the course, however, students must attend a minimum of ten sessions per year selected from the Graduate Research Seminars.

   
One to one supervision

8 hours per year

Seminars & classes

18 hours per year

Feedback

Each M.Litt. student is assigned a supervisor and an advisor. The supervisor will assist in refining the research topic, oversee the general direction of work and give a clear indication of whether it is up to the standard normally expected for the degree sought.

The student has a formal advisory meeting with the supervisor and the advisor once a year. The advisor is also available for less formal consultation from the outset.

Supervisors write termly reports online which can be accessed by the students.

Assessment

Thesis

Submission of a 60,000 word dissertation and an examination, conducted orally or in writing, on the subject of the dissertation.

  • Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
  • Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
  • IELTS (Academic) 7.5
  • TOEFL Internet Score 110
  • £50 application fee
  • First Academic Reference
  • Second Academic Reference
  • Transcript 
  • Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

The University of Cambridge offers a range of financing options for students pursuing their English Literature degree programmes. undergraduate students can apply for various scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid schemes designed to support both domestic and international students. These opportunities aim to alleviate financial burdens and enable students to focus on their studies and academic development. The Cambridge Trust provides numerous scholarships specifically for international students, which are highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and need. Additionally, students may explore government-funded loans and grants available in their home countries, which often complement internal Cambridge funding options. The University also offers the Cambridge Bursary Scheme, targeted at students from low-income backgrounds, providing partial fee reductions and living costs support. For UK students, the UK government’s Student Finance system can cover tuition fees and offer maintenance loans and grants, depending on individual circumstances. Some colleges within the university may have their own scholarship programmes, which are awarded based on various criteria including academic merit and financial need. It is advisable for prospective students to contact their chosen college directly for details on college-specific funding. Furthermore, external funding organizations, charitable trusts, and private foundations also provide scholarships and financial aid opportunities to Cambridge students. The university's financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance to applicants on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines for all available funding options. Overall, Cambridge's comprehensive funding landscape ensures that talented students from diverse backgrounds have access to quality education in English Literature without disproportionate financial hardship. Applicants are encouraged to start their financial planning early and to utilize the university’s online resources and support services to maximize their chances of securing funding.

The Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Cambridge is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to offer students an in-depth understanding of the literary arts from different historical periods, genres, and regions. The course is structured to develop students' analytical, critical, and interpretative skills, enabling them to engage deeply with texts from medieval to contemporary times. Initially, students are introduced to foundational aspects of literary analysis and history, which serve as a base for more specialized study in later years. The program typically spans three years, with options to take a fourth year for an undergraduate thesis or additional specializations depending on the college.

Throughout the course, students explore a wide array of literary forms, including poetry, drama, prose, and nonfiction, often examining how texts reflect, influence, and respond to social, political, and cultural contexts. The curriculum emphasizes close reading, historical understanding, and theoretical approaches, encouraging students to develop original insights into the development of literary traditions and innovations. The academic staff includes eminent scholars and researchers, whose expertise provides students with close mentorship and access to cutting-edge literary scholarship.

In addition to coursework, students may participate in seminars, workshops, and tutorials that facilitate interactive learning and personalized feedback. The program also emphasizes the importance of critical writing, with frequent assignments designed to hone clear and persuasive arguments supported by textual evidence. Cambridge's libraries and resources provide access to a vast collection of manuscripts, first editions, and electronic databases, supporting advanced research and independent study.

Assessment methods include essays, examinations, and presentations, with a focus on fostering both individual critical thinking and collaborative discussion. The program encourages international perspectives and multidisciplinary approaches, often integrating insights from history, philosophy, and cultural studies to enrich understanding of literary texts. Graduates of the course often go on to careers in education, publishing, journalism, arts administration, or further academic study. The vibrant academic environment and the historic city setting of Cambridge offer students a rich cultural experience that complements their scholarly pursuits, making the Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Cambridge an exemplary choice for aspiring literary scholars.

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