Top 2
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Postgraduate study in English Literature
The Department of English Literature is one of the UK's leading departments for postgraduate study in English Literature and culture.
At Birmingham, you can research and study a range of literary specialisms - from Old English to Digital Cultures and everything in between.
Our postgraduate programmes have an excellent staff-to-student ratio. You'll receive supportive guidance and tailored supervision so you can pursue your literary interests.
Discover an active postgraduate community where MA and PhD students connect and exchange ideas at conferences, reading groups and events. You can also take part in activity led by our research centres from Reformation and Early Modern Studies to Modernist Cultures.
Why study a postgraduate English Literature degree at Birmingham?
- Top 15
for English in the UK
Complete University Guide 2026
- Top 50
for English Language and Literature
QS World University Rankings 2025
My doctoral supervisors have guided me throughout my research journey [and] also introduced me to networking opportunities. One highlight of my PhD was participating as a Literature specialist on a panel at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. This was alongside several brilliant researchers, including Sir Philip Pullman, author of the fantasy trilogy, His Dark Materials.
Our postgraduate degrees
- English Literature MA
- English Literature PhD/MA by Research (On Campus or by Distance Learning)
- Comparative Literature and Critical Theories MA (Offered by the Department of Modern Languages)
- Digital Media and Creative Industries MA
- Digital Media and Communications MA
- Additional Programmes in Shakespeare
Postgraduate scholarships available
Learn more about our scholarshipsThe College of Arts and Law is offering a range of scholarships for our postgraduate taught and research programmes to ensure that the very best talent is nurtured and supported.
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