Postgraduate study

Choose from a range of taught and research-led programmes, from one-year masters degrees to PhDs.

What's it like to study here?

As the oldest department of English Literature in the UK and part of one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, we are the ideal place for postgraduate study.

Our interdisciplinary environment brings together specialists in all periods and genres of literature with experts in theatre and creative writing. Working with colleagues across the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) and the wider University, we support research that crosses boundaries between both disciplines and languages.

Based in the heart of the first UNESCO World City of Literature, you’ll be immersed in a world of learning with lots of opportunities to engage with our postgraduate community beyond your own studies. 

Get involved in a range of events and activities, from talks by visiting speakers and work-in-progress seminars, to reading groups, conferences, workshops, performances, online journals and forums, many of which are student-led. Highlights include our annual networking event for the publishing industry, the publication of our Creative Writing students' work in From Arthur's Seat, and your chance to participate in judging the prestigious James Tait Black Prizes.

Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our expert staff. Between LLC, the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development, we offer a range of programmes and resources designed to help you develop your postgraduate skills. Additionally, you'll have access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.

Two women reading amongst a pile of books
June Laurenson (l) and Vivek Santayana (r), two of our Student Readers for the 2019 James Tait Black Prizes, Britain’s only major literary awards judged by scholars and students. Image © Neil Hanna.

Taught masters (MSc) programmes

A taught masters (MSc) programme is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your existing skills, develop new ones, and sharpen your focus on the aspects of your subject that interest you most. Usually completed over one year (if studying full-time), these programmes typically comprise a combination of core and optional courses taught by specialists in the field, training in research methods, coursework, and an independent dissertation.

We offer MSc programmes in: 

  • Literature and Modernity: 1900 to the Present
  • Literature and Society: Enlightenment, Romantic and Victorian
  • Creative Writing
  • Comparative Literature 

Applications to study in September 2025 are now open.


Masters by Research (MScR) programmes

Ideal if you have a clear idea of the independent research you wish to undertake, a Masters (MSc) by Research programme is usually completed over one year (if studying full-time). You'll attend taught classes and complete coursework, receiving training in research methods, and write a 15-000 word dissertation under expert supervision. We offer a range of specialisms within English and Scottish Literature.

Applications to study in September 2025 are now open.


PhD (doctoral) programmes

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in literature and related fields. 

Over the course of your PhD, you’ll be expected to complete an original body of work under the expert guidance of your supervisors leading to a dissertation of between 70,000 and 100,000 words (for a research-based project) or of an equivalent scale for work in creative writing.

Full-time, three years (all students) ꟾ part-time, six years (eligibility criteria apply)

Applications to study in September 2025 are now open.


QS World Rankings by Subject 2025

Graphic of a person with a phone and the words #3 in the UK World Top 15

The University of Edinburgh is ranked 3rd in the UK for:

  • English Language and Literature
  • Arts & Humanities

Globally, we’re in the World Top 10: English Language and Literature (7) and Arts & Humanities (10).

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings are based on research citations and the results of major global surveys of employers and academics.

They are International Ranking Expert Group (IREG) approved.

Not sure which programme is right for you?

We're happy to help you decide between taught and research-led programmes.

Email us about postgraduate study in English Literature 

Are you currently studying with us?

There’s lots more information for taught and postgraduate research students on our LLC Student Information Hub. You will need your student log in to access the site.

Take me to the LLC Student Hub

Where to next?

Postgraduate study in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

Funding for postgraduate study in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

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