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Top 10 Best Universities to Study Literature in Europe in 2025

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Top 10 Best Universities to Study Literature in Europe in 2025

Author: Justyna Cyrankiewicz — Last update: 25 April 2025

If you’re drawn to stories, ideas, and the written word - and you’re dreaming of studying in a place steeped in cultural richness and literary history -Europe might be calling your name.

Whether you imagine yourself sipping coffee in a Viennese café with your reading list or debating postcolonial theory in London, studying literature in Europe means engaging with centuries of storytelling across multiple languages, cultures, and philosophies. 

Add to that a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you’ve got a region that’s both academically rigorous (in the good way!) and deeply inspiring.

Study Literature: Find Bachelors & Masters

🏆 Top universities to study literature in Europe:

Many European universities offer English-taught degrees at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. 

These rankings are based on a blend of factors: academic reputation, research output, faculty expertise, employability, student satisfaction, and more (as compiled by THE).

Ranking in Europe Institution City Country
1
University of Cambridge Cambridge United Kingdom
2
University of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom
3
University College London London United Kingdom
4
University of Edinburgh Edinburgh United Kingdom
5
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich  Munich Germany
6 Humboldt University of Berlin Berlin Germany
7 KU Leuven Leuven  Belgium
8 Leiden University Leiden Netherlands
9 PSL University Paris France
10
University of Vienna Vienna Austria

Each of these institutions brings something different to the table - whether it’s centuries of tradition, groundbreaking literary theory, or cross-cultural approaches to storytelling. Pick what feels the most aligned with your interests and ideas for your future path! 

🏆 Which country in Europe is the best for literature studies?

There’s no single “best” country as it really depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re focused on English literature, the UK and Ireland are natural frontrunners. For Spanish literature, look toward Spain. But language isn’t everything. Some countries offer lower tuition fees (or none at all!), better living costs, or more progressive takes on literature and culture.

  • UK & Ireland: Deep literary traditions, strong academic reputations - but high tuition fees and living costs.

  • Germany & Austria: Excellent education, low or no tuition even for non-EU students.

  • Central & Eastern Europe: More affordable overall, with growing international literature programmes.

  • Netherlands & Scandinavia: Innovative curricula and English-taught options in cosmopolitan cities.

⭐ Highly-ranked literature programmes:

Bachelors:

  • American Bachelor in English Language and Literature - University of New York in Prague 

  • English and American Studies - University of Szeged

  • English Writing, Literature and Publishing - American University of Rome

Masters:

  • Literature, Culture and Thought - University of Cambridge

  • Historical, Literaty and Cultural Studies (research) - Radboud University

  • Linguistics and Literary Studies - Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

  • English and American Literature - University of Kent

  • English Language and Literature - Linnaeus University

  • Linguistics and Literary Studies - University of Antwerp

  • Literature with a Specialization in Spanish-language Literature - Stockholm University

🏛️ Literature vs linguistics:

Many degrees combine the two, but they’re not the same.

  • Literature is about texts, stories, and ideas. You’ll dive into novels, plays, and poetry, explore literary movements and analyse how stories shape (and are shaped by) culture and power.

  • Linguistics focuses on language itself: its structure, evolution, and use. It’s more analytical, sometimes scientific, and explores how language works across different contexts.

If you’re unsure, look for joint degrees or programmes that allow flexibility across both fields.

✔️ How to choose the best university for you:

Here are a few questions to help you narrow it down:

  1. What are you most passionate about? Are you into medieval literature, contemporary theory, or world literature?
  2. What are the admission requirements and how much will it cost? Think beyond tuition and consider rent, food, and travel.
  3. Which language do you want to study in? English is widely available, but some programmes offer bilingual or native-language options.
  4. Where do you want to live? Big city buzz or quiet town charm?
  5. What kind of academic culture suits you? Traditional and research-heavy? Or more interdisciplinary and flexible?
  6. What are your career goals? Some universities are stronger in research, others in practical applications like publishing or education.

📝 Study.eu tips:

Reach out to alumni or current students (respectfully!) to get a feel for the student experience. A quick LinkedIn message or Substack comment can go a long way in helping you understand what studying there really feels like.

Look beyond the brochure by exploring faculty interests and published research. If a university has lecturers working on topics you love (like eco-criticism, postcolonial poetry, or medieval mysticism), chances are you’ll feel more inspired and supported in your studies.

Check the city’s cultural scene, not just the university. Literature doesn’t live in a vacuum. Is there a strong theatre community? Independent bookstores? Literary festivals? These things will shape your experience just as much as your classes.

🏛️ What will I study? Modules & topics:

Literature degrees vary widely, but here’s a flavour of the kinds of modules you might encounter:

  • Modern Literary Theory - From structuralism to postmodernism, you’ll explore how texts are interpreted through different lenses.

  • World Literature in Translation - Engage with non-Western texts and discover how global perspectives reshape literary understanding.

  • Gender and Narrative - Investigate how gender roles and identity shape storytelling across time.

  • Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama - Delve deep into the classics that continue to shape Western literature.

  • Creative Writing - Some programmes include hands-on writing workshops for poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.

Always check the programme curriculum on the university website to see if the course structure aligns with your interests.

Study in Europe: Find Bachelors & Masters in Literature

💸 Tuition fees for literature degrees:

Tuition fees vary widely depending on your nationality and the country:

  • Germany, Austria, and some Nordic countries: Often tuition-free, even for non-EU students.

  • UK & Ireland: Can range from €10,000 to €20,000 per year for international students.

  • Central & Eastern Europe: Programmes may cost as little as €2,000 to €5,000 per year.

Scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers are widely available so start early to research options. Don’t forget to factor in rent, transport, food, books, and visa costs when budgeting.

📝 Application tips & requirements:

Most applications include:

  • A CV

  • Academic transcripts or past grade reports

  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or prior education in English)

  • Motivation letter or statement of purpose

  • One or two letters of reference

Interviews and entrance exams are rare, but elite universities like Cambridge may include them. As always, admission requirements can vary quite a bit, so it’s important to check the specific application process for each university you’re considering.

And don’t forget to make your motivation letter personal. Why literature? Why this university? What do you hope to explore, contribute, and create? Mention any projects you’ve undertaken, whether independently or through volunteering, as these are usually a big plus!

📈 Careers for literature graduates:

Contrary to popular belief, a literature degree doesn’t limit you, it opens doors in many directions. You’ll graduate with skills in critical thinking, communication, research, and storytelling—all of which are in high demand.

Potential career paths:

  • Publishing & Editing
  • Journalism & Media
  • Creative Writing & Screenwriting
  • Education & Academia
  • Cultural Institutions & Libraries
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Translation & Linguistic Services
  • Non-profit & Advocacy Work

Many literature grads also go on to postgraduate study or pivot into law, business, or tech fields that value analytical minds and strong communicators.

If your curriculum allows for it, try to gain some hands-on experience while you’re still at university. This could be through low-paid gigs, volunteering, or even personal passion projects. University is a great place to experiment as you’re surrounded by peers, mentors, and resources. If you’re working on your own projects, don’t be shy about sharing them with your professors. They might offer feedback or even connect you with someone who can help you grow. In any arts-related field, a strong, well-developed portfolio is a huge advantage when you step into the job market.

🎀 Wrapping up:

Studying literature in Europe means placing yourself in the middle of centuries of conversation. Between writers, thinkers, cultures, and languages. It’s reading Virginia Woolf in a quiet Edinburgh library, attending a poetry reading in Berlin, or swapping ideas with classmates from five different countries after a seminar.

You’ll be surrounded by history, but also invited to shape what comes next. The books you study and the ones you write become part of that ongoing story.

 

Want to learn more?
Study Literature: Find Bachelors & Masters

274 Literature Programmes in Europe
Justyna Cyrankiewicz
Author: Justyna Cyrankiewicz

Justyna knows first-hand what it means to study creative subjects in another country. After finishing her Certificate as a graphic designer, she went on to study Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management at Jagiellonian University (Poland) and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Affiliate Management from the UCL School of Management (United Kingdom). After graduation, she spent three years working as a teacher for Design Thinking, creative research methods, design processes, and UX. She successfully continues to work in the field of her studies.

Featured universities:
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom
54 study programmes
University of Helsinki
University of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland
69 study programmes
University of Szeged
University of Szeged
Szeged, Hungary
51 study programmes
SRH University
SRH University
Berlin, Germany
62 study programmes

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