The Master of English Linguistics and Literature will expand your knowledge of the English language, its structure and history, its literature and its cultural embedding. Research-based teaching will allow you to benefit from the expertise of KU Leuven’s internationally renowned scholars in English linguistics and literature. 

You will be encouraged to develop your communication and research skills through seminars and your personal master’s thesis. The optional component of the programme allows you to additionally study linguistics and literature from a broader European perspective.

About the programme:

In the Master of English Linguistics and Literature you explore the English language in its full richness and complexity, studying its linguistics and literature, and deepening your understanding of its history and of the cultural diversity of the English-speaking world. Through the optional component of the programme you can additionally study linguistics and literature from a broader European perspective. You will develop a sound theoretical and methodological background while researching linguistic and literary topics leading to a master’s thesis.

The programme emphasizes the academic study of English in all its aspects, including the theoretical and historical study of the English language and literature. The curriculum combines theoretical courses with seminars and is designed to develop your methodological, critical-theoretical, and heuristic skills, as well as your communicative ability, as you benefit from the research and expertise of the English scholars at the Faculty of Arts.

Internationally-oriented programme:

You will study along with students from very diverse backgrounds, in a vibrant town, home to a top-ranking university, in the heart of Europe.

Master's thesis:

Throughout the degree, you are expected to work towards a master thesis where you have the opportunity to write an extensive and original study using the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout the courses.

Student profile:

• You have excellent command of English and you already have a strong background in linguistics, and literary criticism.

• You have acquired basic methodological and heuristic skills, including familiarity with IT research tools.

• You have already demonstrated your ability to communicate research findings in clear and accurate language, for instance in written assignments or an undergraduate paper.

• You are interested in the cultural debate regarding English and want to take part in it.

Tuition fees:

It is worth noting that our tuition fees are cheaper than in many other European countries thanks to the generous financing of the higher education system by our government. Although all of our programmes are very affordable compared to equivalent universities around the world, the fees for any individual student are contingent upon their choice of academic programme and the nationality of the student. Check out our tuition fees for your particular programme. 

Scholarships:

Our aim is to offer affordable tuition fees for all students, which means we only have a limited number of scholarships available for students from particular backgrounds or studying in particular fields.

Career perspectives:

Graduates are perfectly equipped for research at a higher level (PhD programmes, research projects, etc.). They can work as language professionals, with deep insight into how language (and English in particular) works and functions within its cultural context. They have also rich communication skills. Those skills can be used in a broad range of professional contexts where the ability to process, summarise, and present complex information is essential.