Dartmouth University

What you'll study

The programme combines close textual analysis with historical and theoretical approaches to literature in English. Core study areas include British and American literature, medieval and early modern texts, nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction and poetry, contemporary and postcolonial writing, and comparative and global literatures. Students engage with literary theory, critical methods and rhetoric, and have opportunities to pursue creative writing, digital humanities, book history and textual scholarship.

Teaching is delivered through small seminars, workshops and lectures, emphasising discussion, interpretation and sustained writing. Students typically complete advanced seminars and an independent senior project or thesis under faculty supervision. Electives allow you to tailor the degree toward areas such as drama, film and media studies, translation, or interdisciplinary topics that connect literature with history, philosophy, gender and cultural studies.

Typical modules and topics

• Introduction to Literary Analysis and Close Reading
• Shakespeare and Early Modern Literature
• Romantic and Victorian Literature
• Modernism and Twentieth-Century Fiction
• Contemporary and Postcolonial Literatures
• Literary Theory and Critical Practice
• Creative Writing: Poetry and Prose Workshops
• Digital Humanities and Textual Editing
• Senior Thesis or Capstone Research Project

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a strong secondary-school academic record with evidence of proficiency in English and humanities subjects. Admissions typically consider the quality of written work, personal statements, and academic references. For international applicants, recognised qualifications equivalent to the host country’s secondary-school diploma are required, together with proficiency in English demonstrated by accepted language tests or other evidence.

Successful candidates usually demonstrate analytical reading skills, clear written expression and a sustained interest in literature, writing or related disciplines. Admissions procedures may also consider extracurricular engagement in publishing, theatre, debate or literary societies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in English Language and Literature develop strong skills in critical thinking, close reading, research and advanced written communication, which are valued across many sectors. Typical career paths include publishing and editorial work, journalism, communications, public relations, and marketing. Many alumni pursue careers in education, library and information services, the arts and cultural organisations, or enter law, policy and public service.

Graduates also frequently continue to postgraduate study in fields such as literature, creative writing, comparative literature, cultural studies, education, publishing studies or law. The degree provides a flexible foundation for careers that require persuasive writing, analysis and the ability to interpret complex material.

Why study at Dartmouth University

Dartmouth University offers a small-college teaching environment within a broad liberal-arts curriculum, with an emphasis on undergraduate mentorship and close faculty-student interaction. Students benefit from seminar-based teaching, opportunities for one-to-one supervision on independent projects, and robust support for writing and research. The institution’s library collections, special collections and cultural resources provide strong support for archival and textual research.

Beyond the classroom, students can access extracurricular opportunities such as student-run literary magazines, theatre and performance groups, internships with regional cultural organisations, and interdisciplinary collaborations across departments. The programme’s combination of rigorous critical training and practical writing experience prepares graduates for both professional roles and advanced study.