University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The BA in English Language and Literature combines chronological and thematic study of literature with training in critical theory, textual analysis and writing. Core study typically covers Anglo-American literature from the medieval period through to the contemporary era, with options to study world literatures, translation, and language history.

• Foundations and survey courses — introductory modules in literary study and methods that develop close reading, research and academic writing skills.
• Historical coverage — courses in literature before 1700, eighteenth- and nineteenth-century literature, modernism and twentieth-century literatures.
• Theory and criticism — modules in literary theory, critical approaches (such as feminist, postcolonial, race and ethnicity studies), and rhetorical analysis.
• Period and genre seminars — small-group seminars focusing on particular authors, genres (poetry, drama, the novel), or movements.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options — study across related fields such as cultural studies, film, digital humanities, linguistics or creative writing.
• Capstone and independent research — opportunities for an honours essay or independent research project supervised by faculty.
• Practical experience — internships, writing practicum, editorial work with campus publications and study-abroad modules to broaden cultural and linguistic perspectives.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill follows the university's undergraduate application process. Prospective students should present a strong secondary-school academic record with substantial coursework in English or language arts and evidence of analytical writing ability. Successful applicants typically demonstrate engagement with reading and writing through essays, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, or relevant work experience.

International applicants must meet the university's requirements for academic equivalence and English language proficiency (for example, an approved English test or other demonstrated fluency). Advanced credit for AP, IB or other recognised programmes may be accepted according to departmental and university policies. Prospective transfer students should review departmental transfer guidelines and consult advisers about how previous coursework will fit the English major.

Career prospects

Graduates of the English programme pursue a wide range of careers that value critical thinking, communication and research skills. Typical pathways include:

• Teaching and education (often combined with teacher certification or graduate study)
• Publishing, journalism and editorial work
• Communications, marketing and content strategy roles in public and private sectors
• Law, public policy and advocacy, where analytical and writing skills are prized
• Graduate study in English, comparative literature, creative writing, library and information science or related humanities disciplines
• Non-profit, cultural institutions and museum work, including archives and curation

The department supports career development through internships, alumni networks, and partnerships with campus career services to help students translate their degree into employment or further study.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The English department at UNC Chapel Hill is housed within a university with deep research resources and a strong liberal arts tradition. Students benefit from small seminars, research-active faculty with strengths across American, British and global literatures, and access to major campus libraries and special collections for original-source research.

UNC Chapel Hill also offers a range of extracurricular and practical learning opportunities — including student publications, writing centres, internships in the Research Triangle region, and study-abroad programmes — that allow students to develop professional skills alongside their academic studies. The department's emphasis on both historical breadth and interdisciplinary approaches prepares graduates for diverse careers and further academic work.