Top 10 Best Universities to Study Literature in Europe in 2025
by Tima Miroshnichenko
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.
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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 ).
| 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!
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.
Bachelors:
American Bachelor in English Language and Literature - University of New York in Prague
English Writing, Literature and Publishing - American University of Rome
Masters:
Historical, Literaty and Cultural Studies (research) - Radboud University
Linguistics and Literary Studies - Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Literature with a Specialization in Spanish-language Literature - Stockholm University
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.
Here are a few questions to help you narrow it down:
Reach out to alumni or current students (respectfully!) to get a feel for the student experience. A quick LinkedIn message or 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.
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.
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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.
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!
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:
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.
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?
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