English and Literature
Text and works of literature are all around us. From books and plays to magazines and web content, you can learn how to analyse these works by studying English or Literature. Finding meaning within texts is a highly-valued skill required in many job professions.
Our English and Literature courses cover a wide range of areas, such as:
- linguistics
- creative writing
- language and cognition
- English language and its central role in society.
At the University of Stirling, you can study literary works from the medieval period to the present day. You can also learn about linguistics, develop your creative writing skills and delve into the history of the English language.
Stirling English and Literature degrees are highly regarded. We're ranked 1st in Scotland for Literature in English (National Student Survey (2024), and top 20 in the UK for English (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
English and Literature courses
Courses labelled are available for online study only.
| Course | Start date |
|---|---|
| BA (Hons) English Studies | September 2025, January 2026 |
| Course | Start date |
|---|---|
| MLitt Creative Writing | September 2025 |
| MSc English Language and Linguistics | September 2025 |
Scholarships
We offer a variety of scholarship and funding options to help you finance your studies at the University of Stirling.
Undergraduate scholarships
See more undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships
See more postgraduate scholarships
Graduate careers in English and Literature
English and Literature courses at the University of Stirling provide you with a solid grounding for a wide range of positions. Many of our graduates go on to careers in areas such as:
- Teaching
- Publishing
- Marketing, advertising and public relations
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Creative arts
Others have gone into specialist areas like linguistic consultancy and speech therapy.
Former English Studies graduates from the University of Stirling include novelists Iain Banks and Alan Bissett, journalist Grace Dent and Scottish poet laureate Jackie Kay MBE.
English and Literature research
Research in English and Literature at the University of Stirling encompasses creative practice and the study of global literatures, languages and cultures from the medieval period to the present day. The research interests of expert academic staff cut across other disciplines within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and include:
- Scottish Studies
- Gothic Studies
- Postcolonial Studies
- Book History
- Creative Writing
- Language and Linguistics
- Religion and Literature
- Gender and Sexualities
Postgraduate research opportunities
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities offers a diverse range of opportunities for research students interested in pursuing a PhD by research, publication or by practice.
See our English and Literature PhD and MPhil opportunities.