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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.
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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
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.
Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
Direct admission
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
Bachelor in de taal- en letterkunde (Leuven) (Engels - Duits, Engels - Grieks, Engels - Hebreeuws, Engels - Italiaans, Engels - Latijn, Engels - Spaans, Frans - Engels, Nederlands - Engels)
Bachelor in de taal- en letterkunde (Kortrijk) (Nederlands - Engels, Taal- en letterkunde + Taalmodule Duits + Taalmodule Engels, Taal- en letterkunde + Taalmodule Engels + Taalmodule Duits, Taal- en letterkunde + Taalmodule Engels + Taalmodule Frans, Taal- en letterkunde + Taalmodule Engels + Taalmodule Spaans)
Applicants holding a BA "Taal- en Letterkunde" (with English as one of the languages studied) awarded by KU Leuven or by another Flemish university are admitted directly to the programmme and are requested to send their application to mailto:[email protected]
After abridged programme
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
After successfully completing the abridged programme: Bachelor in de taal- en letterkunde ( Leuven 56sp. ) the following degrees are accepted:
Bachelor in de taal- en letterkunde (Leuven)
Additional information
Applicants who hold a degree awarded by an English-speaking university from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement. Students who cannot yet provide this proof of English proficiency at the start of the programme can only be admitted conditionally.
Students with a degree obtained at an institution outside the Flemish Community:
Diploma requirements
A detailed survey of previous studies, which shows that the candidate has a substantial academic background in the fields of theoretical linguistics and literature. Previous academic study of both these disciplines is essential. Please note that applicants are required to have completed their BA at the start of the MA in English. Applicants who have not yet completed their BA at the time of application should include a detailed survey of the courses in which they are or will be enrolled in the current year of their BA programme.
Language requirements
Applicants who hold a degree awarded by an English-speaking university from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement.
Students who cannot yet provide this proof of English proficiency at the start of the programme can only be admitted conditionally.
Additional requirements
1) Applicants may be asked to submit certified course descriptions in Afrikaans, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish. Submitting such documents along with the application will speed up the admissions process.
2) A motivation letter
3) A sample of written academic work (e.g. term paper in a relevant subject, BA thesis,...)
01 May 2026
1 Year
Sep
Tuition fees
International
5,613 EUR
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Master of English Linguistics and Literature
KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
# 75QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
5,613 EURTuition Fee/year
01 May, 2026Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
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.
Brochures
Admission Requirements
Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
Direct admission
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
Applicants holding a BA "Taal- en Letterkunde" (with English as one of the languages studied) awarded by KU Leuven or by another Flemish university are admitted directly to the programmme and are requested to send their application to mailto:[email protected]
After abridged programme
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
After successfully completing the abridged programme: Bachelor in de taal- en letterkunde ( Leuven 56sp. ) the following degrees are accepted:
Bachelor in de taal- en letterkunde (Leuven)
Additional information
Applicants who hold a degree awarded by an English-speaking university from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement. Students who cannot yet provide this proof of English proficiency at the start of the programme can only be admitted conditionally.
Students with a degree obtained at an institution outside the Flemish Community:
Diploma requirements
A detailed survey of previous studies, which shows that the candidate has a substantial academic background in the fields of theoretical linguistics and literature. Previous academic study of both these disciplines is essential. Please note that applicants are required to have completed their BA at the start of the MA in English. Applicants who have not yet completed their BA at the time of application should include a detailed survey of the courses in which they are or will be enrolled in the current year of their BA programme.
Language requirements
Applicants who hold a degree awarded by an English-speaking university from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement.
Students who cannot yet provide this proof of English proficiency at the start of the programme can only be admitted conditionally.
Additional requirements
1) Applicants may be asked to submit certified course descriptions in Afrikaans, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish. Submitting such documents along with the application will speed up the admissions process.
2) A motivation letter
3) A sample of written academic work (e.g. term paper in a relevant subject, BA thesis,...)
Tuition fees
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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