English as a field of study examines the English language, literature written in English, and the critical methods used to interpret texts. English degrees typically train students in close reading, literary history, critical theory, prose and poetry analysis, and academic writing. Overall, the goal is to help students think critically and analytically about language, literature, and culture.
Many educational institutions, especially in English-speaking countries, have long-standing departments for the study of English language and literature. The universities below are widely recognized for English studies and appear prominently in current subject rankings, including the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: English Language and Literature. Let’s take a look at the top English schools in the world.
Top English Schools in the World
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford traces its history to teaching that existed in Oxford in some form by 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.
Oxford’s Faculty of English was established in 1894 and is described by the university as the largest English faculty in Britain. Its English Language and Literature course covers writing in English from its Anglo-Saxon origins to the present, while graduate options include MSt, MPhil, and DPhil routes.
The Faculty of English continues to support research across language, literature, and related fields. These strengths help keep the University of Oxford among the world’s leading institutions for English studies.
2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge began in 1209, when scholars from Oxford settled in Cambridge, and its scholars were placed under the protection of King Henry III in 1231. Cambridge remains one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world.
The University of Cambridge’s Faculty of English was founded in 1919. Today, English at Cambridge gives students a broad foundation in literature from the medieval period to the present, with undergraduate study as well as MPhil and Ph.D. pathways.
The Faculty of English combines historical breadth with research in many areas of English literature, language, criticism, and culture. In the 2026 QS subject ranking for English Language and Literature, Cambridge ranks just ahead of Oxford, making it one of the strongest choices globally for English studies.
3. Harvard University
Harvard University was founded in 1636 as the first college in the American colonies. It was named for John Harvard, the school’s first major benefactor, rather than founded by him.
Harvard is widely known for teaching and research across many disciplines, including English language and literature. At the undergraduate level, students can study English as a concentration at Harvard College.
The Department of English’s graduate program leads to the Ph.D. and provides broad training in literary history, critical theory, cultural theory, and related areas. Students in the Ph.D. program may apply for a non-terminal AM degree, but Harvard does not present it as a separate stand-alone English master’s program.
4. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley was founded in 1868 through the merger of the private College of California in Oakland and the state Agricultural, Mining and Mechanical Arts College. The university moved to Berkeley in 1873.
Prospective English majors at this outstanding English school study the history of literature written in English, a range of historical periods and geographical traditions, methods and theories of literary and cultural analysis, and critical writing.
The UC Berkeley English Department offers a broad undergraduate major and a wide-ranging Ph.D. program that engages British and American literature, Anglophone literature, and critical and cultural theory. These programs support the university’s strong reputation in English studies.
5. Yale University
Yale University traces its roots to the 1640s, when colonial clergy began efforts to establish a local college, and it was chartered by the Connecticut legislature in 1701. The school became Yale College in 1718 in honor of Elihu Yale.
Yale’s English Department offers undergraduate study in English and graduate degrees in English, including M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. options. Its undergraduate program develops students’ powers of argument, analysis, research, and writing through the study of English, American, and world literatures in English.
English teaching and research at Yale remain highly regarded globally, supported by a department with strengths across literary history, theory, culture, and creative writing.
6. Stanford University
Stanford University was founded in 1885 by California Senator Leland Stanford and Jane Stanford and welcomed its first students in 1891.
Stanford’s Department of English was one of the university’s founding departments in 1891. Its degree pathways include the undergraduate English program, a coterminal M.A. for eligible Stanford undergraduates, and doctoral study.
The department teaches and researches British, American, and world literary history and is also home to Stanford’s Creative Writing Program. These strengths place Stanford among the leading universities for English studies.
7. Princeton University
Princeton University began as the College of New Jersey, founded in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1746 by the Presbyterian Synod. Its present charter was granted in 1748, and the college moved to Princeton in 1756 after Nassau Hall was completed.
Princeton emphasizes scholarship and service, and that approach is reflected in the Department of English. English majors complete a structured program of departmental courses, a junior seminar, and senior thesis work.
Princeton’s graduate program in English is a five-year program leading to the Ph.D.; students may not enroll for a stand-alone Master of Arts degree. Through its undergraduate and doctoral training, Princeton remains a major institution for English language and literature.
We hope this article on the best English schools in the world was helpful. If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
