English Language and Literature, Master Programme

Application process

The application process consists of two steps.

1. First you need to apply to the programme online at www.universityadmissions.se - Deadline 15 January 2024.

2. Secondly, you need to submit a letter of intent - Deadline 1 February 2024.

Letter of intent
Please write a letter of intent that on one A4 page describes your interest in the programme.

The letter will be evaluated in terms of:

• Your previous and intended engagement with the field you are interested in
• Your proficiency in expressing yourself in English

Submit your letter on your pages on www.universityadmissions.se

- I did my BA in English and gender studies at Linnaeus University and really enjoyed the experience. Although I tended to be more interested in linguistics during my BA studies, I also enjoyed literature. When I decided to continue my studies and apply to a master’s programme, the combination of language and literature courses offered by Linnaeus University caught my interest.  Also, as I had studied here previously, I knew that the staff at the English department were engaged, helpful and knowledgeable, so it made sense to continue my studies here at Linnaeus University.

Esme is happy with her choice of programme and appreciates the study environment at Linnaeus University.

- Linnaeus University has a great environment, both the actual campus site and the surrounding area. I have found all staff to be both helpful and friendly and it’s easy to make new friends here. The first semester of the MELL program is common for all students, which means that we study both English linguistics and literature. In the second semester, there is a choice of theme courses to choose between and it’s possible to specialise in either linguistics, literature or a combination of both. Obviously, there is a lot of reading and the pace of the first semester is high, but all the material and subjects we’ve covered have been very stimulating.

She says that the combination of linguistics and literature allows for many interesting applications of knowledge. The students come from different backgrounds and that contributes to interesting discussions.

- I find it highly exciting to be able to use my knowledge and interest in linguistics within areas of literary analysis and study. Students on the MELL programme can also apply to do the third semester of the programme abroad. This is something that I hope to do. The students on the programme come from a range of academic backgrounds and from different countries, which provides for many interesting discussions, both in the classroom and socially.

If you are interested in linguistics, this programme will be suitable for you.

- I think anyone with an interest in linguistics or literature would find this programme both exciting and challenging. The teachers on the MELL programme are all highly knowledgeable within their fields and engage with the students. What is more, we are given the opportunity to take part in research projects and are also encouraged to attend conferences.

- I generally do well in close-knit environments and as Linnaeus University is one of few Swedish universities that can offer a campus lifestyle, choosing Linnaeus University was a no-brainer for me.

Arya appreciates that the teachers are engaged in their students’ work and that there’s a good study environment on campus, but he also says that the programme can be challenging at times.

- I immensely enjoy the relationship that tutors have with their students here at Linnaeus University – friendly, polite, and caring. It further motivates me to see that everyone involved in our programme loves what they do. I would argue that our most valuable asset is the sense of community built around MELL. Teachers and students have endless passion for their research interests and that makes us all put our hearts and souls into everything we’re tasked with. Because of the unique nature of our programme, it can become hard to keep up with the study requirements, but it is a challenge I love overcoming.

Arya likes living on campus and meeting other students with different backgrounds.

- Aesthetically, Växjö is one of the nicest cities I’ve ever visited. It’s quite green in the summer and can get really white in the winter. There are activities for people of all interests, but having the opportunity to mingle with international students is what makes student life at Linnaeus University unique.

After graduation, Arya would like to work with something where he can be creative.

- I’m still exploring my options, but I will most likely end up working in a creative field. I aspire to be a visual storyteller and I feel that MELL has already brought me closer to this goal.

“I completed my bachelor's degree at Linnaeus University and I liked both the organisation and the structure of the programme, and Växjö as a city. It was a no-brainer for me to choose Linnaeus University again when I decided to continue my studies at master's level. It feels like the programme is tailor-made around my interests in both English literature and linguistics. During the first semester, you take courses one after the other as usual, but this changes in the second semester”, Amanda explains.

“During the second semester, you study two elective 15-credit courses in parallel, at half-pace, throughout the semester. It's a structure that I personally prefer because you have much more time to delve into the subject in a different way”, Amanda continues.

Subjects in which you can specialise and studies abroad

The programme gives students the opportunity to shape their studies according to their own interests. Either by specialising and delving deeper into certain subjects or by acquiring a broader knowledge.

“You can choose either to specialise and delve deeper into specific subjects or to acquire a broader knowledge as we get to choose thematic courses in literature and linguistics for both the second and third semesters. Students are also offered the opportunity to study abroad and this was important to me when I applied to the programme”, says Amanda.

Amanda is pleased with her choice of programme, but she admits that studying at master’s level has been a challenge”.

“It has been challenging to get used to the master’s level. Once you get used to it, it's all about finding a study structure that works. The first semester can feel more intense and time-consuming, while the subsequent semesters allow a bit more time for each course. I can really recommend this programme as it's very flexible and aims to tailor your studies to your interests and future goals! Additionally, the lecturers are very knowledgeable in the subjects they teach and their enthusiasm is infectious”, Amanda continues.

Student life in Växjö

On campus in Växjö, there are student apartments, a gym, student pubs, a library, and grocery stores right around the corner.

“Student life at Linnaeus University is very rich! Campus life has a lot to offer both in the form of social clubs and organisations, as well as many events that are fun to take part in. Växjö is a lovely city that offers everything from entertainment, fitness, good food, beautiful nature, and a lot of culture, Amanda concludes"

What are the entry requirements?

You are welcome to apply with a BA, 90 credits in English Linguistics or English Literature, or some other relevant field within language or literature to fulfil the degree requirements. However, since the English language requirements for the English language and literature programme is English 7, you need to provide an additional proof of English proficiency.

If you are not sure if you fulfil the entry requirements for the programme you can contact our admission department: admission@lnu.se

Do I need to have my certificate or diploma translated into English?

You must always submit your certificate or diploma in the official language of the country where you studied. If this language is not Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, English, French or German, you must also provide an official translation of the certificate or diploma. This translation should be in Swedish or English. 

University application & admission in Sweden

Can I just send in a certificate or letter from my university certifying my English proficiency?

The English language requirements for the English language and literature programme is English 7, you need to provide an additional proof of English proficiency.

English 7 is a higher level that you therefore need to prove in order to be fully qualified for the programme. You can find more information on how to document your eligibility on the application portal: https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Do I need to pay application and tuition fees?

Students with citizenship in countries not within the EU/EEA, or Switzerland, are required to pay application and tuition fees for university studies in Sweden. Some tuition scholarships are available for students who wish to study in Sweden. Please note that all students who are required to pay an application fee must pay that fee, even if they've applied for a scholarships.

Is it possible to not enroll in the programme, but instead study some of the elective courses as separate courses?

Yes it is. If you choose to apply for the program in the future, the credits from these separate courses can then be included in the degree.

Are there any scholarships I can apply for?

There are scholarships that you can apply for that cover 75% of the tuition fee. You can read more about the scholarships here There are also other scholarship opportunities for example at the Swedish Institute. 

During the course of the programme, you can choose to study abroad through exchange studies to gain international experience. In that case, you will conduct some of your studies at one of our many partner universities around the world. You can also choose to do your internship abroad. What is more, you can do field work abroad as part of your degree project. This involves collecting material abroad for your degree project, for a period of roughly two months. 

Learn more about what international possibilities are offered at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Linnaeus University.

Examples of guest lecturers who have visited the programme: Mieke Bal (Cultural theorist and critic Video artist, Professor of Cultural Theory, University of Amsterdam), Thomas Leitch (Professor of English, University of Delaware), Ernst van Alphen (Professor of Comparative Literature, University of Leiden), Heidi Hart (Arts Researcher and Assistant Professor of Musicology at Utah State University).

Here you can find master's theses written by students on the programme.