Overview

The English programme at Harvard University offers a rigorous academic framework designed to deepen your understanding of poetry, drama, and fiction. This Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies provides students with the advanced critical thinking skills necessary to interpret complex narratives across various media. By engaging with diverse literary texts, you will learn to contextualise competing cultural and historical forces.

This degree is specifically structured for professionals who wish to enhance their communication and analytical abilities. The curriculum encourages meaningful scholarly inquiry, helping you to refine your research techniques and develop sophisticated arguments. Graduates emerge with a prestigious qualification that demonstrates a high level of expertise in the humanities and literary scholarship.

Why English at Harvard University?

Studying at this institution provides access to world-class faculty and a global network of over 400,000 alumni. The programme features a unique performance-based admissions process, allowing students to prove their academic capability through initial coursework. Additionally, the curriculum is highly customisable, offering both thesis and capstone tracks to suit individual research interests and career goals.

The learning experience is enriched by a blend of synchronous online engagement and an essential on-campus residency in Cambridge. This hybrid model ensures that students benefit from real-time interaction with peers while experiencing the historic academic environment of the university. Participants also gain access to extensive library resources and dedicated career services through the Mignone Center for Career Success.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 graduate courses, including core requirements and specialised electives. Students must complete a proseminar and an on-campus course titled Engaging in Scholarly Conversation. Modules may include:

Graduate Studies in English and Religion
Advanced Poetry
The Novella
Poetry in America
Seeing Nature in the Twentieth Century
Advanced Memoir
Happiness
Race and Racism
The Enlightenment

Careers with English

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for leadership roles in sectors where language and critical evaluation are paramount. The skills developed during the course are highly transferable to industries such as publishing, journalism, and marketing. Many alumni also find success in public service, education, and fundraising, or choose to pursue further doctoral studies at leading global institutions.

Common career paths for graduates include:

Secondary and Higher Education
Advertising and Marketing
Public Service and Politics
Information Technology
Publishing and Media
Professional Writing and Research

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Master of Liberal Arts, English degree field consists of 12 courses, three of which are required on campus.

12 Graduate Courses

The degree is highly customizable. Within the program curriculum, you choose the English and elective courses that meet your personal learning goals.

Proseminar

5 English courses

1 English seminar

2 general electives

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies British Studies View 46 other Masters in British Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application needed—for the following three, four-credit, graduate-level degree courses (available online):

HUMA 100 Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Dramatic Arts, English, and Religion
- Before registering, you’ll need to pass our online test of critical reading and writing skills or earn a B or higher in EXPO 42a Writing in the Humanities.
- You have two attempts to earn the minimum grade of B in the proseminar (a withdrawal grade counts as an attempt). The proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.
One English course
One English course or elective (e.g., EXPO 42a)

While the three courses don't need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, we highly recommend that you start with the proseminar. All three courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

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Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for English.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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