English Language and Literature at Oxford — Admissions Guide 2027

Typical offer: AAA at A-Level. English Literature (or English Language and Literature) A-Level is expected. A second essay-based subject is valued. IB: 38 points with 6,6,6 at Higher Level. Around 1,070 applicants for 243 places (roughly 4:1).

Apply via UCAS by 15 October 2025. The ELAT (English Literature Admissions Test) is sat in early November — a 90-minute essay comparing two or three unseen passages. Written work (one or two marked essays) is submitted afterwards. Interviews run in December: typically 2 interviews discussing a poem or passage given to you shortly before.

Oxford English interviews are close-reading exercises. You'll usually be given a poem or short passage 20-30 minutes before the interview and asked to discuss it. Interviewers want to see sensitivity to language, ability to develop an argument about a text, and responsiveness to guidance. There is no right answer — they want to see how you read and think.

Decisions combine ELAT performance, written work, interview performance, predicted grades, and personal statement. The ELAT is important for shortlisting. Interview performance and written work are critical for final decisions.

Write about specific texts you've read independently and what interested you about them. Show that you can read closely and think analytically about language and form, not just themes and plot. Mention literary criticism you've engaged with. The personal statement should demonstrate a genuine love of reading and thinking about literature.

Year 1: Introduction to English Language and Literature, including Old English, Shakespeare, and core literary periods. Years 2-3: Wide choice of period papers (medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, modern), special topics, a dissertation, and optional papers in areas like American literature, postcolonial writing, and film.

All Oxford colleges offer English. Some have particular strengths in certain periods. Research which college fellows specialise in areas that interest you. Open application is valid.

Oxford English graduates enter publishing, journalism, media, advertising, law, civil service, teaching, and academia. The analytical writing and critical thinking skills are valued across sectors.

International applicants are welcome. IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 per component. The ELAT is available at overseas test centres. No prior knowledge of English literary history is assumed beyond what the course teaches.