Overview

The English programme at the University of California, Merced offers students a comprehensive exploration of how narratives shape our understanding of the world and form the basis of human knowledge. By studying diverse literatures, students develop the ability to interpret complex texts and communicate ideas with clarity and precision.

This undergraduate course stands out for its commitment to small class sizes, typically limited to 24-person seminars. This structure ensures that students receive personalised attention from supportive professors while engaging in deep intellectual discourse with their peers. The curriculum spans a vast historical and geographical range, from Renaissance England to contemporary California and 18th-century India.

Why English at University of California, Merced?

The institution provides a uniquely nurturing environment within the wider university system, prioritising close faculty-student interaction. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Honours Programme or the Senior Thesis class, where they conduct original research alongside expert academics. These experiences are designed to enhance graduate school applications and professional portfolios.

Furthermore, the university offers specialised tracks in Literature and the Environment or Literature and Social Justice. These pathways allow students to apply literary analysis to modern challenges, such as ecological catastrophe and social inequity. Participants can also engage with unique campus initiatives like the Yosemite Leadership Programme and Shakespeare in Yosemite, blending academic study with practical engagement.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 53656 per year
National fee: USD 53656 per year
Local fee: USD 16054 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Literatures in English
Literature and the Environment
Literature and Social Justice
Renaissance England
18th Century India
Modern Day California
Senior Thesis
Theatre

Careers with English

Graduates from this programme are equipped with versatile skills in interpretation and complex reasoning that are highly valued across numerous sectors. Many alumni have successfully transitioned into roles as tech entrepreneurs, lawyers, and medical professionals, demonstrating the broad applicability of a humanities education.

Common career paths for graduates include:

Journalism and Writing
Education and Teaching
Non-profit Leadership and Social Work
Marketing Communication Management
Public Relations and Social Media
Librarianship and Archiving
Technical Writing
Park Ranger and Environmental Advocacy

The programme also serves as a robust foundation for advanced study. Former students have gained admission to prestigious graduate programmes in creative writing, law, and theatre across the country, leveraging the research experience gained during their undergraduate studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Literary Studies

Medieval and Renaissance Literature and Culture, 800-1660

Literature of the Long Eighteenth Century, 1660-1830

British and American Literature, 1830-1940

Postwar, Postcolonial, Postmodern Literature and Culture: 1945 to the present

Creative Writing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Merced, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies View 2641 other Bachelors in Language Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Secondary school certificate of completion

GPA of 3.4 or above

Completion of 15 yearlong academic courses with a 3.4 GPA: 2 years of history (in place of U.S. history, history of your country), 4 years of composition and literature in language in which you are instructed, 3 years (four years recommended) of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.* (Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement.), 2 years of laboratory science (biology, chemistry, and/or physics) OR 2 years of integrated science , 2 years of a second language , 1 yearlong course (or 2 semesters) of visual and performing arts

Applicants must demonstrate strong abilities in reading, writing, comprehension and verbal communication in the English language

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

53656 USD / year

≈ 53656 USD / year
Out-of-State

53656 USD / year

≈ 53656 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16054 USD / year

≈ 16054 USD / year

Living costs

Merced

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor'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

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Merced

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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