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Studies & Degrees in Sociology of Literature

The sociology of literature studies the relationship between literary works and the societies that produce and read them. It asks two questions in both directions: how a society shapes what is written, and what writing does to a society. The first covers the social position of authors, publishers, critics and readers, censorship and ideology, and the way genres rise and fall. The second covers the use of literature to describe social conditions, to spread political or religious views and to build a national identity. Warnborough College Ireland sums up the field with one question: should we study a society in order to understand literature better, or study literary works to learn about the society in which they were written?

The subject sits between literary studies and sociology. Students read novels, plays and poetry alongside social theory, and learn to place a text in its historical setting. A course description from the Université catholique de Louvain, last updated in 2007, lists typical themes: literature as an institution with its own authorities and actors, the status of the writer, the sociology of literary genres, and ideology and stereotypes in texts.

Qualifications and levels

Sociology of literature is usually a course inside a degree in literature, comparative literature, cultural studies or sociology, and only rarely a degree title of its own.

  • Single courses. The Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, for example, lists a graduate course called Sociological Perspectives on Literature in its Department of Sociology. It carries 8 ECTS credits, is taught in English and discusses literary works that reflect the social and political character of their time. The Louvain course mentioned above was taught in French at master's level.
  • Master's degree. Warnborough College Ireland offers a Master of Arts in Sociology of Literature by distance learning. The college lists 120 ECTS credits, a minimum duration of four terms (16 months) and an undergraduate degree in the same or a related discipline as the prerequisite. Students write four papers of 7,000 to 8,000 words and a dissertation of 15,000 words. Modules include the impact of society on literature, literature and symbolism, and literature and national identity. The listed fee in October 2026 is €85 per credit, €10,200 in total.
  • Doctorate. The same college offers a PhD in the Sociology of Literature: a minimum of three years, a master's degree or equivalent for entry, six papers and a dissertation of 30,000 to 40,000 words. The listed fee is €18,000.

Warnborough College Ireland describes itself as an independent college for adult education that is self-regulating, awards degrees under its Articles of Association and is a self-accredited institution. Before enrolling, ask the college what recognition the qualification has in the country where you want to use it, and check with the authority that recognises foreign degrees there.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists 2 active schools for sociology of literature: Warnborough College (Ireland) in Dublin and Warnborough College (UK), its sister college, founded in Oxford in 1973 and now based in Canterbury. The Irish college teaches all its programmes by distance learning, with one-to-one mentoring and a start on the first day of any month, so students do not need to move. The programmes are taught in English.

Students who prefer a campus degree can look for the subject inside literature and sociology programmes. Check the course list for titles such as sociology of literature, literature and society or sociocriticism, and the language in which each course is taught.

Careers

The subject does not lead to a regulated profession. Warnborough College Ireland names teaching, course development, research, the civil service, local government, charities, publishing and journalism as areas where its graduates' training is useful. University teaching normally requires a doctorate: according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teachers typically must have a PhD, and their overall employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. For writing careers, the same source states that writers and authors typically need a bachelor's degree in English or a related field and projects little or no change in their employment from 2025 to 2035.

Frequently asked questions

What does the sociology of literature study?

It studies how society influences literature and how literature influences society: the position of writers and readers, the role of ideology, and the use of literature to express or shape social and national identity.

Can I study sociology of literature online?

Yes. Warnborough College Ireland offers a master's degree and a PhD in the subject by distance learning, with a start on the first day of any month.

How long does the master's degree take?

The MA at Warnborough College Ireland has 120 ECTS credits and takes a minimum of four terms, or 16 months.

Is the degree recognised?

Warnborough College Ireland states that it is a self-accredited institution that awards degrees under its Articles of Association. Ask the college and the recognition authority of your country before enrolling.