What career can I go into with an English degree?

An English degree is possibly one of the most diverse degrees available. It opens a wide variety of contemporary and traditional opportunities and the skills you gain from it are undoubtedly needed in every sector. Amidst time management, oral and written communication and analytical thinking being just some of the essential skills gained from studying an English degree, our graduates enter the industry ready to adapt to any role.

Wondering what career direction you might take with a degree in English? From Creative Writing to English Literature, we provide a wide range of options. We’ve outlined our courses to show you where our graduates have secured jobs and which professions you could also work in.

English 

English is a global language and discipline which has shaped the world at large. Our BA (Hons) English degree will build on your extensive subject knowledge and prepares you for a variety of career options, ranging from teaching to marketing. Graduates of this degree are instilled with a vast range of skills which are marketable in nearly every sector and sought after by employers of every industry.

With this degree you can become an Author, Copywriter, Language Translator, Social Media Editor, Web Content Manager, Primary and Nursery Education Teacher, Public Relations Assistant or a Marketing Assistant.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers with respected organisations such as Creative Black Country, Birmingham Literary Festival, Birmingham Museums Trust (including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery), Black Country Museum Trust, Arvon Creative Writing Foundation, Flatpack Film Festival and secured employment within the University.

English Literature

Do you have a love for reading and participating in discussions? If so, then our BA (Hons) English Literature degree will be perfect for you. This degree will support you in developing a critical appreciation for a wide genre of literature and build on your ability to analyse and construct an argument. If you have a passion for a specific period, such as Romanticism, you’ll be able to tailor your studies to explore that area further, which may lead you to a career in the fields of creative writing, drama and linguistics.

With this degree you can become a Publisher, Author, Proof-reader, Writer, Librarian, Digital Content Producer, Digital Copywriter, Screenwriter, Secondary School Teacher or a Higher Education Lecturer.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers with respected organisations such as Creative Black Country, Birmingham Literary Festival, Birmingham Museums Trust (including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery), Black Country Museum Trust, Arvon Creative Writing Foundation, Flatpack Film Festival and the West Midlands Screenwriters' Forum.

English Language and Literature

Our BA (Hons) English Language and Literature degree will support you to develop your interdisciplinary skills which will help you during your practical industry experience and in your future career. Our blend of student-focused and research-informed teaching has propelled our graduates into teaching and writing positions within the public and private sectors. 

With this degree you can become a Digital Copywriter, Primary or Secondary School Teacher, Editorial Assistant, Journalist, Web Content Manager or a Writer.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers with respected organisations such as Birmingham Museums Trust, Birmingham Literary Festival, Flatpack Film Festival, Creative Black Country and Arvon Creative Writing Foundation. 

English and Journalism 

Pave your way into the competitive field of journalism with our BA (Hons) English and Journalism degree. This hands-on course will develop your communication and investigative skills with the support of our industry practitioners and leading academics by attending industry work placements to boost your professional experience.

With this degree you can become a Social Media Editor, Digital Content Producer, Editorial Assistant, Publishing Copy-Editor, Reporter, Journalist, Public Relations Officer or a Digital Copywriter. 

Our graduates have gone to pursue careers with respected organisations such as BBC, Sky, Express and Star, 90minutes.com, and Trinity Mirror.

English and Creative Writing

Our BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing degree course will develop your creative writing craft and enhance your analytical abilities. You will get the opportunity to create a portfolio of short stories, screenplays and journals in various eras and genres. Graduates have previously entered careers in teaching, marketing, public relations, journalism and publishing houses. 

With this degree you can become an Advertising Copywriter, Academic Librarian, Arts Administrator, Editorial Assistant, Social Media Executive, Marketing Assistant, Web Content Manager, Information Officer, Creative Director, Talent Agent or a Writer.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers with respected organisations such as Creative Black Country, Birmingham Literary Festival, Birmingham Museums Trust (including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery), Black Country Museum Trust, Arvon Creative Writing Foundation and Flatpack Film Festival.