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Careers in English

Careers in English

Although some of the jobs listed might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with an English degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don’t specify particular degree disciplines, so don’t restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

  • Teaching: Schools, Colleges, Universities, Teaching English Abroad
  • Media: Journalism, Publishing, TV & Radio, Copywriting, Events Management, Editorial
  • Influencing: Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Retail Management, Sales
  • Helping: Social Work, Youth Work, Probation Work, Nursing, Housing, Charity Officer
  • Professions: Law, Human Resources, Banking, Accountancy, Insurance
  • Information: Librarian, Archives, Curator, Information Officer, Bookseller, Lexicographer
  • Public Sector: Administration, Civil Service, Health Service, Local Government, Police/Armed Forces
  • Postgraduate Study: MA, PhD, Journalism, Film, Business, Computing courses

Careers in English

Where to find job adverts

English graduates find opportunities with many different employers. Public and private sector organisations such as the National Health Service (NHS), educational institutions, local and national government, financial and legal firms, and voluntary and charitable organisations employ English graduates in a range of roles, including administration, research, finance and general management.

Other typical employers of English graduates include publishing companies, advertising, marketing and public relations agencies and media organisations. Retail, leisure and tourism also typically recruit English graduates.

Jobs will be advertised on any good websites, or, specifically, you can try individual companies and institutions.

English Degrees
Subjects to study at A Level:

Courses can be competitive so high grades are often required. Details of any creative writing work you may have done are useful on application forms. Short verbal and written tests are sometimes set for entrance.

Top universities for English (The Good University Guide) include:

(check UCAS website for entry requirements for these universities: www.ucas.com)

  • University of St Andrews
  • University of Oxford
  • Durham University
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Warwick
  • University College London
  • Lancaster University
  • Loughborough University
  • University of Surrey
  • Edge Hill University
Graduate Prospects

40% of vacancies advertised specifically to graduates do not specify degree subject, so English graduates can enter a wide range of careers with their transferable skills. These include: how to argue a point, how to think independently, to summarise and précis, to write and speak well, to write reports, to present information effectively, to analyse writing, and to work as part of a team.

More skills include:
  • an ability for clear expression both oral and written
  • putting forward ideas and arguments in a concise manner
  • gathering, investigating and assessing material
  • condensing facts, ideas and arguments
  • basing conclusions on research
  • synthesising ideas
  • organising material in a logical and coherent way
Stats about students who study English in higher education:
  • 80% of graduates were in employment or unpaid work 15 months after graduation
  • 19% of graduates were in further study
  • Median salaries for graduates were £9,500 higher than non-graduates
Work Experience

Find out about work experience and internship opportunities by visiting:

www.prospects.ac.uk/work_experience.htm. Don’t forget, volunteering is an invaluable experience. Contact local shops and companies to see if they offer volunteering opportunities.

UK
Professional Bodies and Associations
Useful Links