Placements are a great way to gain some work experience, give you an insight into the world of work and what job options are available, and you’ll benefit from applying elements of your academic learning in the workplace.
Popular placement fields for English literature and English language students include marketing, PR, media, journalism, communications, publishing, advertising, education, and local government.
You might think that studying English literature or English language would limit your options for studying abroad, but you’d be wrong!
Just like many other degrees, you can choose to study abroad for a full year but there are shorter options too. Studying abroad gives you an insight into different cultures and perspectives, and it gives you the opportunity to develop other skills too: confidence, independence, adaptability, and self-awareness are all beneficial for your personal and professional development.
Most study abroad options are taught in English, but you may find yourself living in a country where English isn’t the primary language. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in language but for someone who studies English, it could give you a more in-depth understanding of how language is acquired and how culture, location and history affect literature and the written word.
Career prospects for English graduates with good results and evidence of relevant experience are excellent.
A degree in English gives you a great foundation for many different careers. The ability to communicate well is an essential skill to step into any job, and good written communication is an asset that many employers consider vital. The broad spectrum of skills and knowledge that you’ll gain while studying English literature & language degree means that you are likely to be very attractive to potential employers.
It’s important to remember that in order to stand out in an increasingly competitive jobs market graduates need to ensure that they develop a well-rounded CV whilst at university.
Placements, study abroad options and internships are a great way to gain experience in your chosen field and give you a competitive edge. Joining student societies can be another great way to build the skills you’ll need to stand out. As an English student, you might enjoy writing for your student newspaper, or joining your university radio or tv station.
There are likely to be reading, writing and film clubs you can join at university too. Being able to evidence the skills gained from work experience and extracurricular activities alongside your degree can really help boost your job prospects.
What jobs can I do with an English literature & language degree?
English graduates can find opportunities in many different employment areas, some relating directly to the subject matter you covered in your degree programme and many jobs where an English degree might not be directly relevant but would be a useful foundation to have.
Career options that relate directly to your degree might include:
- Copywriter
- Editorial assistant
- Teacher
- Publishing executive
- Content designer
- Lexicographer
- Author
- Journalist
- Researcher
- Speech and language therapist
There are plenty of sectors where an English degree would be a valuable asset, including:
- Education
- Arts management
- Charity
- General management
- Retail
- Journalism and media
- Television
- Film
- Publishing
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Academia and research
Why choose Northumbria University for English literature & Language?
English at Northumbria surrounds you with a passionate and creative community of students, researchers, academics, and professionals.
English at Northumbria sits within the Department of Humanities alongside subject areas like History, Linguistics, Creative Writing, American Studies, and Music. The breadth of the department and the richness of research topics across different fields ensures that English at Northumbria is cutting edge. Driven by new and developing themes like the environment, global connections, the medical humanities, gender and popular culture, activism, conflict and society, heritage, and American and global cultures. Together with classic themes like Shakespeare and Austen, English at Northumbria aims to spark new insight and deeper discoveries.
Find out what it’s like day to day to be an English Language student at Northumbria by following undergraduate student Alice on a typical day or check out Emma’s student view of an English Literature MA if you’re interested in a Masters in English degree.