Whether or not you quite agree with author Charles Bukowski that “Without literature, life is hell”, if you’re considering a degree in English literature you probably have pretty strong feelings about the subject. You may simply enjoy the escapism of a good book, feel passionately about the importance of creative expression, or just love discovering those poetic phrases that seem to perfectly capture a particular sensation. Perhaps you favor writers who use fiction as a means to critique society, or have a fascination with the way in which a novel or play can provide a window into a different culture and historical period. Whatever the root of your love of literature, studying the subject at university should open up a whole array of new ways to appreciate and analyze written texts – as well as providing skills that are transferable to a wide range of professions.

As you might expect, many graduates of English literature degrees go on to roles involving communications and use of the written word. Popular career paths include: • Advertising and marketing • Journalism • Publishing (including copy-writing and editing) • Public relations The strong analytical and communication skills gained from an English literature degree can also provide a good starting point from which to pursue careers in many other sectors. These could include roles in business and management, events, human resources, teaching, social work, law and public sector services. Meanwhile, if you’re simply happiest when surrounded by books, you might consider roles in librarianship, archive work and the bookselling trade.