The skills you will learn in an English Studies degree will enable you to recognise ideology and bias, and see through the spin of cultural and political debate. You’ll refine your ability to think and write clearly – valuable skills in many careers and professions. Our graduates are well prepared in these transferable skills and have an excellent success rate in finding rewarding employment in many fields.

The ability to think and write clearly is extremely valuable in many careers and professions. English Studies graduates from Stirling are well prepared in these transferable skills, and have an excellent success rate in finding rewarding employment in many fields. Skills you can develop through this course Skills in both spoking and writing are developed throughout the degree programme, in group discussion, academic presentations and the writing of essays. Advice on composition, the structuring of essays and forming a written argument is provided by tutors, who also provide feedback on written work. Analytical skills are crucial to all parts of the degree programme. The ability to think rigorously and critically about an argument or point of view, and the capacity to analyse written texts in detail and in an informed way are essential. Independent study is an important part of any English degree. The ability to find and use available resources (both electronic and printed) effectively is a necessary part of the research process, and is a valuable transferable skill that all students acquire. All students are required to manage their time effectively in order to derive the greatest benefit from the experience of higher education. It is important for them to plan ahead in order to manage their workloads and to meet academic deadlines. Group work, whether in tutorials or outside the seminar room, is an important aspect of many parts of the English Studies degree, and gives students the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills. The cultural knowledge acquired by any student of English Studies will be a valuable asset outside, both within and outside the workplace. This knowledge is particularly valuable in teaching, journalism, advertising and publishing. Chances to expand your horizons Regular research seminars are held throughout the semester, which all students are very welcome to attend. These are typically given by a guest academic or postgraduate. Creative writing options are available to students from Semester 6. Stirling is fortunate to have the poet Kathleen Jamie as a member of its academic staff, and writers such as Iain Banks, Jackie Kay and Alan Bissett are among its alumni (these writers are regular guests at the university, providing readings and occasional writing workshops). We are fortunate that the MacRobert Arts Centre is at the centre of the University, presenting a widely varied programme of film, drama and music throughout the year. Small magazines are published on campus and the Literary Society organizes visits from distinguished creative writers each year, along with theatre trips to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Finally, the University Drama Society is very active, producing about seven plays a year, including performances at the Edinburgh Festival. Where are our graduates now? Our English graduates are currently contributing to the performance of the following organisations: The Royal Bank of Scotland The Pheonix Comic The Scottish Parliament Historic Scotland Harper Collins NHS Grampian Capability Scotland Here are some of the roles our English graduates are in, who graduated in the past two years: Realtime MI Analyst Producing Assistant Recruitment Consultant Student Publishing Assistant Editor PR & Events Team Member Barista & Supervisor Sales Assistant Publishing Marketing Manager Building on that foundation, alumni of Stirling’s English degree who graduated between five and ten years ago have since advanced into some of the following positions: Executive PA Media Researcher Senior Recruitment Consultant HI-Net Website Advisor PhD Student ChM Programme Administrator Manager Caretaker for a Castle Teacher Aboriginal Justice Team, full-time member Parliamentary Assistant Employment Services Officer Creative Writer Admin Assistant Some of our more established alumni are currently leading and shaping strategy across many different sectors – here is an example of how a few former English students have advanced in their careers: Active Citizenship Worker Employability Adviser Induction Team Leader Records & Imformation Manager Teacher Business Analyst Managing Director English Teacher Find out more about the sorts of careers available to English graduates at http://www.afterenglish.ac.uk/