Is an Eng Lit and Creative Writing joint honours degree good for employability?

I'm just stressing about potential career oppurtunities. It is clear how much humanities students are not valued and their degrees especially... what sort of careers could I do well in? I know there's copywriting and journalism (but I have a hatred of journalism for some reason), I don't want to teach (MAYBE at A-level), but I was thinking perhaps more marketing stuff etc? How could that work? I just want some advice

Reply 1

McGinger

18

There is no job that says 'must have an English Lit degree' - and just be aware that 'Creative Writing' is viewed with total scepticism by employers as it sounds like something you do in Primary School.

Yes, an English Lit degree will help you get a graduate job, as will one in History or Sociology, but the subject matter will be irrelevant.

If you want an English degree to have some real value in job terms, do one with a placement year -
UEA - https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/ba-english-literature-and-creative-writing-with-a-placement-year
Exeter - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/english/english/
Loughborough - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/english/
or do a combined subject that includes more than just Lit -
American Studies - https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/american-studies-with-a-study-abroad-year-ba
Liberal Arts - https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/liberal-arts/

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 2

sticklobster

OP

12

Original post by McGinger

There is no job that says 'must have an English Lit degree' - and just be aware that 'Creative Writing' is viewed with total scepticism by employers as it sounds like something you do in Primary School.

Yes, an English Lit degree will help you get a graduate job, as will one in History or Sociology, but the subject matter will be irrelevant.

If you want an English degree to have some real value in job terms, do one with a placement year -
UEA - https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/ba-english-literature-and-creative-writing-with-a-placement-year
Exeter - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/english/english/
Loughborough - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/english/
or do a combined subject that includes more than just Lit -
American Studies - https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/american-studies-with-a-study-abroad-year-ba
Liberal Arts - https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/liberal-arts/

I should've specified I'm already doing a Eng Lit and Creative Writing degree at University of Birmingham... thanks though.

Edit = I also know that jobs are not like that, I am just wondering what careers would be best for the skills that I will learn in my degree?

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 3

McGinger

18

Original post by sticklobster

I should've specified I'm already doing a Eng Lit and Creative Writing degree at University of Birmingham... thanks though.

Arts Jobs Board - https://www.artsjobs.org.uk/
Museum/Galleries jobs - https://www.museumjobs.com/
Museum jobs board - https://le.ac.uk/museum-studies/jobs

Reply 4

dreamteamtutor

Original post by sticklobster

I'm just stressing about potential career oppurtunities. It is clear how much humanities students are not valued and their degrees especially... what sort of careers could I do well in? I know there's copywriting and journalism (but I have a hatred of journalism for some reason), I don't want to teach (MAYBE at A-level), but I was thinking perhaps more marketing stuff etc? How could that work? I just want some advice

With creative writing and English Lit, you could go into marketing or pursue a career in publishing (if that interests you). There are various careers you can pursue, but those are just a couple that come to mind.

I've seen some job descriptions where a degree in English or Creative Writing is preferable, but my advice to you would be to try and find and complete internships where you put your skills to use, or alternatively start your own personal projects to show what you can do (e.g. a blog you update regularly, or an Instagram where your consistently having to write creative captions), this way you'll not only tell potential employers what you can do, but you'll show them too.

While doing my undergrad in English, I ran a blog on tea (niche, I know) that I updated regularly, and I included it in my CV as experience. Not only that, but it helped me land a few freelance roles at the time which was helpful.

I'd also recommend taking a look at your university website to see the career paths alumni have taken. This might give you some inspiration, or food for thought.

Hope this is a little helpful. 😊

Reply 5

oliverhen

3

Original post by sticklobster

I'm just stressing about potential career oppurtunities. It is clear how much humanities students are not valued and their degrees especially... what sort of careers could I do well in? I know there's copywriting and journalism (but I have a hatred of journalism for some reason), I don't want to teach (MAYBE at A-level), but I was thinking perhaps more marketing stuff etc? How could that work? I just want some advice

Your joint degree offers versatile skills valued in various fields. Consider content creation, digital marketing, or corporate communications. Embrace internships or freelance gigs for hands-on experience. Networking and showcasing your writing prowess through a portfolio can open doors beyond traditional paths. Good luck exploring your options!

Is an Eng Lit and Creative Writing joint honours degree good for employability?

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