Is English and Creative writing degree worth it?

I'm thinking of going for English and creative writing but I'm worried about the job prospects. Does anyone have any advice for people wanting to take the course?

Reply 1

Llamas_and_Cake

Original post

by RaeBin

I'm thinking of going for English and creative writing but I'm worried about the job prospects. Does anyone have any advice for people wanting to take the course?

Without wanting to sound flippant, what job do you want to do? English teacher? Probably be fine. Accountant? Not so much.

If you’re wondering whether it will naturally just lead into specific English/writing career paths in the same way that a law degree sets you up to do a whole bunch of legal jobs… probably not.

However, a degree is a degree and English is a respected subject. There are graduate only opportunities like civil service fast track and management/graduate training programs that won’t use anything from your degree, but which require a degree for entry (I have no idea why). An English degree would open up those options.

What are your aims?

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

DaisyChain1810

Original post

by RaeBin

I'm thinking of going for English and creative writing but I'm worried about the job prospects. Does anyone have any advice for people wanting to take the course?

Hi @RaeBin,

Adding to the previous reply, English and creative writing don’t necessarily place you on one specific teaching path. That said a degree in English can work as a spring board to further study for a plethora of careers in teaching, writing for print, journalism and more broadly, legal careers, advertising and marketing etc the list is pretty endless.

It’s the vast number of skills an English degree gives you that makes it so invaluable to employers. Have a look at websites such as prospects - a Google search will give you more- for careers with an English degree and this will show you lots of potential career paths.

I hope this helps!

Reply 3

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post

by RaeBin

I'm thinking of going for English and creative writing but I'm worried about the job prospects. Does anyone have any advice for people wanting to take the course?

Hi RaeBin,👋

So I did all my degrees in English Literature but chose lots of creative writing modules all throughout of my undergrad and then my master's.

I say if it something you love then go for it! I didn't have a particular career in mind when I first starting thinking about university but I loved English and creative writing and knew it would be a great degree if I wanted to keep my post-degree options open and think about a career in publishing, journalism, writing, teaching, or even in the arts and culture sector/archives.

I hope this helps, and please do ask me any questions you might have about studying English, or even studying it at Sheffield. :smile:

All best wishes,
Phoebe 😀

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