English studies

English study is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written
in the English language (including literatures from the United Kingdom, the United
States, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, India,
Pakistan, South Africa, and the Middle East, among other areas), English linguistics
(including English phonetics, phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics, pragmatics,
corpus linguistics, and stylistics), and English sociolinguistics (including discourse
analysis of written and spoken texts in the English language, the history of the
English language, English language learning and teaching, and the study of World
Englishes).
More broadly, English studies explores the production of and analysis of texts created
in English (or in areas of the world in which English is a common mode of
communication). It is common for academic departments of "English" or "English
Studies" to include scholars of the English language, literature (including literary
criticism and literary theory), linguistics, law, journalism, composition studies, the
philosophy of language, literacy, publishing/history of the book, communication
studies, technical communication, folklore, cultural studies, creative writing, critical
theory, disability studies, area studies (especially American studies), theater, gender
studies/ethnic studies, digital media/electronic publishing, film studies/media studies,
rhetoric and philology/etymology, and various courses in the liberal arts and
humanities, among others.

English studies

English linguistics
English sociolinguistics

Discourse analysis in English

English Stylistics (linguistics)

World Englishes

History of the English language

Composition studies

Rhetoric

Technical communication

English language learning and teaching

English Literature
o

American literature, including:

African American literature

Jewish American literature

Southern literature

Australian literature

British literature (literature from some regions of the United Kingdom may be
written in Celtic languages)

Canadian literature (a significant amount of Canadian literature is also written in

French)

Irish literature

New Zealand literature

Scottish literature

Welsh literature

South African literature (excluding works written in other languages)

Creative writing
Not all universities offer this specialization, but creative writing or other creativityfocused modules are a popular choice amongst undergraduates. This path of study
will allow you to continue to analyze and read literature but with the eye of a
practiced writer; be that poetry, plays, short stories or novels. The assignments will
likely be creative tasks combined with analytical reports of your own work in relation
to what you have been reading and researching. Students specializing in creative
writing often go on to develop these skills further by studying creative writing at
graduate level.

Linguistics
Although linguistics is also offered as a dedicated degree subject, an English degree
also offer some linguistics modules. This will involve a deeper look into the way
language works and its origins, within a more scientific framework than that
commonly used in an English language and literature degree. Linguistics is also
multidisciplinary and often calls upon the social sciences, allowing students to study
language within the contexts of sociology and psychology. In some cases, students
may also have the chance to study original or translated texts in other languages.

Postcolonial literature
The study of postcolonial literature means focusing in on issues of particular
relevance to postcolonial writing, such as the construction of national narratives
through history, identity and gender, diaspora, and the various debates surrounding
postcolonial discourse in academia. Students will get to read a range of important
postcolonial literary texts, and to explore postcolonial narratives and interpretations
of contemporary culture.

Other English topics and specializations

As well as the above, other English degree specializations can include; 19 th century
literature, 20th century literature, contemporary literature, medieval literature,
Caribbean literature, American literature, Shakespeare, modernism, feminism,
playwriting and poetry.

All of these topics can be studied to an even greater level of specialization, leading to
niche course titles such as Victorian Aestheticism and Decadence (Kent University,
UK), Narratives of Magic and Witchcraft (Queen Mary University of London, UK),
Literature and the Mind (University of California, Santa Barbara, US) and Jane
Austen: Then and Now (University of Sydney, Australia).

Why study English?

Your Ambitions
How can you decide if English at uni is something youd like? Well, do you:

Enjoy reading and writing?

Enjoy words and language?

Want to develop skills in independent and imaginative thinking that employers value?

Like the idea of a degree that is for you as well as for work?

Enjoy English literature or language at school or college?

Have a lively interest in culture, creativity and language?

If you can answer yes to some of the above questions, then a degree in English
literature, language or creative writing is for you.
But here are some supplementary questions to be thinking about...

Do I enjoy analysing literature as well as just reading?

Do I prefer studying the use of English language or is it literature or creative writing
that appeal more?

Am I aware of the careers that are possible direct from an English degree, which
careers will require a further course and which are unlikely?

Do I want to combine study of English with another subject in 'joint honours' ?

Are my time management skills good enough to manage a subject with a lot of
independent study?

Choosing a Uni
As a prospective English student, you should research each uni that youre interested
in to find out:

the structure of the English course: does it offer the right balance in terms of
literature, language or creative writing for example? For more information about
different courses, go to the What you study page
module subjects: do they cover the things you may want to specialise in? can
you take modules from other departments?

the teaching approach: is the mix of lectures, seminars, independent study and
online learning right for you?

class sizes and the availability of personal tutors

lecturers publications and interests, as these are reflected in the classroom

the size and breadth of the library service

extracurricular opportunities, like a literary journal or drama club

whether you can combine English with another subject to follow a 'joint
honours' programme

The English department website and the universitys site can help you to answer
these questions.
Because of the wide variety of topics and periods covered by English studies, it is
possible that different programmes will appeal to quite different interests.
Finally, the website will tell you the grades youll need for admission to the school,
and, usually, the number of available places.
If you cant find the information youre looking for on the website, the department will
typically have a staff member who is assigned to answer questions of prospective
students by email, phone or in person.

What's Studying English Like?

Studying English at the degree level is very different from studying for your English Alevels. Some of the biggest differences are:

Only 6 10 hours of class time each week. This time is usually about half lectures
and half class discussions. Most of your time is spent doing independent reading and
research, and preparing to make the most of your class discussions.
More, faster reading. Youll be taking three or four modules at a time, and often
studying a major piece each week in all of them. Most courses expect you to spend 21
to 30 hours per week in individual study.

More choice. As well as choosing your modules, you get to choose which texts you
want to study for major assignments and what it is about them that interests you.

More thinking. Your lecturers wont dictate to you what or how you should think
about a text or topic. You have to consider their ideas and approaches and then come
up with your own, and be ready to share and discuss your ideas in essays and
discussions.

At first, these new approaches can be overwhelming. However, your lecturers and
tutors will provide lots of help with making the most of independent study time and
getting started on your research.
Over the three years of your degree, youll get better and better at managing your
own time, reading texts quickly whilst picking out whats important, and applying your
own critical approaches to the material in your course.

Studying an English degree

If youre thinking of studying English at university, reading up on your
options first is as important as reading great authors.
Since almost everybody studies English at school, youll already have a good idea of
whether its the subject for you at university. But studying it at degree level is a bit
different for a number of reasons. You will still be reading a lot of books and writing
essays, but studying an English degree normally requires a lot more independent
study than doing it at GCSE or A-level. This means that although you might have
fewer lectures than students studying other subjects, you will be expected to do a lot
of reading at home. Secondly, there are different types of English degree, so you
need to do some research in advance and think about what youre interested in and
good at so you choose the right one.

English literature is the study of authors and their ideas. You will often read a range
of literature from medieval times up to the present day in your first year, with a chance
to take specialist modules in areas such as science fiction or contemporary American
literature later on in your course.
English language is the study of how the English language works. You will look at
how the English language developed and spread, how words and sentences are
structured, and how we learn to speak. English language involves a lot of linguistics,
and has crossover with other subjects like psychology and communication studies.

These can be studied as separate subjects, or combined into a single degree. Some
degrees called English might focus more heavily on one area than the other however,
so make sure you read the course description and prospectus carefully first. Its also
quite common to study one as a joint honours degree with another subject such as
history, business studies or a modern language.

Are there other options?

There are other subjects closely related to English available at degree level. You might
study some modules in these as part of an English literature or language degree, but
some universities will also offer them as separate subjects.

Creative writing teaches you how to write your own fiction and non-fiction prose,
poetry or plays. It is similar to English literature in that you will be studying great
authors, but your focus will be more on their practice and style and how it can be
applied to your own work.
Comparative literature is the study of literature from different cultures. You will
compare books written in contemporary English to those written in other languages
and at other times to see what ideas they share. Studying comparative literature
normally requires you to have an A-level or be fluent in another modern language.

What qualifications do I need for an English degree?

A good mark in either English literature or English language is essential. Its also
important to have an A-level in at least one other facilitating subject like history or
a modern language to increase your chances of getting in.

Where can it lead?

English teaches a wide range of transferable skills such as:

Written communication
Research

Critical thinking

Making and presenting an argument

Understanding different points of view

Creativity

See our article What can I do with an English literature degree? for careers
ideas. Most of these jobs will be open to people with an English language degree as
well, and that subject also teaches a more scientific approach to statistics and data
that may be more useful for certain teaching or social work jobs.

English Language and Literature

Degrees
What does an English degree cover?
A degree in English language and literature is designed to get you reading books,
analyzing theories, critiquing prose and verse, and taking a more critical look at the
signs and words surrounding us every day. The aim is to get students thinking
creatively and analytically about the English language; this differs from other modern
language degrees as it is intended for students already proficient in written and
spoken English. An English degree can focus equally on the literature and language
sides, while others specialize in one or the other; this will usually be clear from the
course title.
A course with a focus on English literature typically allows students to study literary
texts from throughout history. Often youll start with modules covering a diverse
range of literature from different periods; for instance, you could be reading
Shakespeare one week and Virginia Woolf the next. Your reading will require you to
study and analyze passages, relating texts to their cultural, social, historical and
political contexts.
An English language-focused degree will train students to analyze the workings of the
English language outside of literature, including language-based communication in all
kinds of forms and contexts. This could include analysis of casual spoken

conversation, text speak, advertising methods or the uses of language in specialized

legal and medical discourse.

Entry requirements
You will often require a high-school or A-level qualification in English language or
English literature. Other humanities and arts subjects, such as history and politics,
are also looked kindly upon in the admissions process.

Course structure
Those looking to study English will most likely enjoy both independent and group
study, but you can expect majority of time spent gaining your English degree to be
undertaken solo, as much of the course will require you to commit to long periods of
reading and research outside of class.
Because of this youll find yourself spending more time working at home or in the
library than you will in seminars and lectures. Average hours of contact time with
professors and fellow students vary, but you can expect approximately 10-12 hours a
week in your first year and slightly longer in your following years as you take on a
heavier workload. The rest of the time you are expected to conduct independent
study and research for assignments as well as tackling the reading list. This solo work
is often intensive, even in university holidays, and can take up around 20-30 hours a
week.
As youd expect, an English literature degree will have a strong focus on canonical
and classic literature, meaning one book a week is a pretty average schedule for a
single module. Bear in mind however that you will be enrolled on an average of four
modules at any one time not only is passion for literature a must, but also an ability
to read fairly quickly. This intensive weekly reading is required for you to engage in
criticism and analysis of the texts during lectures and seminars.

Key skills and assessment methods

The study of English literature and language will aim to stretch your independent
thought and analytical skills. For this reason, lecturers will not spoon-feed you
information but rather expect you to develop your understanding by reading assigned
critical theory and journals along with the key texts. Seminars and group discussion
provide a setting in which to test your ideas on your fellow students and gain a better
understanding through idea sharing and debate.
An English degree is typically assignment-based, with essays and papers to be
submitted regularly. Exams are also common, often coming at the end of each year.
In some cases you may also be partly assessed based on your contributions to group
discussions; the combination of assessment methods used really depends on the
institution.
Depending on the country, it will take three or four years to earn a Bachelor of Arts
(BA) in English, and a further one or two years to achieve a Master of Arts (MA). You
may also be able to combine your studies with a second subject as a dual degree or
double major, with popular combinations including English and history, philosophy,
education, linguistics or a second language.

Knowledge and skills: what you can offer

If you are thinking about studying English at university, then youll naturally be
interested in the knowledge and skills you will acquire in the process. Whilst there
are many types of degree programme in English, each with its own characteristics and
emphasis, the sorts of subject knowledge you would expect of any English graduate
are set out below. (These are drawn from a more detailed and extensive document
known as the English Benchmark Statement.

Subject knowledge

knowledge of literature and language: for literature this includes a substantial number
of authors and texts from different historical periods. For single honours literature
students this is likely to include pre-1800 texts; for single honours language students
this will include a broad knowledge of the history and development of the English
language.
knowledge and understanding of the distinctive character of texts written in the
principal literary genres, fiction, poetry and drama, and of other kinds of writing and
communication

experience of regional and global English

knowledge of the structure, levels and discourse functions of the English language

appreciation of the power of imagination in literary creation

awareness of the role of critical traditions in shaping literary history

knowledge of linguistic, literary, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature

is written and read

knowledge of the relationship between literature and other media such as film

knowledge of useful and precise critical terminology and, where appropriate, linguistic
and stylistic terminology

awareness of the range and variety of approaches to literary study, which may include
creative practice, performance, and specialisation in critical and/or linguistic theory

awareness of how literature and language produce and reflect cultural change and
difference

Subject-specific skills
English graduates acquire a range of complementary literary, linguistic and critical
skills, although the particular abilities and skills you acquire will of course depend on
the course and modules you choose. The following sets out in general terms the sorts
of subject-specific skills you will acquire from studying English literature or language.

Skills in the detailed, balanced and rigorous examination of texts or spoken language
and the ability to articulate this knowledge and understanding to others
Sensitivity to how communication is shaped by circumstances, authorship and intended
audience

Sensitivity to the power of language and its role in creating meaning: an ability to go
beyond the surface level of words and to discover hidden or intended meanings

A broad vocabulary and ability to use critical terminology appropriately

Skills in the accurate and appropriate presentation of academic work

Awareness of how different social and cultural contexts affect the nature of language
and meaning and influence questions of judgement

Appreciation of the complexity of literary languages and how research can help
understand them

Generic graduate skills

The key transferable skills which English graduates possess, and which make them
attractive
to employers, are:

Oral and written skills in effective communication and argument

The ability to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of communication

The ability to plan, negotiate and carry out individual and group projects and
presentations and to do so to deadlines

The capacity for independent thought, reflection and judgement

The ability to comprehend and develop intricate ideas, apply a variety of theoretical
positions and weigh the importance of alternative perspectives

A working sense of the nuances and ambiguities of words and symbols

Research skills, including the ability to gather, sift and organise quantities of diverse
material and evaluate its significance

IT skills, especially the ability to work with and evaluate electronic resources and
communication (such as hypertext, conferencing, e-publishing, blogs and wikis)

Planning To Study English? These Are

The Top 6 Indian Universities To
Look Out For
@mayank1029 Jun 16, 2014 4 Comments

By Mayank Jain:
You quote Neruda and you breathe Frost. You feel like reading Gone with the Wind to
cheer yourself up or have a go at Jonathan Livingston Seagull to feel alright again in
this unromantic, unimaginative real world. If you are any of the above, you should
definitely consider studying English literature. For all those who love literature and the
written word more than anything, we have compiled a list of the best places for you
to study English Language and Literature. Each one of them has something that sets
it apart, but you deserve the one where you can Live like its heaven on earth, as
William Purkey said.
1. Jadavpur University: A semi residential university in Calcutta, (Jadavpur
University) is a popular destination for students interested in studying English
literature for its legacy that has long resided in the 58 acres campus. The Faculty of

Arts was ranked as the 2nd best in an India Today survey and the department of
English has always received tonnes of applications.

Heres what a student of JU had to tell us about studying English in the university,
Studying at JUDE is something a lot of students aspire for, around 3500 students
give the test with 30 general seats available. It may be because of the staff (we have
folks like Rimi B. Chatterjee, Ananda Lal, Supriya Chaudhuri, Amlan Dasgupta etc) or
the syllabus (we not only have the usual literary periods but also graphic novels,
music, art etc.) A lot of coursework is done through projects, audio-visual aids, visit
to the JU publication house, thereby breaking the myth of arts just being about
mugging up. Thats not possible, not in JU.
2. Delhi University: DU has to be the usual suspect in the list for the sheer volume
of well-known alumni it has produced from its department of English. The University
was ranked as one of the top 100 places in the world to study English by QS World
University Rankings as well. Delhi Universitys Faculty of Arts stands in the middle of
North Campus where all the action happens and the notion of the college life we
have dreamed of, comes to life. The department offers undergraduate, postgraduate
as well as courses in research.
3. Hyderabad Central University: Also known as University of Hyderabad or HCU,
the university has earned itself a reputation for imparting superior courses in English
language and literature. The public university sprawls over a 2000 acres campus and
focuses more on research and evaluative study of the language as it developed over
time.

It aims at providing instruction and carrying out research in both traditional and
current areas of English Studies. In addition to core English Literature and American
Literature components, it encourages work in New Literatures in English, Comparative
Studies, Translation, Culture, Language Studies and Pedagogy, the website reads.
4. Presidency University: The University was born as the Hindu College, it was later
rechristened to Presidency college before it was finally upgraded to a University in
2010. Though new to the block as a University, Presidency has always been a premier
institution of excellence, especially in Arts and Litertature. The university brings
young people to Calcutta from all over the country and takes the approach to study
development of English to a whole new level by not restricting it to classrooms.

Rahul Sen, who did his undergraduate degree in English from Presidency and is now
pursuing his Masters in English from DU compared the two very well, Presidency
created the foundation for studying literature in me. It oriented and trained me to
appreciate and understand literature. It has become a launch pad for my training at
DU which is more or less, theoretical. Presidency has a livelier campus than DU.
Education beyond the classroom. DU is more or less limited to classroom, he
explains.
5. Jawaharlal University: JNUs Centre of English Studies has been ranked one of
the best 100 English Departments of the world. The centre is well known for its
research outlook and comparative studies of multiple themes not limited to just
English which makes ones stay at JNU worth every while. The university is easily one
of the best in India and theres no exaggeration in saying that it is a great place to
get your degree in English.

Top Arts Colleges and Institutes in

Chennai
The latest rankings of the best arts/ humanities colleges in Chennai. This list may help
you short list the colleges you plan to apply for 2015 - 2016 academic session:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Loyola College
Madras Christian College(MCC)
Stella Maris College
Presidency College
Womens Christian College
Ethiraj College for Women
Guru Nanak College
MOP Vaishnav College for women
Meenakshi College for Women
Vivekananda College

Career options
Careers with an English degree
As with other arts and humanities subjects, graduates with an English degree go on
to pursue careers in a diverse range of roles and sectors. Often English graduates will
choose to utilize their strong communication skills, along with their detailed
knowledge of the written word. Popular career options for graduates with an English
degree include:

Journalism and media careers

Within this wide-ranging and fast-changing industry, journalism and media career
opportunities are extremely varied. English graduates are able to use their skills to
work within editorial or production within print, online or broadcast media. Editorial
roles require a strong attention to detail and good editing skills, while production
requires a good eye for design and organization along with great communication
skills.
Becoming a journalist is a highly sought-after and competitive career path, and those
wishing to pursue a journalism career often invest in further study (such as a Masters
in Journalism). With or without postgraduate study, those pursuing the journalism
career path should make sure to build a strong portfolio before graduation, either
through personal writing, paid work, or substantial contributions to university
publications.

Teaching careers
Teaching careers are consistently open to English graduates due to the constant
need for teachers around the world, and the high priority given to the subject at
primary and secondary levels. However, this usually requires further study in order to
gain a teaching qualification.
In the US, although some states require a specific graduate license teach, those who
have graduated from a bachelors degree fit the minimum requirements so long as
practical field experience, such as student teaching, has been undertaken. In
countries such as the UK, youll need to take a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of
Education) after your bachelors degree. When applying for teaching courses and
placements, it will help if you have gained experience of working with children,
adolescents or adult learners.

Marketing, advertising and PR careers

As an English degree graduate, youll have gained the great communication skills
required for marketing, advertising and PR careers. Roles in each of these sectors
involve working closely with people, both colleagues and clients, with a strong focus
on your target audience. Once you gain some experience in the industry, youll have
the opportunity to take on account management responsibilities, becoming an expert
in how to market a particular product (which could be a sellable item, an individual
person, a service or an organization).

Publishing careers
Publishing careers are again wide and varied, spanning book publishing, online
publishing, scientific and medical journals, business to business (B2B) and
commercial magazine publishing. Within these, common roles for English graduates
include writing, researching, editing, sub-editing and copy proofing. A good first step
within publishing would be an editorial or production assistant role, which typically
involves both daily admin as well as editing and proof reading.

Civil service careers

Again your communication skills and attention to detail will come in handy for civil
service careers. These roles are diverse but often will task you with researching and
analyzing policy options, drafting material to be used as the basis for new legislation,
liaising with external organizations, supporting ministers in government work and
helping to manage their departments.

Other careers for English graduates

Other careers you may consider with an English degree include retail management
(experience needed), politics, law or law enforcement (further qualifications needed),
finance (as long as you have proven numeracy skills), sales, recruitment, library and
museum work, academia (further study often required), and even teaching English as
a foreign language (TEFL) somewhere far away from home.

Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:

Editorial assistant
English as a foreign language teacher

Lexicographer

Magazine journalist

Newspaper journalist

Primary school teacher

Secondary school teacher

Writer

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

Academic librarian
Advertising account executive

Advertising copywriter

Arts administrator

Information officer

Marketing executive

Public relations officer

Records manager

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree
subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience
As English is a non-vocational course, the skills developed outside your study are also
vital in developing a well-rounded CV. While at university, for example, many English
students write for student newspapers and magazines, get involved with student radio
or film societies, or volunteer in the community or local schools. The combination of
evidence of skills gained from work experience and extracurricular activities, as well
as through study, can help boost your job prospects.
Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers
English graduates find opportunities with many different employers. Public and private
sector organisations such as the National Health Service (NHS), educational
institutions, local and national government, financial and legal firms, and voluntary
and charitable organisations employ English graduates in a range of roles, including:

administration;
research;

finance;

general management.

Other typical employers include:

publishing companies;
advertising marketing and public relations agencies;

media organisations.

The retail, leisure and tourism sectors also typically recruit English graduates.
Find information on employers in media and internet, marketing, advertising and PR,
public services and administration and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

The major strength of all English graduates is the ability to communicate effectively,
both orally and in writing. Studying an English degree also develops skills in:

independent working;
time management and organisation;

planning and researching written work;

articulating knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories;

leading and participating in discussions;

negotiation and teamworking to present ideas and information;

effectively conveying arguments and opinions and thinking creatively;

using your judgement to weigh up alternative perspectives;

critical reasoning and analysis;

using IT.

Further study
Some English graduates choose to continue their academic studies by doing an MA or
a PhD, while others choose to study more vocational postgraduate courses in areas
such as teaching, journalism, librarianship or law. Such courses allow you to study in
an area you wish to enter as a career. More information on funding for postgraduate
study and research is available from the Arts and Humanities Research Council
(AHRC).
English graduates may decide to undertake further study in areas such as marketing
and management, finance, human resource management and business to enhance
their knowledge of a specific career area.
For more information on further study and find a course that interests you, see
Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses.

What can I do with an English

Literature degree?
A degree in English Literature could open the book into an exciting career in
a whole range of areas. Read on to find out more.

What are your skills?

English Literature is a non-vocational degree which means that it gives you some
all-round skills that can be applied to different careers rather than training for a
specific job. These skills include:

Written and other communication skills

Understanding complex ideas and theories

Research

Which job?
Media and journalism
Many journalists have an English degree, since the ability to research subjects and
write clearly and concisely are essential to the job. It doesnt just have to be writing
for print or online press either, since jobs in TV and radio also require great research
skills. Check out our Careers in Media section for some ideas.
To get into the media, doing some work for your student media and getting some
media work experience alongside your degree will give you a big advantage. You
might also want to consider studying a postgraduate course run by the NCTJ.

The average salary for an Entry-Level Journalist is Rs 248,025 per

year.
A Mid-Career Journalist earns an average salary of Rs 398,662 per year.
The average pay for an Experienced Journalist is Rs 600,000 per year.

Publishing
If a degree in English Literature means one thing, its that you understand books, so
English graduates are in high demand in the publishing industry. Begin as an
editorial assistant and youll be proofing and correcting books before theyre
published, and could work your way up to a commissioning role deciding which books
will sell and why. There are plenty of other jobs available in publishing as well, so
check out our Careers in Publishing article for more inspiration.
Copy Editor
Rs
50 salaries
Graphic Designer
Rs
22 salaries
Editor
Rs
17 salaries
Assistant Editor
Rs
15 salaries
Sr. Editor
Rs
12 salaries
Content Writer
Rs
8 salaries
Software Engineer
Rs
8 salaries

244,360
206,957
483,000
420,000
593,218
198,000
405,000

Advertising and PR
Being able to make and explain a persuasive argument is a big part of studying
English Literature, and is crucial for working in advertising and PR. You could put your
skills to good use as an advertising copywriter for example, or if youd prefer
dealing with people face-to-face, then a job as a public relations or press officer
could be for you.

Getting involved with some campaigns at your Student Union or with a charity will
give you some great firsthand experience, and its also worth thinking about getting a
professional marketing qualification from an organisation like the Chartered
Institute of Marketing after your degree as well.
Marketing Manager
245 salaries
Senior Marketing Manager
57 salaries
Marketing Communications Manager
45 salaries
Marketing Director
38 salaries
Senior Copywriter
34 salaries
Product Marketing Manager
15 salaries
Senior Account Executive
7 salaries

Rs 659,744

Rs 1,333,296

Rs 878,323

Rs 2,696,296

Rs 482,220

Rs 900,000

Rs 360,000

Teaching
Teaching is a good choice if you want to share your love of literature with others.
Youll not only need to know the books youre teaching inside out, but also have great
communication skills to inspire your class, and perfect spelling and grammar for
marking their work. Youll need to study a teaching qualification after you graduate,
and you can find out more about the different options in our Teaching section.
If youre planning to become a lecturer at a private university or college in India, then
you should take UGC-NET exam. UGC NET exam is conducted for the candidates who
want to become lecturer, anyone pursuing M.A. English or have completed it with 55
per cent score can appear for this exam.

The average pay for an Entry-Level Professor, Postsecondary / Higher

Education is Rs 485,778 per year.
A Mid-Career Professor, Postsecondary / Higher Education earns an average salary of
Rs 973,874 per year.
The average pay for an Experienced Professor, Postsecondary / Higher Education is Rs
1,165,303 per year.

Arts
Literature is art after all, and even if you dont end up writing a bestseller yourself,
the skills you pick up studying English Literature will be useful in many parts of the
arts industry. You could write programmes and publicity material for museums and art
galleries for example, help to organise festivals and events, and work for arts
organisations seeking funding or the companies and other people doling out the
cash. Take a look at some of the other articles in our Careers in Arts and
Humanities section.
Internet
Internet is the big game now, which has become a virtual world that offers endless
opportunities to English literature students. So, if you want to enter the dynamic
world of Internet then you can as a writer, marketer, strategist and others.
The digital/online marketing industry in India has lot to offer to English literature
students, as there are many working as a content writer, content marketer,
copywriter, strategist, digital marketer etc. and still the demand is only rising each
year.
However, to work in digital world, you require certain set of skills and knowledge
before you can set out to climb up the ladder. If youve writing skills only, you can
start your career as a content writer, but if you develop your skills or do a course in
digital marketing then you can reach higher.
To learn more about career in digital marketing go here.
You can also work as a freelancer, in fact many marketers and content writer are
working as a freelancer instead of taking up a regular job. And theyre earning more
than decent sum per month.
BPOs and KPOs
In India, BPOs and KPOs offer wide variety of jobs with decent salaries, and still it is
one of the largest employers in India. You can enter this industry only with a graduate
degree with all you need is effective grasp over the English language. Moreover, if
youve UK or US accent, you will get higher pay packages as well.
But this industry is infamous for not being a long term career option for many, and
also monotony and sluggish career growth keeps many far away. So, if youre
entering this career then choose wisely, do some research before entering.
There are companies such as Accenture, Tata Consultancy Services, Convergys etc.,
which offer good organizational culture and environment, better career prospects and
decent salaries.

Other options
You dont have to stick to jobs directly related to your degree either. You might have
to do further study to get into these sectors, but many jobs in retail, law, business,
social work and politics also need exactly the sort of skills English graduates
have. And remember that creativity and initiative are some of the most important

things English Literature will teach you which are a big help when it comes to
finding any job and thinking about how to apply what youve studied at university to
the world of work.

5 High-Paying Jobs for English Majors

Here's a few from PayScale's College Salary Report including:
1. Senior Technical Writer
2. Director of Communications
3. Senior Copywriter
4. Public Relations Manager
5. Technical Writer