Career opportunities for English Literature graduates span all sectors of employment. Often progressing into fields such as education, creative industries, communication and media, marketing, public relations, legal, business, publishing, journalism, charities, civil service and academia. The degree fosters skills in research, argumentation, and textual analysis, which are essential in these professions.
Public Relations Officer Manage an organisation’s public image by crafting media communications, handling press relations, and responding to public inquiries. Build and maintain a positive reputation through strategic messaging and outreach.
Digital Marketer Promote products or services through online channels such as social media, search engines, email, and websites. Use data-driven strategies to increase brand visibility, drive traffic, and convert leads into customers.
Civil Service Fast Streamer A leadership development programme, designed to prepare talented graduates for senior roles in government. Rotate through various departments, gaining experience in policy-making, project management, and public service delivery.
Editorial Assistant Support the editorial team in producing content by proofreading, fact-checking, and coordinating the publication process. Help manage schedules, liaise with writers and contributors, and ensure content meets quality and style standards.
Secondary/Primary School Teacher Educate students in reading, writing, and critical analysis of literature and language. A Primary School Teacher educates young children across a broad range of subjects, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. They create engaging lessons, support personal and social development, and assess individual progress to meet each child's needs.
UX(User Experience) Designer Combine empathy, research, and storytelling to create intuitive digital interfaces. English graduates often excel in understanding user behaviour and crafting content-driven designs.
Web
content manager Oversee the planning, creation, and updating of content on websites to
ensure it is engaging, accurate, and aligned with brand goals. They
coordinate with writers, designers, and developers to maintain a
consistent online presence and user experience.
Media Planner Work in media or sometimes creative agencies to maximise the impact of advertising campaigns through a range of media platforms. They analyse media trends and data to inform marketing strategies.
Solicitor Provide expert legal advice on a range of issues and can specialise in various areas such as; family and children, human rights, immigration or employment. They can have any degree but will need to pass further exams to qualify.
Recruitment Consultant Responsible for attracting candidates for positions within companies and work can include drafting advertising copy, headhunting and screening candidates for interview.
These roles highlight the versatility of an English degree and how well it translates into roles involving language, analysis, communication, and creativity. Additional short training in digital tools, data literacy, or UX can enhance access to tech and innovation-related careers.
This is a selection of organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past. There are many more possible employers in these and other industries.
Education: Secondary schools, universities both in the UK and globally including via organisations such as Teach First and abroad to teach English as a Foreign Language
Technology and finance: Foreign Exchange Options for HSBC, Business Analysts
Public Sector and Government: Civil Service, UK Youth Association, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Publishing: Hodder and Stoughton, David Higham Associates
PR and Brand: Fleet Street, Yahoo
Employers value the transferable skills gained through the degree, such as critical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability.
The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes a vacancy database advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.
Publishing:
The Writers and Artists Yearbook
Teaching:
Media:
National Council for the Training of Journalists
Public sector and charities:
TargetJobs – English Literature Careers
Undertake extra-curricular activities: Get involved with opportunities available such volunteering, student societies like the English Literature Society or UKC Creative Writing Society, part time work and side hustles as these all count towards experiences to add to your CV.
Portfolio creation: Develop a strong online portfolio showcasing your skills in creative writing, story telling and editing.
Get real-world experience: Gain experience through internships in publishing, media, or tech companies.
Develop Technical Skills: Learn basic digital tools like WordPress or even coding relevant to content creation.
Network: Attend networking events and workshops related to your career interests. Use LinkedIn and Kent’s Career Mentoring scheme to build connections with alumni and professionals to further gain insights into your target roles and industries.
Develop your CV: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant creative, technical and transferable skills for each application.
A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.
Some English Literature graduates pursue further study to specialise or move into research roles. You can explore master's qualifications in subjects such as creative writing, journalism, digital marketing or publishing: