What's it like to study English at university?

An English degree can open the doors to a whole host of careers after graduation. They can come in a range of different shapes and sizes, covering the English language, literature as well as creative writing. Here, we take a look at what English degrees typically cover, answer some of your burning questions and talk to Lois, a recent English graduate from UCL.

Choosing the right English course

There isn't a one-size-fits-all English degree, and there are many subareas of English that you can look to study. You can study English literature, English language, or even a joint honours degree that sees you studying English alongside a complementary course. Some examples of English degrees are:

• English (BA)
• English Language
• English Language and Linguistics
• English Literature
• English and Education Studies
• Creative Writing and English
• American Literature

English literature vs English language

English courses will generally cover both English literature and language, however, you may choose to specialise in a specific area. English literature courses will see you focus more on analysing literary works such as novels and poems, taking into account historical contexts, the author's own life and understanding the text's deeper meanings.

English language courses focus more on analysing the individual words, the structure and grammar of the text. You'll likely look at how the English language has changed over the years, as well as how we use grammar and speech.

While there is overlap, they are also very distinct and it's worth considering if there's one area you would like to study more, or if you'd like to have a well-rounded understanding of English by choosing a course that combines the two.

English isn't one thing - if like me you're interested in film, art and music, you can incorporate this into your degree, or even make it your preferred area of research. For my dissertation, I focused on film trends and even interviewed one of my favourite directors. Any material is worthy of an essay, not just Shakespeare!

Why study English?

An English degree is a great course to give you a wide range of skills. From improving written communication to honing your critical thinking, English is a great degree for those looking to work in Journalism, creative fields and education.

I wasn't sure for quite a long time what I wanted to do. I originally applied for a History degree and ended up doing an Art Foundation for a year after my A-Levels. I finally worked out that I enjoyed the reading and research that came with History, and the creativity that came with Art, and decided to apply for English.

How much reading is involved with an English degree?

English is known for being one of the most reading-intensive courses, but the amount of reading you'll do will depend on whether you study English literature or another English course. It will also be different based on the modules you choose to take.

You'll have reading set based on your modules for lectures and seminars. You will likely discuss this in your seminar groups and will also use as supportive material in your exams. Your essays will also involve reading - most courses will set you core reading and further reading, though you can go one step further to truly impress and do independent reading as well!

While it's mostly reading and writing, it's quite a lot more than that. It's critical thinking, philosophy, history, and even comics/graphic novels. It's your interpretation of literature, and as a degree, it really is what you make of it.

What can you do with an English degree?

English will develop your skills in critical thinking, essay writing, text analysis, communication and so much more. That's why an English degree can open you up to a world of possibilities.

Here are just some of the careers English graduates go on to do:

• Advertising Copywriter
• Arts Administrator
• Copywriter
• Editorial Assistant
• English as a foreign language Teacher
• Information Officer
• Lexicographer
• MagazineJournalist
• Marketing Executive
• Newspaper Journalist
• Public relations officer
• Records manager
• Secondary school teacher
• Teacher
• Writer

You can find out more about the specifics of an English degree as well as entry requirements and job prospects in our guide to what is an English literature degree and English language degree!