What to do with an English, Literature and Creative Writing degree

Explore the careers you might be interested in going into after studying an English, Literature and Creative Writing degree.

Seminar leader writing on a white board in a seminar at the University of Sussex

What can you do with an undergraduate English, Literature and Creative Writing degree?

From English literature to creative writing, whichever English-based degree you choose to do, you'll graduate with a wealth of skills to prepare you for most careers. Find out more about our courses and course content.

Already at Sussex? Visit our careers site.

What jobs can you get with an undergraduate English, Literature and Creative Writing degree?

Jobs may include, but are not limited to:

  • archivist
  • [jobs in] the arts
  • [jobs in] the civil service
  • content editor
  • copywriter
  • digital content officer or manager
  • editorial assistant
  • journalist
  • librarian
  • marketing executive
  • [jobs in] media
  • [jobs in] the museum sector
  • proofreader
  • public relations officer
  • publishing editor
  • social media officer or manager
  • teacher
  • writer.

If you haven’t studied a degree yet, and you’re considering an English, Literature and Creative Writing course, you may want to browse our: 

Skills

You may develop skills including:

  • critical assessment (the ability to examine and appraise your own or others’ work based on careful analytical evaluation)
  • written communication
  • independent thinking
  • motivation (having the incentive, drive and positive will power to achieve your goals)
  • problem-solving
  • self-awareness (being aware of your own views and opinions, and any bias within these).

At Sussex, you can further develop your study skills by signing up for a range of workshops, tutorials and online resources.

Work experience and placements

You can gain work experience by doing a placement with an organisation. 

At Sussex, during your degree, you can choose to apply for one of the below: 

  • a professional placement
  • an integrated placement if it is a requirement for a course.

This may help you gain skills and work experience before you graduate. Find out more about placements and internships at Sussex. 

You might also want to look for work experience opportunities in your own time at:

  • digital agencies
  • local newspapers or magazines
  • national newspapers or magazines 
  • marketing agencies
  • media organisations
  • press and communications offices
  • public relations offices
  • publishing companies

What can you do with a Masters in English, Literature and Creative Writing?

You might want to pursue a career in any of the above jobs. Or you could think about continuing your education further.

At Sussex, we offer research (PhD) degrees in the following subject areas: 

You may then be able to go into an academic career, including roles such as:

  • researcher
  • higher education lecturer 
  • professor. 

For more information about careers after an English, Literature and Creative Writing degree, see the Prospects website.

If you’re a current Sussex student, see more advice from our careers section.

What do you want to do next?