English is a subject that can be applied to a huge number of industries and careers, as well as a route into graduate training schemes. It can help you develop a range of skills that are important to employers, such as strong written and spoken communication; attention to detail; knowing which details are important to draw upon; independent working; and using your judgement to weigh up alternative perspectives.
Here at Sunderland, our English: Creative and Professional Writing BA enables you to understand writing as a profession while exploring and developing your own creative talent, while MA English Studies combines the study of literatures, linguistics, critical theory and creative writing.
Read on to learn more about our courses and find out what you can do with an English degree from the University of Sunderland...
Our courses
BA (Hons) English: Creative and Professional Writing
This course is perfect if you are interested in exploring a range of careers in the creative industries. The writing skills you’ll develop can be used in publishing, literary arts, the media, script and screen writing, marketing and communications, freelance creative writing and other related areas. We’ll also provide you with a solid understanding of the English language and literature.
MA English Studies
If you choose to continue your studies, you could look at our postgraduate English degree. Combining the study of literature, linguistics, critical theory and creative writing, you’ll immerse yourself in literature from the 17th century to the present day.
You’ll develop skills in analysis, reasoning and communication, and build on your personal writing abilities. This MA would also be a useful CPD opportunity for English teachers.
Opportunities while you study
The English: Creative and Professional Writing BA course offers a wide range of opportunities for you take advantage of while you study.
You’ll be able to get your writing out there from day one through the mediaHUB, our bustling multimedia newsroom where you’ll develop your storytelling and content producing skills. There is also the chance to work with established organisations through placement and work experience opportunities, as well as the option to participate in the Sunderland Creative Writing Festival and the Sunderland Literature Festival.
You’ll be taught by and work alongside writers and novelists and attend guest lectures from those working in the publishing, writing and professional creative sectors.
MA English studies offers publishing experience through Spectral Visions Press, a publishing house located at the University of Sunderland, which specialises in creative writing inspired by Gothic literature.
These opportunities can help you develop your portfolio of work, as well as prepare you for employment after graduation.
Employment
Our English degrees aim to equip you with the skills, knowledge and contacts you’ll need for a successful career in the creative industries and beyond.
As well as teaching, journalism, PR and publishing, you’ll be well placed for a career in areas such as advertising and digital copywriting, social media and content management, arts administration, marketing and media research. You may also wish to stay in academia and undertake a postgraduate research degree – hear from graduate, Rosie Hordon-Clark who took this route.
There are so many exciting career opportunities out there for English graduates, and here at Sunderland, we want to help you get there.
Find out more
To learn more about our English degrees, check out our course pages or join us on campus for an Open Day.
Published: 6 April 2022