A degree in English or creative writing sets you up for a range of career options. There’s support and opportunities available throughout your degree that will provide you with guidance and experience of the real-world.
Our graduates develop many key and transferable skills, including communication, confidence and critical thinking, highly regarded by employers.
Previous graduates have explored successful careers in a variety of sectors, including publishing, journalism, local government and professional writing. With employability skills embedded into our courses, we actively encourage our students to embrace any opportunities to gain work-related learning experience, with financial assistance often available through the Edge Hill University Student Opportunity Fund.
English Literature student, Milena Bittmar has recently been awarded funding from the Student Opportunity Fund to support her with both an unmissable internship opportunity with Knives Forks and Spoons Press (K.F.S.) in Liverpool, and two Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) courses that will help significantly in her future career in publishing.
“This internship is with K.F.S. Press in Liverpool, teaching me how to copy edit, proofread and market in publishing. With the Edge Hill University Student Opportunity Fund, I’ve been able to afford books about the publishing industry, travel to Liverpool for the launch of books that I helped produce, and access the CIEP courses.”
Milena Bittmar, BA (Hons) English Literature
The student experience
“Being at Edge Hill has given me some amazing opportunities. For my first year placement, I worked for a review website called Writebase in Liverpool. I got to watch a whole range of shows, from pantos to ballets to pop concerts, and write reviews published online. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so having to write to a very short deadline has really developed my writing skills. I learned to write much quicker without overthinking – that will be so useful in the future.”
Rebecca Hodge, BA (Hons) English Language
Employer view
Previous students have undertaken work experience at Bigtank. Working with Production Manager Clare Waterfall, they have helped develop the business’ social media activity and created engaging website content and blogs. Clare is fully supportive, giving students the opportunity to learn, contribute and have an impact on the everyday running of a work place.
“The functional application of knowledge and skills can enhance a student’s learning and provide us with the opportunity to look at potential future employees. I’m passionate about helping to create bright futures for students who want to gain valuable work experience while studying. I know myself how important it is to be able to show future employers that you’ve gained some
Clare Waterfall, Production Manager, Bigtank
work experience while in education.”
Graduate life
“The course provided me with a multitude of skills that prepared me for life after graduation. I gained the confidence to try writing opportunities that have often resulted in success, such as my commendation in the national Dial-a-Poem competition. The transferable skills I developed during my degree allowed me to apply for a variety of jobs in a range of different sectors, eventually starting my career in the finance sector. In this role I provide support with pension scheme accounts and, while finance is not directly connected with creative writing, my degree has helped me to secure my position through transferable skills such as communication, confidence and creative thinking. Alongside my employment, I always find time to write and take advantage of opportunities that could develop my career as a writer.”
Dylan Booth, MA Creative Writing
Graduate life
After studying and graduating from the BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree, Vicky Loftus decided to continue her studies on the MA Creative Writing. Vicky has already gained a job as a content writer.
“I highly recommend pursuing a Masters programme after your undergraduate studies. The MA Creative Writing programme has really allowed me to mature, become more confident in my writing and make so many connections with so many different, influential people. I’m already working as a content writer which I absolutely love, especially as it relates directly to both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.”
Vicky Loftus, MA Creative Writing
Still have some questions? Listen to our series of Q&A’s with some of our current English students who your frequently asked questions:
July 1, 2022
