What can I do with an English Literature A Level?
An A Level in English Literature provides a wide range of opportunities, as it develops strong analytical, communication, and writing skills that are highly valued in many fields. Here are some potential pathways:
1. University Degrees
English Literature: Continue studying English Literature at university, where you can specialize in areas like medieval literature, contemporary fiction, literary theory, or creative writing.
Journalism or Media Studies: A solid foundation for careers in journalism, media, or communications, as these fields require strong writing and analytical skills.
Law: Many students go on to study law, where the ability to analyze texts, construct arguments, and write persuasively is essential.
History, Politics, or Philosophy: English Literature complements these subjects, and many students pursue them at university due to the strong analytical and research skills developed during A Level studies.
Creative Writing: If you’re interested in writing professionally (fiction, poetry, screenwriting), English Literature provides the literary background to inform and develop your craft.
2. Career Paths
Publishing: Roles in editing, literary agent work, and book marketing can be great fits for literature graduates. A deep understanding of language and texts is key in this industry.
Journalism: Many English Literature graduates work as journalists, contributing to newspapers, magazines, or digital media. The ability to research, analyze, and communicate clearly is vital for this career.
Teaching and Academia: English teachers at secondary schools, sixth forms, and universities need a strong background in literature. Further education (a degree and possibly a postgraduate qualification) would be required for teaching.
Marketing and Communications: Strong writing skills are critical in marketing, PR, and corporate communications roles. You could work on crafting narratives, managing brand messaging, or creating content for digital platforms.
Law: Many law firms value the critical thinking and argumentative skills that English Literature students bring, and A Level English is a good foundation for studying law at university.
Creative Industries: With an A Level in English Literature, you can pursue careers in screenwriting, playwriting, or working in media production (film, theatre, TV).
Library and Information Services: A love for books and an understanding of research makes this a suitable career path, especially for those interested in working in academic or public libraries.
3. Transferable Skills
Critical Thinking: Analysing texts in depth teaches you to think critically about various forms of media and communication.
Writing and Communication: Clear and persuasive writing is a key outcome of studying literature. This is useful in any profession that requires presenting ideas, reports, or content.
Research and Analysis: English Literature A Level involves researching contexts, themes, and meanings, which is essential in careers that require in-depth analysis and synthesis of information.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Literature often deals with complex human emotions and experiences. This helps develop empathy, which is valuable in any profession that involves working with people (e.g., counseling, social work, or human resources).
4. Further Study and Specialisation
Postgraduate Study: You could pursue a Master’s degree in English, Creative Writing, or related fields. This can lead to further academic research, writing, or teaching careers.
Professional Courses: Many professional fields (e.g., law, marketing, journalism) offer conversion or specialized courses that allow you to combine your literature background with technical expertise.
5. Entrepreneurship
Freelance Writing: You could work as a freelance writer, producing content for websites, blogs, magazines, or businesses.
Creative Projects: With the rise of self-publishing and digital media, starting a blog, writing a book, or developing content for social platforms could turn into a career path.
In summary, an A Level in English Literature opens doors to a variety of academic, creative, and professional opportunities, offering both specialization in literature-related fields and transferable skills for broader career paths.