Undergraduate applicants - 2024 Entry

After your degree

Where might our programmes take you? Read more about career options and be inspired by our alumni.

Careers

Skills and experience

Studying literature shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.

Beyond the literary, critical thinking and creative skills you will gain by engaging with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading on our programmes, graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.

The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and concepts, and to manage your time to meet deadlines on different types of project, both independently and as part of a group.

Opportunities across sectors

During your time with us, you will study a range of subjects, with the option to take courses in languages, and in other areas of the humanities and social sciences, for example.

As you progress through your honours years (Years 3 and 4), you will specialise in one or more literary topics, periods or genres.

This breadth of education gives you the foundations to excel in a range of career sectors, especially those that value transferable humanities skills.

Our alumni have gone on to careers in the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, sometimes through graduate training schemes where the ability to communicate well is essential in securing a competitive place.

Typical sectors include:

  • business, finance and commerce
  • communications, marketing, advertising and public relations
  • creative writing, publishing, culture, heritage, and the arts
  • education, outreach, advocacy and training
  • journalism, broadcasting and media
  • leisure, tourism and travel
  • politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and law
  • research, development and venture acceleration

Alumni stories

Studying at Edinburgh gave me a strong grasp of language, which is the foundation of my career. It also gave me a historical overview of artistic and linguistic styles, many of which have influenced my work.

It instilled a fierce work ethic in me. I learned that good ideas, like good grades, do not come easily. A love of books and a desire to be a writer sent me to Edinburgh University. And it’s what’s made me into a better copywriter.

Mairi Wilson, English Literature MA (Hons), 2015Copywriter at The Leith Agency

Be inspired by alumni in literatures, languages and cultures

Careers advice

Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills.

As part of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), we have a dedicated Careers Consultant within the University's excellent Careers Service.

You can book one-to-one appointments and practice interviews, access a range of online resources, and attend themed fairs such as the Creative and Cultural Careers Festival.

Popular peer support includes Life After LLC, a panel event where you can draw inspiration from our recent graduates.

Find out more about the Careers Service

Further study

The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level.

At the University of Edinburgh, for example, we typically offer:

  • taught and research-led MSc degrees in literature
  • MScs in Playwriting and Creative Writing
  • interdisciplinary MSc programmes in Comparative Literature and Intermediality

Beyond literature, our degree prepares you for further study in almost any humanities and social science discipline.

Find out more about postgraduate study in English Literature and Scottish Literature