English Literature

English Literature graduates gain an in-depth understanding of the written language and can analyse, interpret, edit, and communicate to a high standard.

Through reading and analysing texts from different ages and cultures, English Literature students deepen their understanding of human nature and behaviour. They interpret and draw on the insights and ideas of writers and learn from the creative ways they use language to communicate their view of life. Graduates gain strong skills in written communication in a variety of formats and styles. They critique and edit the writing of others and develop an eye for detail that helps them analyse and interpret data.

Roles and career pathways

English Literature graduates work in a wide range of roles

The key skills that English literature graduates bring to many roles include critical analysis, research, and a high standard of written communication. They  therefore can be found in roles such as:

  • content writers
  • editors
  • journalists
  • curriculum developers
  • communications, media, or social media advisers.

With their interpretative, creative, and critical thinking skills, English Literature graduates can bring a fresh perspective to IT roles, such as:

  • test analysts
  • data analysts
  • business development advisers
  • project coordinators.
  • service designers
  • user researchers
  • user experience designers.

For these roles, study or experience in UX (user experience) design, web design, or software development is desirable.

Graduates are being creative about their first roles

First roles for graduates with undergraduate degrees may be in roles that may not seem directly linked to their area of study, for example, administrator, executive assistant, or coordinator. Those interested in moving into library or archive work often start in library assistant roles before undertaking a related postgraduate qualification.

Postgraduate  study in English Literature opens further opportunities

Government ministries employ graduates with a postgraduate qualification to work in policy, stakeholder relations, communications, and research analyst or advisory roles. Postgraduate study in English Literature, such as an Honours or Master’s degree, is helpful for most policy and research roles or where specialised, in-depth analysis is important.

Consider Creative Writing courses as part of your undergraduate degree or the Master of Creative Writing with the International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML), if you want to work as a writer or content creator.

A postgraduate qualification in Information Studies is helpful if you want to progress into library, information management, or archive work.

Completing a postgraduate diploma in secondary teaching (limited entry) is required to teach English and a second teaching subject is usually required. For more information, see Teacher Education and Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Education.

Graduate career stories

A head and shoulders photo of Lana Gibson, who wears a dark coat, a white shirt and her hair pulled back.

Lana Gibson

Studies in English Literature sharpened Lana’s critical thinking, analysis, and communication abilities, skills she depends on to run a data strategy business.
Head and shoulders portrait of Tihema, who smiles and looks off camera. He wears a black short-sleeved collared shirt.

Tihema Baker

Complementary English and Māori Studies majors fostered the core skills of writing and critical thinking that Tihema now uses daily in his mahi as a consultant.
Jacob Waitere

Jacob Waitere

Work experience in a hall of residence and skills honed from English Literature and Education studies gave Jacob a solid foundation for leadership roles.

Where English Literature graduates work

English Literature graduates work across the private and public sectors. Recent graduates have worked in organisations such as:

Build relevant skills and experience

Part-time work and volunteering during study help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. If you are interested in writing or publishing, volunteering at with cultural events such as readers'  and writers' festivals is a great way to get to know the industry.

The FHSS Internship run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences includes practical workplace experience.

Make career connections

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career and networking opportunities.

NZ Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) and Booksellers NZ have regular events, including organising writers' and readers' festivals and writing events. The Big Idea website is a useful resource for networking and finding out about roles in the creative industries.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals also offer various events and opportunities for networking and the Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students can also help enhance your connections and employability while studying.