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These statistics relate to graduates who studied English as well as those who combined English with Creative Writing, Film and Television Studies and Music.

Careers in publishing, journalism, marketing, advertising, events management and public relations are traditionally linked to a degree in English and the strong communication and analytical skills developed through this degree discipline are relevant and marketable in most career areas. With around 60% of graduate positions open to graduates from all disciplines, English graduates enter a broad range of careers.

In 2010/11, six months after graduating:

56.5% of graduates with a first degree were in employment

23.9% were in full-time further study

8.7% were combining work and study

Teaching at primary and secondary level is also a popular option with English graduates. For some graduates (particularly those who have graduated without relevant classroom experience) the first step towards getting a place on a teacher training course is to take a job as a teaching assistant or learning support assistant. Administrative roles, particularly in the public and not-for-profit sectors are also a common employment destination. Frequently these are temporary jobs which provide the necessary skills and experience to enable graduates to realise their longer term career aims. For example, entry to a postgraduate course in librarianship normally requires one year’s experience as a library assistant.

In 2010/11 English graduates were employed in the following positions:

• Buyer
• English Teacher
• English Tutor
• Marketing Assistant
• Media Researcher
• Research Assistant
• Writer

In 2010/11 English graduates entered further study courses such as:

• MA Creative Writing
• MA English Literature
• MA Journalism
• MA Marketing
• MA Philosophy, Theology and Literature
• MA Screen Media
• MA The Novel
• MMus Music
• PGCE Primary Education
• PGCE Secondary English

The graduate labour market remains competitive and relevant experience is increasingly required for graduate level jobs. For those without related experience job search strategy is often about getting a ‘foot in the door’ in order to compete for graduate positions later.

A growing national trend is for many students to delay their job applications until completing their studies, preferring to focus on achieving the highest grade possible. This can result in some graduates initially continuing with their part-time job while they explore their options after graduating. As a result some graduates were working in non-graduate level positions including sales, customer service, administrative and personal service occupations.

The DLHE survey provides a snapshot of a very short amount of time (six months) after graduating and while many have progressed into relevant graduate jobs others are taking time out, travelling, waiting to start a course or continuing with their part-time job while they explore their options after graduating. Many graduates have moved on in their careers since completing the questionnaire.