What can you do with English Literature?

English Literature teaches you to read carefully, hold competing interpretations open, and write with conviction about what you've found. At A-Level it goes deeper still – placing texts in their time, comparing voices across centuries, and treating the act of reading as a discipline in its own right.

In this guide

Jobs that use English Literature
Skills that English Literature builds
English Literature at GCSE
English Literature at A-Level
Subjects that pair with English Literature
Where English Literature can take you next
FAQs

Also available

English Literature lesson plans for teachers

Jobs that use English Literature

English Literature is the subject behind writing, publishing, and the screen – the worlds where the close reading and writing it builds are the daily craft. The careers below sit closest to the subject. Many other careers – from law and teaching to communications and academia – also draw heavily on it, even where it isn't a named requirement.

View all jobs that use English Literature

	Advertising copywriter Advertising copywriters draw on literary techniques like metaphor, wordplay, rhythm, and storytelling to make their writing memorable. Studying how great writers use language to evoke emotion and hold attention directly feeds into creating powerful advertising copy.
	Copy editor Copy editors work closely with written texts across many genres, from books to magazine features. Studying literature develops the ability to analyse how language choices affect meaning and tone – skills copy editors use constantly when refining an author's work.
	Librarian Librarians need a deep knowledge of books, authors, and literary genres to help readers find what they're looking for and to recommend new titles. They also select which new publications to buy, which requires an understanding of literary quality and what appeals to different audiences.
	Newspaper or magazine editor Newspaper or magazine editors develop a strong sense of narrative, tone, and audience through wide reading – skills that are central to judging whether a piece of writing works. Understanding different writing styles and literary techniques helps them shape articles and features that connect with readers.
	Newspaper or magazine journalist Newspaper or magazine journalists benefit from wide reading and the ability to analyse texts critically, which sharpens their own writing. Studying literature develops a feel for narrative, tone, and how to hold a reader's attention – skills that are central to feature writing and long-form journalism.
	Editorial assistant Editorial assistants working in book publishing need to engage closely with written works, understanding narrative structure, tone, and audience. Studying literature develops the critical reading skills needed to assess manuscripts and spot issues with clarity, consistency, and style.
	Proofreader Proofreaders develop a sharp eye for language, tone, and style through close reading – skills that are central to studying literature. Working with a wide range of texts in this subject builds the kind of sensitivity to word choice and meaning that proofreaders rely on every day.
	Actor Actors analyse scripts in much the same way students analyse plays and novels – looking at themes, subtext, character motivation, and the writer's intentions. A deep understanding of literary texts, especially plays by writers like Shakespeare, Miller, or Priestley, is essential for interpreting roles with depth and nuance.
	Bookseller Booksellers need a broad knowledge of books across different genres, authors, and time periods to recommend titles and advise customers. Understanding literary movements, classic works, and contemporary fiction helps them curate stock and lead book clubs or in-store reviews.
	Celebrant Celebrants draw on poetry, prose, and literary traditions when helping clients choose readings or write tributes. A strong sense of storytelling and an ear for language helps them weave personal stories into ceremonies that feel genuine and memorable.
	Film critic Film critics analyse storytelling, character development, themes, and symbolism – skills that are central to studying literature. Understanding narrative techniques and how to construct a critical argument about a creative work is directly transferable to writing about film.
	Library assistant Library assistants help customers find books and reading materials, and often promote collections or recommend titles. A broad knowledge of literature – including different genres, authors, and periods – helps them guide readers and support activities like storytelling sessions.
	Screenwriter Screenwriters draw on storytelling traditions, narrative structure, and character development – all core elements of studying literature. Analysing how great writers build tension, create memorable characters, and use themes helps screenwriters develop their own craft and write stories that resonate with audiences.
	Translator Translators who work on books, subtitles, or creative content need a strong feel for narrative, style, and literary techniques. Studying literature develops the ability to interpret meaning beyond the literal words and recreate the author's voice in another language.
	TV or film director TV and film directors interpret scripts and source material, analysing themes, character motivations, and narrative arcs to shape the overall vision of a production. A strong understanding of storytelling, symbolism, and how texts create meaning helps them make creative choices that resonate with audiences.
	Writer Writers draw on a deep understanding of storytelling, narrative structure, character development, and literary techniques. Studying how established authors use language, build tension, and create meaning helps writers develop their own voice and craft more compelling work.
	Barrister Barristers spend a great deal of time analysing and interpreting written texts – from witness statements and case reports to legislation. The close reading and critical analysis skills developed in English Literature help barristers pick apart arguments and identify what a text really means.
	Dramatherapist Dramatherapists use storytelling, myths, and narrative as therapeutic tools to help clients make sense of their experiences. A strong understanding of how stories, characters, and themes work gives them a rich toolkit for creating meaningful sessions.
	Higher education lecturer Higher education lecturers spend a great deal of time reading, analysing, and critiquing written texts – whether research papers, academic journals, or student essays. The close reading and analytical skills developed in English Literature are valuable across many academic disciplines.
	Judge Judges spend much of their time reading and interpreting dense, complex texts – from legal submissions to witness statements. The close reading and analytical skills developed through studying literature are directly useful when unpicking the meaning and intent behind written arguments.
	Play therapist Play therapists use storytelling and narrative techniques to help children process complex feelings and experiences. Understanding how stories work – including themes, characters, and symbolism – helps them choose or create stories that resonate with a child's situation.
	Psychotherapist Psychotherapists benefit from the deep understanding of human emotion, motivation, and relationships that comes from studying literature. Analysing characters and narratives builds the kind of empathy and interpretive skill that is central to therapeutic work.
	Public relations director Public relations directors analyse how language, tone, and narrative shape people's perceptions – skills developed through studying literature. Being able to craft compelling stories around a brand or organisation helps them connect with audiences on an emotional level.
	Secondary school teacher Secondary school teachers benefit from strong literacy and the ability to engage with texts, ideas, and arguments across many subjects. English Literature develops the analytical and communication skills that help teachers explain concepts, lead discussions, and inspire curiosity in their students.
	Archivist Archivists often handle literary manuscripts, correspondence, and published works as part of their collections. The close reading and analytical skills developed in English Literature help when interpreting the meaning and significance of historical texts.
	Art editor Art editors need to understand the tone and themes of written content so they can match the visual style to the editorial voice. A feel for narrative, mood, and audience – skills developed through studying literature – helps them make design choices that complement the writing.
	Bid writer Bid writers need to construct persuasive arguments and use language strategically to influence decision-makers. Studying literature develops skills in close reading, structuring ideas, and understanding how word choices shape a reader's response – all of which are valuable when crafting winning bids.
	Broadcast journalist Broadcast journalists benefit from the close reading and analytical skills developed in English Literature – interpreting texts, identifying bias, and understanding narrative structure. These skills help when researching stories, evaluating sources, and crafting compelling reports.
	Costume designer Costume designers interpret scripts and source texts to understand characters, themes, and narrative arcs before beginning their designs. A strong ability to analyse written material helps them pick up on subtle details about a character's background, relationships, and emotional journey that should be reflected in what they wear.
	Counsellor Counsellors need deep empathy and the ability to understand complex human emotions and motivations. Studying literature develops these skills by exploring characters' inner lives, relationships, and responses to difficult situations – the same kinds of experiences clients bring to sessions.
	Further education teacher Further education teachers who deliver A level or access courses in English need a deep understanding of literary texts, critical analysis, and how to guide students through complex reading. Even outside English departments, strong literacy skills help teachers create engaging written materials and resources.
	Media researcher Media researchers analyse scripts, narratives, and written material as part of developing programme content. The close reading and critical thinking skills built through studying literature help them assess stories, identify compelling angles, and understand how narratives engage audiences.
	Stage manager Stage managers work closely with scripts and need to understand narrative structure, character development, and dramatic themes. This helps them anticipate what a director needs during rehearsals and ensure the production stays true to the text.
	Technical author Technical authors benefit from the close reading and analytical skills developed through studying literature. Being able to assess how language choices affect a reader's understanding helps them write documents that are clear, well-structured, and appropriate for their audience.
	Advertising art director Advertising art directors draw on storytelling techniques to create campaigns that resonate emotionally with audiences. Studying how narratives, themes, and symbolism work in literature builds the kind of creative thinking that helps them develop original and compelling advertising concepts.
	Art valuer Art valuers benefit from understanding the cultural and literary movements that influenced artists and their work. Being able to interpret symbolism, narrative, and meaning in artworks – skills developed through studying literature – helps when researching and contextualising pieces.
	Paralegal Paralegals need to analyse and interpret dense, complex texts carefully – a skill that studying literature develops well. Close reading, constructing well-reasoned arguments, and understanding how language can be used persuasively are all directly useful when working with legal materials.
	Public relations officer Public relations officers craft narratives that shape how people think and feel about a brand or individual. Studying literature develops the ability to analyse tone, audience, and persuasive storytelling techniques – all of which are valuable when writing compelling PR content.
	Web content editor Web content editors need a strong sense of how language, tone, and narrative structure affect a reader's experience. Studying literature develops close reading and analytical skills that help when crafting compelling web copy or editing other people's writing.
	English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher EFL teachers often use stories, poems, and extracts from literature to help students engage with English in a meaningful way. A strong background in literature also deepens their own command of the language and helps them introduce students to different styles and registers of English.
	Illustrator Illustrators who work in publishing need to interpret stories, poems, and other literary texts to create images that capture the mood, themes, and characters. A strong understanding of narrative and how language creates imagery helps them produce illustrations that complement the writing.
	Indexer Indexers need to read and comprehend complex texts quickly, picking out themes, arguments, and how ideas connect across a document. Studying literature builds the close reading and analytical skills that help indexers understand the structure and meaning of lengthy works.
	Online tutor Online tutors who teach English or humanities subjects draw directly on their knowledge of literary texts, analysis techniques, and critical thinking. Even for tutors in other subjects, the ability to interpret and discuss complex material with students is a valuable skill.
	Radio broadcast assistant Radio broadcast assistants research topics and material for programmes, which can involve engaging with books, scripts, and cultural content. A strong background in reading and analysing texts helps when preparing briefings and identifying compelling stories for broadcast.
	Religious leader Religious leaders interpret sacred texts and writings that use symbolism, allegory, and poetic language. The close reading and analytical skills developed in English Literature help them draw out meaning from complex passages and communicate those insights to others.
	Set designer Set designers analyse scripts in detail to understand themes, symbolism, and the world the writer has created. A strong ability to interpret texts helps them make design choices that reflect the deeper meaning of a production.
	Skills for life teacher Skills for life teachers sometimes use stories, poems, and other texts to engage learners and build their reading confidence. A love of literature and the ability to select accessible, interesting material can make lessons more enjoyable and meaningful for students.
	Sports commentator Sports commentators use storytelling techniques to bring sporting events to life, building narratives around rivalries, comebacks, and personal journeys. Studying literature develops the kind of rich vocabulary, sense of drama, and ability to craft compelling narratives that makes commentary memorable.
	Tourist guide Tourist guides sometimes lead themed literary tours or explain the connections between famous writers and the places they visit. Knowledge of literature helps them tell compelling stories and bring cultural history to life for visitors.
	TV or film assistant director TV or film assistant directors break down scripts to plan shooting schedules, identifying scenes, locations, characters, and story beats. Understanding narrative structure, themes, and how stories are constructed helps them anticipate what the director needs from each scene.
	TV or film producer TV or film producers often research novels, plays, and other written works as source material for adaptations. Understanding narrative structure, character development, and themes helps them spot stories with strong potential and work effectively with screenwriters.
	TV or film production runner TV or film production runners help with script reports and read-throughs, which requires an ability to engage with narrative, character, and dialogue. Understanding how stories are constructed and being able to summarise or comment on written material is a practical advantage in this role.
	TV presenter TV presenters often need to analyse texts, interpret stories, and discuss cultural topics on air. Studying literature develops the ability to think critically about narratives and themes, which is valuable when preparing interview questions or presenting arts and culture programming.
	Wardrobe assistant Wardrobe assistants benefit from being able to read and interpret scripts to understand characters, settings, and the mood of a production. Familiarity with plays, novels, and storytelling traditions helps them appreciate why certain costume choices matter for bringing a story to life.

Skills that English Literature builds

The skills English Literature builds are the ones that quietly sit behind any career involving texts, ideas, or people – close reading, structured argument, comparison, and the habit of taking other perspectives seriously.

Close reading and interpretation

You'll learn to read texts the way good readers do – noticing the words a writer chose over the ones they didn't, the rhythm of a sentence, the way a metaphor lands. You'll get comfortable holding several readings of the same passage open at once, and writing about a text without forcing it to mean only one thing. It's the heart of the subject and the habit every later skill depends on.

Building arguments from evidence

Every essay asks you to take a position on a text and back it with quotation, structure, and reasoning. You'll practise picking the strongest evidence for each claim, anticipating the readings that go against you, and recognising when your case isn't yet convincing enough to land. The same habit shows up in any field where decisions have to be defended – law, journalism, research, management, public policy.

Comparing texts and making connections

A lot of what you do in Literature is read two writers side by side and work out what they share and where they differ – two poets a century apart on the same theme, a novel and the play it inspired, a contemporary writer responding to a classic. You'll learn to organise comparisons so they say something rather than just listing similarities, and to spot the connection that isn't obvious.

Reading texts in their context

A 19th-century novel doesn't read the same way to a Victorian audience as it does to you, and a play written under censorship has shape that wouldn't exist without it. You'll practise reading texts with a sense of when, where, and why they were written, and how they were received then versus now. It's a habit of mind that travels into history, sociology, and journalism.

Writing clearly and adapting your style

You'll write a lot, and across more registers than you might expect – analytical essays under pressure, more reflective coursework, sometimes a piece of creative writing. You'll learn to pick the right structure for what you're trying to say, adjust register and tone for different audiences, and redraft until what you've written does its job. Strong written communication is taken for granted by most universities and employers.

Empathy and stepping into other perspectives

Reading novels, plays, and poetry asks you to spend time inside lives that aren't yours – different centuries, different countries, different beliefs and choices. You'll learn to engage with views you disagree with, hold judgement long enough to understand why a character or speaker thinks the way they do, and articulate what you've understood. The same skill travels into careers from law and journalism to teaching, healthcare, and management.

English Literature at GCSE

GCSE English Literature gives you a foundation in reading, analysing, and writing about texts across the main literary forms. Most exam boards split the course into three areas – drama (including a Shakespeare play), prose (including a 19th-century novel and a more modern text), and poetry.

Shakespeare and drama

Every GCSE Literature course includes a Shakespeare play studied in full. You'll learn to read Early Modern English at length, follow long speeches, and write about the play as a piece of theatre – how it would land on stage, how the audience is steered through it, how character and language work together. Most courses also include a modern play, where you'll look at how a writer uses dialogue, structure, and stagecraft to make a point about the world they're writing in.

Novels and prose

A GCSE in Literature usually involves at least two longer prose works – a 19th-century novel and a more modern text. You'll learn to read at length across many weeks, hold the whole book in your head while writing about a single passage, and weigh how setting, character, and narrative voice shape what the novel is doing. The 19th-century text trains you to read older English at length – a skill almost no other GCSE asks for.

Poetry

You'll study a cluster of poems – often grouped by theme, like power and conflict or love and relationships – alongside an unseen poetry component, where you write about a poem you've never read before under exam conditions. You'll learn to handle form, voice, and imagery in compressed writing, and to make a case about a poem on first encounter rather than after weeks of teaching.

English Literature at A-Level

A-Level English Literature builds on the GCSE but goes considerably further. You'll read more, read more deeply, and start treating texts as objects worth studying in their own right – placing them in their period, comparing them across centuries, and writing extended pieces about questions you've shaped yourself.

Shakespeare and drama

Most A-Level courses include a Shakespeare play studied in real depth, often alongside another piece of drama from a different period. You'll learn to weigh different critical readings of the same play – how directors, scholars, and earlier audiences have understood it – and to make your own case in conversation with theirs. The level of analytical detail expected steps up sharply from GCSE.

Prose

You'll typically read several novels across the course, often grouped to enable comparison – pairing texts from different periods, or by theme, genre, or movement. You'll get used to reading at length and at speed while still picking up the small choices that matter, and to writing about a novel as a whole work rather than a single passage. Most courses include at least one pre-1900 novel.

Poetry

A-Level poetry is split between in-depth study of one or more named poets and an unseen component. You'll learn to read poetry with the technical vocabulary critics use – metre, voice, form, imagery – and apply it without losing sight of what the poem is actually doing. The unseen component asks you to do all of that on a poem you've never met before.

An independent comparative essay

Most A-Level courses include a coursework piece where you compare two or three texts of your own choosing, often around a question you've shaped yourself. It's the closest thing school offers to an undergraduate dissertation – sustained work over several months, with the freedom to follow your own interests and the responsibility for finding the texts, the question, and the structure. Running an extended argument across long texts is one of the things universities most look for.

Subjects that pair with English Literature

There's no single right set of subjects to take alongside English Literature. The best pairings depend on the directions you're considering – though Literature is broad enough to combine with most things.

If you're heading towards journalism, publishing, or the wider media, English Literature pairs naturally with English Language, History, Geography, or Media Studies. Together they build research, argument, and writing skills from different angles, and most journalism, publishing, and content roles look for some combination of them.

If you're drawn to law, politics, or public service, English Literature combines well with History, Politics, Sociology, or Economics. These subjects train you to weigh evidence, build a case, and explain decisions clearly – the same skills the careers run on.

For more creative or performance-led routes – screenwriting, theatre, advertising, publishing, design – English Literature pairs naturally with Drama, Art & Design, Music, Media Studies, and Film Studies.

If you're considering psychology, teaching, or social work, English Literature sits well with Psychology and Sociology. Careers in those fields draw on careful reading of people and clear writing, and the combination builds both.

Where English Literature can take you next

English Literature opens doors through several routes. Depending on what you're drawn to, you might go straight into work after school, take a T-Level, complete a higher or degree apprenticeship, or go to university. None of these is the default – each is a real path with real careers at the end of it.

T-Levels

T-Levels are two-year technical courses taken after GCSEs, roughly equivalent to three A-Levels. Several T-Levels draw on what English Literature teaches – including those in education and early years, media and broadcast production, legal services, and management and administration. They combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement, and can lead into apprenticeships, skilled work, or higher education depending on the route you choose.

Apprenticeships

Higher and degree apprenticeships let you earn a wage while you train, with employers covering the cost of qualifications. English Literature students often find apprenticeships in publishing and journalism, marketing and PR, the law (the solicitor and paralegal degree apprenticeship routes), and libraries and archives. A degree apprenticeship can lead to the same job titles as a traditional degree, without student debt and with several years of paid experience already behind you.

University degrees

English Literature is welcomed by most UK universities. As an A-Level it's a strong choice for degrees in English, Creative Writing, journalism, law, history, philosophy, drama and theatre studies, education, and many of the broader humanities and social sciences. You don't need to study Literature at university to use it – most degrees expect strong written analysis and reward students who already have it.

Direct entry into work

Plenty of careers that draw on English Literature are open to school or college leavers without further study – including roles in administration, customer service, retail and store management, hospitality and travel, libraries, and entry-level work in publishing, journalism, and the wider creative industries. Many offer on-the-job training and formal qualifications once you're in. Starting work doesn't close off study later – lots of people go on to apprenticeships or part-time degrees once they've found the field they want to build in.

FAQs

What jobs can you do with English Literature?

English Literature leads into a wide range of careers, particularly in writing, publishing, journalism, libraries, performance and screen, translation, and the wider creative industries. It's also a strong foundation for law, teaching, communications, and academia, where the close reading and structured writing it builds matter daily. Some roles need a degree, some are reached through apprenticeships, and many are open to school or college leavers.

What skills does studying English Literature give you?

English Literature builds close reading, structured writing, the ability to compare texts and weigh competing interpretations, and an understanding of how a text's context shapes what it means. It also asks you to step into perspectives different from your own – characters, speakers, eras – which is one of the things graduates often name when describing what the subject left them with. These skills travel widely.

What do you study in GCSE English Literature?

GCSE English Literature covers a Shakespeare play studied in full, at least one 19th-century novel, a more modern play or novel, and a cluster of poems alongside an unseen poetry component. You'll learn to read longer texts carefully, follow Early Modern English, and write under exam conditions about both texts you've prepared and a poem you haven't seen before. Exact texts vary by exam board.

What do you study in A-Level English Literature?

A-Level English Literature goes considerably deeper than GCSE. You'll read several novels, study Shakespeare and other drama in depth, work with named poets across periods, and tackle unseen passages. Most courses include a coursework component where you compare two or three texts of your own choosing around a question you've shaped yourself – the closest thing school offers to an undergraduate dissertation.

What subjects pair well with English Literature?

The best pairings depend on where you want to go. For writing, journalism, or media routes, English Language, History, Geography, and Media Studies work well alongside it. For law, politics, or public service, History, Politics, and Sociology pair naturally. For creative routes, Drama, Art & Design, Music, and Film Studies are natural companions.

What's the difference between English Literature and English Language?

At GCSE the two subjects overlap a lot – both involve close reading and structured writing, and most students take both. At A-Level they diverge sharply. Literature focuses on novels, plays, and poetry, asking you to read fewer texts in much greater depth and place them in their context. Language treats language itself as the object of study – how it works, varies, and changes – and is closer to a social science.

Is English Literature hard at GCSE or A-Level?

English Literature is a substantial subject at both levels. At GCSE the volume of reading, the leap into Early Modern and 19th-century English, and timed essay writing make it demanding. A-Level steps up significantly – the analytical depth required is closer to undergraduate work, and the coursework component asks for sustained independent planning. If you enjoy reading and writing about texts, the workload feels manageable.

Do I need GCSE English Literature to take A-Level English Literature?

Most schools expect a good grade (often a 5 or 6) in GCSE English Literature before you start the A-Level – the A-Level builds directly on GCSE close-reading and essay-writing skills. A strong English Language GCSE can sometimes substitute. Check the entry requirements of the specific sixth form or college you're applying to.

Is English Literature an EBacc subject?

Yes – with a structure worth knowing. The EBacc English pillar requires students to be entered for both English Language and English Literature at GCSE; Literature on its own doesn't satisfy the requirement. Once both are taken, only the higher of the two grades counts towards the EBacc average point score. In practice most schools enter all students for both, so this is rarely something students need to think about actively.