English and Modern Languages graduates have a range of highly-valued skills:
- Understanding and appreciation of other cultures
- Communication skills in English and another language
- Critical thinking skills
- The ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information
- Independence and experience of living abroad
- Leadership and teamwork
- Forming concise and articulate arguments
- Time management
- Workload prioritisation
Our English and Modern Languages graduates are highly employable and go into a wide range of careers, both in this country and abroad. They enter the wide range of careers similar to other arts and humanities graduates but with much greater scope in international settings.
Example employers:
- Hodder & Stoughton Publishers
- Birmingham Repertory Theatre
- Brooklyn Museum
- Daily Mail
- ITV
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Amazon.fr
- Capita
- Harper Collins
- Deutsche Bank
- Aura Financial
- British Airways
- Deloitte
- Pricewaterhouse Coopers
- The British Council
- French Connection
- NATO
- BP
- Local and central government
Example roles:
- Social Media & Website Officer
- Cultural Intern
- PR Client Executive
- Research Assistant
- International Sales & Digital Executive
- Editorial Quality Executive
- Events Membership Co-ordinator
- Editorial Project Leader
- International Sales Coordinator
- Investigation Specialist
- Operations Analyst
- Marketing Officer
- Account Executive
Examples of further study include:
- NCTJ in Multimedia Journalism
- MA Medieval & Renaissance Literary Studies
- MA Writing for Performance and Publication
- MA Creative Writing
- PgDip Education
- MA Social Work
- PGCE (various)
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MA Hispanic Studies
- MA Translation Studies
You will benefit from organised events in both departments whereby our graduates return to campus to talk to current students about their careers, how to find opportunities and the variety of roles available. Recent speakers include authors, writers and graduates that hold positions at companies such as the BBC, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Guardian, Network Rail, Capital One, the National Trust.
Developing your career
The University of Birmingham is the 4th most targeted university by the country's top graduate employers according to The Graduate Market 2022 report. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.
Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres. You can also email our experienced Careers Advisers and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.
We have a number of exclusive Internship Programmes such as our Cultural Internships, which will give you paid, professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships.
First years can take part in the The Birmingham Project, with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. There's also a successful Mentoring Programme, where you can gain access to experienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences. As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick start your careers.
If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.
Extra-curricular activities
To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. Our employer-endorsed, award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme.
There are more than 500 student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Students' Union) so you're bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.