English with Shakespeare BA (Hons)

Studying an English degree will enable you to explore past and present cultures and societies, through a wide range of perspectives and in a variety of different literary genres.

At the University of Birmingham, our internationally renowned academic staff have a huge range of literary specialisms across the full historical range to the present day. Our undergraduate programme offers you an exciting core programme in English Literature, while also giving you the opportunity to specialise in the works of Shakespeare in each year of your degree. You will have access to unparalleled resources for the study of Shakespeare, through our world-leading Shakespeare Institute, not only looking at the poetry and plays of Shakespeare himself, but how these works have been interpreted, reworked and reimagined by diverse audiences.

Employability

Studying for an English with Shakespeare BA at Birmingham is an unparalleled opportunity to not only engage with a diverse cultural, textual and linguistic discipline, but also to develop skills in intellectual analysis, critical thinking and articulate expression.

These skills last a lifetime and qualify you for many possible careers. You will also be encouraged to acquire practical skills that you will find just as useful in your future career, including oral presentation, professional documentation, group work and the use of information technology.

English graduates from the University of Birmingham have a high rate of employability for the subject. 95% of our students enter work or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2017).

Our graduates have started careers with employers including the BBC, Headline Publishing Group, Mirror Group Newspapers and Oxford University Press, in roles such as account executive, editorial assistant, marketing assistant and sales and events coordinator. Many English graduates pursue postgraduate study to specialise in an academic area or prepare for careers such as law and teaching.

Developing your career

There is a range of opportunities through our Careers Network and beyond. For example, our innovative Cultural Internships offer graduates the opportunity for a six-month paid internship at a leading cultural institution in the West Midlands. These internships will give you professional experience to set you apart in a competitive graduate market.

Current partners include Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham REP, Birmingham Royal Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, and the Library of Birmingham. There are also internships available at the University’s own cultural assets, such as Winterbourne House, the Lapworth Museum, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

There are regular events each year covering careers in teaching, events management, working with charities and more, to help you meet potential employers and learn more about a range of sectors.