Do you want to study English Literature/ Language and Literature at university but aren’t exactly sure what that entails? This article is for you!
The skills you learn in an English degree - developing advanced reading and analysis skills - are transferable over a large array of opportunities. Some of these are listed below:
Journalist - magazine or newspaper
Editorial assistant
English as a foreign language teacher
Publishing editor
Writer
Librarian
Teacher
If you’re thinking about studying English at university, don’t think you are limited to the options above. English is a subject that adequately prepares you for a wide array of employment pathways, such as those mentioned above. An english degree can also act a stepping stone towards other graduate pathways, of which can be law and business. If you are in Year 11 and are starting to think about your interests and the potential courses you want study at university, or you are in Year 12 (it’s not too late to change classes!) taking HL English A Literature in the DP would be best suited. If you love to read and gain a deeper understanding of texts, HL English is an amazing subject to have.
Below is a list of 6 universities in the UK and the US and their requirements for studying English that you can use to give a broad understanding of English as a degree.
Durham University - UK
Ranked #1 in the UK for it’s English degree: 2019
Typical offer: 38 points with 666 at HL, including HL English
English at Durham is considered one of the best in the world because if its exemplary teaching, research and publication standing
86% of student are in the employment of their choice 6 months after graduation and 93% of students are satisfied with their degree
Students learn the full spectrum of english literature as well as various approaches to analyzing literature
Columbia University - USA
Ranked #1 2019
Must complete the SAT or ACT
No specific IB Score, however keep in mind that this is one of the top universities in the US and therefore all applicants have very competitive academic achievements
Columbia is known for its academics and history and is famously an Ivy League school
The level of education it provides is one of the best in the world
US universities typically look for applicants taking very rigorous classes, excelling in them and maintaining a proficient list of extracurricular activities
St. Andrews University - UK
Ranked 2nd in the UK 2019 for English
Typical offer 35 - 38 points in total
English At St Andrews takes the fundamentals of English Literature and breaks it down in a systematic and rigorous way, making it one of the best universities to get an in depth and solid understanding of Literature over the past couple thousand years
University of Chicago - USA
UChicago is a top private school in the bustling city of chicago, illinois
Ranked #7 2019 for English in the US due to its outstanding facilities and degree program
Must complete the SAT or ACT
No specific IB score, however keep in mind that this is one of the top universities in the US and therefore all applicants have very competitive academic achievements
*Refer back to the Columbia University section as the same applies here
King’s College London - UK
Ranked #15 in the UK 2019 for English
Typical offer 35 points with 666 at HL, including English
Total points includes points gained from TOK and the EE
Studying in London allows students to engage with the city’s extensive literature history
Students get access to Shakespeare's globe as well as many other buildings in London that are rich in history
University of Southern California - USA
Ranked #15 in the US for English
Must complete either the SAT or the ACT
Gives credits for obtaining a grade 5 or above in HL subjects
No minimum grade requirement - bare in mind that this is a very competitive school to get into in the US.
USC is one of the best private schools in America, and should definitely be on your radar if you are thinking about universities in the US
*Refer back to the Columbia University section as the same applies here
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