MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Loughborough University, located in the United Kingdom, is a prestigious academic institution known for its high standards of teaching, world-class research, and a strong emphasis on student employability. The BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program at Loughborough is designed for students who are passionate about literature and seek to enhance their career prospects through practical, hands-on experience. This program combines a deep academic exploration of English literature with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience during a year-long placement. The combination of theoretical learning and real-world application makes this program particularly attractive for those interested in pursuing careers in publishing, media, education, and other related fields. By offering both an enriching academic experience and professional exposure, the program prepares students to enter the workforce with a competitive edge.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program at Loughborough University is carefully designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of literature across different periods, genres, and themes. The program explores classical, modern, and contemporary works, equipping students with the skills needed to analyze, interpret, and critique texts from a variety of cultural, historical, and theoretical perspectives. Students delve into a wide range of topics, from early medieval literature to postcolonial texts, providing a thorough grounding in English literary traditions. In addition to core modules focused on literature, students also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of optional modules, allowing them to tailor their studies to their specific interests. The placement year, which typically occurs between the second and final year, gives students the chance to gain hands-on experience in a relevant industry, enhancing their employability and complementing their academic learning.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is renowned for its research-driven approach to teaching, and the English Literature department is no exception. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research across a wide range of fields, including contemporary literature, postcolonial studies, gender studies, cultural criticism, and digital humanities. Students in the BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program benefit from being taught by leading scholars, gaining exposure to the latest academic developments in literary studies. The program encourages students to develop their own research skills, fostering a deep engagement with critical theory, literary criticism, and independent inquiry. Research-led teaching means that students are continually exposed to new ideas and perspectives, which enriches their academic experience and prepares them for further study or careers that require analytical and research skills.
Industry Engagement: One of the standout features of the BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program is the year-long placement, which provides students with valuable professional experience in a real-world setting. This opportunity allows students to apply their academic learning to practical situations, gaining a deeper understanding of how literature and language are used in different industries. Loughborough University has established strong links with a wide range of employers in sectors such as publishing, media, education, marketing, and the creative industries, giving students access to diverse career opportunities. Students can work in publishing houses, PR agencies, educational institutions, digital marketing teams, or media outlets, where they can build their skills, gain professional networks, and enhance their CVs. The university’s Career Development Centre also offers support to help students secure placements, including advice on CV writing, interview preparation, and networking.
Global Perspective: Loughborough University is committed to providing students with a global perspective, both through the content of the program and its international networks. The BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program explores literature from diverse cultural and geographical contexts, including works from different countries, colonial and postcolonial literature, and global literary movements. The program encourages students to engage with global issues, such as migration, identity, and social justice, through the study of literature. Furthermore, Loughborough offers a variety of opportunities for students to broaden their horizons, including study abroad programs and internships with international organizations. The diverse student body at Loughborough also contributes to a multicultural learning environment, where students can exchange ideas and perspectives with peers from around the world, enriching their understanding of global literature.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
The BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program at Loughborough University provides graduates with the opportunity to pursue diverse and rewarding career paths across various industries. The placement year, a key feature of this program, allows students to gain hands-on experience and build professional networks while developing practical skills that enhance their employability. Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-equipped for roles in publishing, media, education, public relations, marketing, and many other sectors.
Publishing: Many graduates from the BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program choose to pursue careers in the publishing industry. This includes roles such as editor, copywriter, literary agent, book reviewer, and publishing assistant. The program’s emphasis on critical reading, writing, and communication prepares graduates for a variety of positions in both traditional publishing houses and digital publishing platforms. The placement year provides students with valuable experience in the industry, whether it’s assisting with manuscript submissions, editing content, or managing social media for publishing companies.
Media and Journalism: Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers in media and journalism, where their skills in writing, analysis, and storytelling are highly sought after. Students can work as journalists, content creators, reporters, or editors for newspapers, magazines, television networks, and online media platforms. The placement year often opens doors for internships or positions in media outlets, providing real-world experience in the fast-paced media industry. Graduates may also find roles in broadcasting, digital media, or public relations firms, where they can apply their expertise in crafting engaging narratives.
Education and Teaching: A popular career path for English Literature graduates is teaching. Many BA (Hons) English Literature graduates go on to become secondary school teachers, English language instructors, or tutors. The strong academic foundation in language and literature prepares students for teaching roles, while the placement year provides additional experience in educational settings. For those wishing to specialize further, completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or other teaching qualifications allows graduates to teach English at the secondary or primary school level.
Public Relations (PR) and Communications: The communication skills developed during the BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program are highly transferable to careers in public relations, marketing, and communications. Graduates can work as PR officers, communications specialists, social media managers, or brand strategists. In these roles, they craft press releases, design media campaigns, and manage the public image of organizations or individuals. The placement year provides practical experience in the industry, helping students build a portfolio of work and gain exposure to the day-to-day operations of PR agencies or in-house communications teams.
Marketing and Advertising: English Literature graduates are well-suited for careers in marketing and advertising, where their writing, creativity, and understanding of audience engagement are highly valued. Roles include copywriter, content marketer, brand strategist, and digital marketing coordinator. The skills developed in the program—such as writing compelling content, conducting research, and understanding consumer behavior—are essential in crafting effective marketing campaigns. The placement year allows students to gain experience working in marketing teams, providing hands-on learning that enhances their career prospects in this competitive field.
Creative Writing and Arts: For those with a passion for the arts, a BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year degree can lead to careers in creative writing, scriptwriting, or arts management. Graduates can become writers, playwrights, or scriptwriters, developing original works for the theater, film, television, or digital platforms. The program’s focus on creativity and literary analysis provides a strong foundation for pursuing these artistic endeavors. Additionally, graduates can work in arts organizations, managing projects, events, and exhibitions, or curating content in galleries and museums.
Library and Information Services: Graduates with a degree in English Literature can also work in libraries, archives, and information management roles. These positions include librarian, archivist, information officer, and records manager. In these roles, graduates manage collections, assist with research, and provide valuable support in educational or corporate settings. The placement year may offer students the opportunity to work in library services or archival collections, providing them with practical skills in information organization and research management.
Government and Public Sector: Many English Literature graduates pursue careers in the public sector, where their analytical skills and writing proficiency are in high demand. Graduates may work as policy analysts, research assistants, or in communications roles within government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations. These positions involve writing reports, drafting policy documents, conducting research, and communicating complex ideas to the public. The placement year can provide valuable insights into public sector operations, making graduates well-prepared for these roles.
Freelance Writing and Consultancy: Some graduates choose to work independently as freelance writers, editors, or content consultants. This career path offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including writing blogs, articles, reports, and marketing materials. Freelancers can also offer editorial services, such as proofreading and copyediting, for clients in a wide range of industries. The placement year can help students build a portfolio and gain initial experience that may be helpful when launching a freelance career.
Further Study and Research: For those who wish to continue their academic journey, the BA (Hons) English Literature with Placement Year program provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study. Graduates can pursue a Master's degree or PhD in English Literature, creative writing, cultural studies, or related fields. These advanced degrees open doors to careers in academia, research institutions, or higher education teaching roles.
