Home›University of Durham›BA English Literature

BA English Literature

University of Durham

Full-time3 YearsPlacement YearYear AbroadFoundation YearSubject: Languages and Area Studies

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Course Score

B /73

Graduate Salary

£27,000

Satisfaction

81%

Degree Completion

96%

Professional Jobs

69%

Meaningful Work

95%

AI & Your Career

Based on real AI use at work (Anthropic research, 2026)

39%

Moderate AI impact

Average across where this course's graduates actually work

AI does some of the simpler tasks in these jobs, but most of the work still needs human judgement and skill.

Pick your path - AI impact varies by career

18%Teachers of English as a Foreign Language 22%Foreign Language Journalist 60%Language Policy Analyst 22%Cultural Attaché

AI impact by graduate destination

Business, Research and Administrative60%

Administrative55%

Business and Financial Project Management50%

Business and public service associate48%

Media45%

🧭 Career Trajectories

This degree creates strong direct pathways into the jobs market. Explore the full career profiles and AI projections on our sister hub, WhatCareer.

Teachers of English as a Foreign Language

£25,000 - £31,000

Foreign Language Journalist

£25,000 - £32,000

Language Policy Analyst

£30,000 - £40,000

Cultural Attaché

£30,000 - £35,000

Expected Starting Salary

above national median

Typical starting salary for Languages and Area Studies graduates

Start

Sep 2027

Graduate

2030

First job

~2031

£27,000

typical starting salary

£24,000

£30,500

Brightest = where most graduates land · fades where fewer earn that amount

· Languages and Area Studies graduates nationally earn £18,000-£37,000 (552 courses)

HESA Graduate Outcomes survey · includes all graduates regardless of career path chosen

Where Graduates Work

Top job roles graduates enter after this course

01

Business and public service associate professionals

★ Professional

31%

02

Administrative occupations

14%

03

Teaching Professionals

★ Professional

14%

04

Artistic, literary and media occupations

★ Professional

10%

05

Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation

8%

06

Media Professionals

★ Professional

7%

07

Managers, directors and senior officials

★ Professional

2%

08

Legal professionals

★ Professional

2%

09

Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

★ Professional

2%

10

Business and Financial Project Management Professionals

★ Professional

2%

Explore Career Pathways

Detailed guides and day-in-the-life profiles for careers related to this degree.

Teachers of English as a Foreign Language

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Foreign Language Journalist

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Language Policy Analyst

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Cultural Attaché

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Outcomes

96%

Continuation

69%

Professional Work

95%

Meaningful Role

80%

Career On Track

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