English and Literature
Text and works of literature are all around us, from books and plays to magazines and digital communications. Studying English or Literature helps you to learn how to analyse these works and find their meanings – a great skill valued in many career professions. English and Literature is made up of a wide range of areas such as linguistics, creative writing, language and cognition, and English language and its central role in society.
On English and Literature courses at the University of Stirling you can study literary works from the medieval period to the present day, as well as learning about linguistics, developing your creative writing skills and delving into the history of the English language.
English and Literature courses
Top 5 in Scotland
for English and Creative Writing
The Guardian University Guide 2022
Top 5 in Scotland
for English
Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022
Graduate careers in English and Literature
English and Literature courses at the University of Stirling provide you with a solid grounding for a wide range of positions. Many of our graduates go on to careers in areas such as:
- Teaching
- Publishing
- Marketing, advertising and public relations
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Creative arts
Others have gone into specialist areas like linguistic consultancy and speech therapy.
Former English Studies graduates from the University of Stirling include novelists Iain Banks and Alan Bissett, journalist Grace Dent and Scottish poet laureate Jackie Kay MBE.
English and Literature research
Research in English and Literature at the University of Stirling encompasses creative practice and the study of global literatures, languages and cultures from the medieval period to the present day. The research interests of expert academic staff cut across other disciplines within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and include:
- Scottish Studies
- Gothic Studies
- Postcolonial Studies
- Book History
- Creative Writing
- Language and Linguistics
- Religion and Literature
- Gender and Sexualities
Postgraduate research opportunities
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities offers a diverse range of opportunities for research students interested in pursuing a PhD by research, publication or by practice. See our English and Literature PhD and MPhil opportunities in: