English

A lot of people enjoy the simple pleasure of reading a good book, while others have a passion for English and enjoy the additional pleasure of discussing the merits and techniques of what they read. Those who are best described by the latter might be interested in an English course.

There is more to an English degree than just reading whatever you like. English students have to analyse and criticise (constructively) the texts they read, and also write their own thoughtful and perceptive essays and papers.

English courses are not just for those who have a realistic ambition of success in a creative sphere such as poetry, novel writing or drama. They also give students valuable skills that are highly prized in virtually any workplace: the ability to organise ideas, materials and people, to think creatively and present persuasive arguments. The study of literature and language also disciplines the mind and teaches valuable skills in data collection, critical thinking and communication.

Education

There are a number of different options available for people interested in studying English at higher level. Course titles include English, English Literature, English Studies, English & History and English & Cultural Studies. A common approach is to take English along with another arts subject such as Irish, Sociology or History. The CAO points required range from 300 to over 500, depending on the course and institution.

Students enrolling in an English degree should gird their loins for some heavy reading, as they will be expected to analyse a wide array of texts from Chaucer and Shakespeare, to Roddy Doyle and Seamus Heaney. Most English courses are also concerned with the history and practice of writing in English from Anglo Saxon times to the present day. Students learn how texts are constructed and how they operate, and study the cultural and historical contexts within which they were written. English programmes aim to develop a critical consciousness and to foster an awareness of critical and cultural theory.

Many English courses at higher level allow for specialisation and students can write essays and theses on subjects ranging from the influence of fairies in 17th century English to feminism in 20th century America. A relatively high proportion of English students go on to postgraduate study and research.

Options After Qualification

There is no single career path for English graduates. Students who have taken another subject alongside English can decide to go in that direction (e.g., Psychology, Economics, Sociology). Many English graduates move into careers such as writing, journalism, research, teaching, publishing, public relations, the civil service and the media. Others decide to take postgraduate or professional qualifications in areas such as business and law.

The Work

Many writers of fiction and non-fiction also work as scholars and lecturers in academia in between bouts of research and writing. Technical writers use carefully constructed clear and simple language to compile instructional manuals for products, ranging from software to washing machines, and educational textbooks.

In general however, English is useful for practically any career you can think of. Graduates put into practice a combination of the concise writing, creative thinking, problem solving and investigative research skills they learned during their courses – whether working as a journalist, solicitor, teacher, marketing professional, proof-reader or poet.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

It is difficult to generalise but most English graduates are more likely to tend towards careers where they use critical and writing skills. As an English student, you will be equipped with excellent writing and analytical skills. A high level of creativity and imagination is of course necessary for those who wish to become poets, writers or dramatists.

The Money

English degrees do not offer specialised training for a career, compared with courses covering law or engineering. Therefore, graduates sometimes have to work for a while before they find a niche that suits them. Journalists may begin as freelance writers or work for local papers – a typical starting salary is €20,000. Post-primary teachers start on around €28,800. In both cases, salaries rise as careers progress with head teachers and experienced journalists both making around €60,000 a year.

The Jargon

Middle English: English language during the medieval period, c.1100 to c.1500 AD

Proof-reading: Careful reading of a text in order to detect and correct any errors

Magic Realism: A literary movement that began in 1960s’ Latin America that combines the mundane everyday world with dreamlike fantasy

Job Titles

English Teacher
Journalist
Author
Technical Writer
Publisher
Editor

Further Resources

National Library of Ireland
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 676 6690
Web: www.nli.ie
Email: info@nli.ie 

Irish Writers’ Centre
19 Parnell Square
Dublin 1
Phone: 01 872 6282
Web: www.writerscentre.ie
Email: info@writerscentre.ie 

Poetry Ireland
No. 2 Prouds Lane
St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 478 9974
Web: www.poetryireland.ie
Email: poetry@iol.ie 

Penguin Ireland
25 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 661 7695
Web: www.penguin.ie
Email: info@penguin.ie 

Drama League of Ireland
The Mill Theatre
Dundrum Town Centre
Dundrum
Dublin 14
Phone: 01 296 9343
Web: www.dli.ie
Email: dli@eircom.net