What is English?
The term English is itself a homograph (a word that is spelled the same but has multiple meanings). And if you love to read and collect interesting facts like that one, then the study of English may be for you!
English can either mean the language spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people across the planet; the racial, ethnic or cultural identification of those born or raised in England; or the academic field of study that makes a strong contribution to the Arts and Humanities. Here, we take a look at the latter of the three.
When you study English, also often referred to as English literature, you will consider how words and texts can be used to create meaning.
Traditionally involving the literary analysis of fictional work, the study of English has expanded to include a wide variety of texts, including poetry, film and other media in all forms.
Literary analysis is a core part of English and involves examining the . As an English student, you will study the written word from multiple perspectives. Popular areas of literary analysis include feminist readings, post-colonialist readings, queer readings and many others.
English specialists use these interpretations to shine new light on the thoughts, feelings and attitudes of those in the past and present. Their readings are often used to reveal or draw attention to particular issues at a point in time, or to consider how human nature has evolved over time.
Creative writing can also form a large portion of English studies. English students studying creative writing read a variety of texts and use literary analysis to develop their own skills in creative writing to write their own stories and other types of texts.
English and Communications are subject areas that have become increasingly intertwined in recent decades. As English has expanded to consider the construction and influence of media texts, it has begun to experiment with , and how these can be incorporated into more traditional forms of text construction and analysis.
English offers many opportunities for those interested in exploring the power of the written and spoken word. With clear communication skills highly valued by employers, the opportunities when you study English are limitless.
What do those who study English do?
English students understand the value of diverse methods of communication. They are well-practiced in analysing text of all forms and can be highly creative in their approach to modern problems. There are variety of roles and responsibilities well suited to English graduates.
Many English students choose to take their literary analysis and criticism further by pursuing academic research. Usually working out of universities and other academic institutions, English academics focus on one particular author, period or style of writing and take a deep dive into the history, influence and ongoing impact of it. Strong communication skills are vital, as academics frequently produce written and oral snapshots of their work and present these to various audiences.
English graduates with a passion for writing could find themselves working as an author or copywriter. Authors tend to focus on creating books or collected works for publication. A high level of creativity is required, as you construct worlds for others to immerse themselves in, and market your book in a way that will attract a large fan base.
Copywriters also produce the written word, but they tend to operate in the business and corporate spheres. Here, you will work from client briefs to produce informative, entertaining or educational content directed at particular audiences.
English students who are more analytical and have high attention to detail often carve a niche for themselves working in editing. Editors are responsible for assessing pieces of written work and making suggestions for improvement. These improvements could be grammatical or structural in nature or include tips on how to create a piece that better targets an audience.
The skills and knowledge base that come from studying English are extensive and highly flexible. With the right passion and determination, you could turn your degree into the role of your dreams.
Explore your study options in English
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Gain a solid foundation for university study as you build academic skills, confidence and knowledge. Take classes relevant to your study goals and get a taste of university life in this qualification designed to help you meet the entry requirements of your desired degree. Enter university prepared for success after this one-year course.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Become a skilled communicator with a strong understanding of human behaviour and knowledge, grounded in diverse studies of people, places and politics. Immerse yourself in cultural perspectives and history and advocate for important social causes. Go beyond a single field — your advanced critical thinking and transferable skills are valuable in every workplace.
Download Brochure- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
- Online: January, May, September
Combine the diverse, transferable skills of an arts degree with the practical knowledge of business studies to build a critical understanding of life and work in the Tropics. Develop a solid foundation of sociocultural contexts to underpin your learning in business operations and strategies, making you a well-rounded professional. Graduate with advanced communication and research skills to stand out in any field.
Download Brochure- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
- Online: January, May, September
Become a legal professional with versatile skills across legal systems and principles, as well as strong sociocultural understandings. Gain extensive legal insights and experience through the Legal Placement elective as well as in mock trials and the 'moot' e-court. Your Arts subjects will lead you through investigations of our societies' issues, triumphs and histories so that you can apply analytical and communication skills to current events and legal scenarios.
Download Brochure- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
- Online: January, May, September
What jobs are there in English?
As a ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ English graduate, you will cultivate a range of highly transferrable skills. Your advanced analytical, creative and communication abilities will help you to find work across multiple industries.
With such an adaptable major, ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ English students have gone on to work for a variety of employers, including government organisations, multinational corporations and private enterprise. Studying English through a ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ Bachelor of Arts can also give you the confidence and interpersonal skills to branch out and run your own business. Consider the opportunities in consulting, advising, tutoring and independent contracting for more flexible work options.
An understanding of the principles of clear, effective communication is highly valued overseas. Your studies could see you working internationally, as you share your insights and bring innovative solutions to your chosen workplace.
With a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English from ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ, you may work in roles such as:
- Author
- Copywriter
- Technical writer
- Editor
- Academic researcher
- Marketing executive
- Community engagement coordinator
- Literacy coach
- Advertising executive
- Literacy advocate
- Public relations advisor
- Policy writer and analyst
- TESOL teacher (further qualifications may be required)
- English teacher (further qualifications required).
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Why study English at ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ?
With personalised learning and small, supportive classes, you’ll feel confident to engage with modern language and communications research and practice. Studying English will empower you to examine representations of the world around you and explore diverse perspectives. ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ’s expansive collection of majors and minors will equip you to specialise or diversify within Arts, so you feel supported in selecting what works best for you.
̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ students emerge with highly developed analytical, creative and communication skills. With a ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ Bachelor of Arts, you’ll have access to ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ’s Work Integrated Learning process, providing the opportunity to work alongside professionals, and produce work that will assist you in your career development. The ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ focus on professional practice means our students develop unique strategies to help them get ahead sooner.
With a blend of online and on-campus courses, ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ is flexible and able to work in with you. Study English your way and meet your personal learning goals through a Bachelor of Arts. Find out more by exploring ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ’s options today.
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Douresha Drepaul
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English
"I chose to study a Bachelors of Arts at ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ mainly because of the wide range of subjects which are offered at the University. I am very passionate about literature and languages. I have had the pleasure to attend amazing English classes which were led by very dedicated lecturers of the University. My goal is to become a diplomatic translator/ interpreter. I also hope to publish a book one day."