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Home » Career Options With MA in English Literature: Know The Viable Options Available!

Career Options With MA in English Literature: Know The Viable Options Available!

Career Options with MA in English Literature

Are you very passionate about the English language? Do you have a creative mind? Are you also fond of the pen and love to pen down (write) your thoughts using colorful words in English?! Or maybe English poetry? Do you also rhyme words and write poems in English? Then you will love to be an English Litterateur. Have you done an MA in English? Are you looking for career options with an MA in English Literature? Is there any career after an MA in English Literature? Then you are on the right page!

From RK Narayan, Ruskin Bond, Sudha Murthy, and Jhumpa Lahiri to Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Maya Angelou, literary buffs have read and experienced the stories of all the great classic writers. You name a book, and they have read it. Do you count yourself among literature enthusiasts and aspire to make literature at the center of your world in the future? If yes, it will be worthwhile for you to know about the career opportunities with MA in English Literature.

Many of you who are planning to take up English Literature as the major subject or as an Honours subject in your graduation or are studying English Literature in graduation now are often not sure about the future. Many are not sure if an MA English Literature degree has enough opportunities in the future. Many are not sure whether there are jobs for MA in English Literature.

Take heart, thou English majors; thou magicians of words, thou writers of prose. Thine knowledge was not toiled in vain!

Yes. You heard that right!

More often than not, English majors have been asked the most perplexing question, “Why would companies need someone with a degree in English Literature?” These all questions might or might not be in your head! But if you do, continue reading this page to understand a career after MA in English Literature…. Come along…

Why choose an MA in English Literature?

Choosing to pursue an MA in English Literature opens a gateway to a myriad of career options across diverse industries. Armed with excellent writing and communication skills, graduates with an MA in English Literature are poised for success in an ever-evolving job market. The future, particularly in media and communication, holds promising opportunities, aligning with the dynamic landscape of the digital age.

Key Indicators:

  • Rising Internet Users in India: According to IAMAI and Kantar Research, India is set to have 900 million Internet users by 2025, showcasing a 45% CAGR from 2020. This surge in online presence emphasizes the need for skilled content creators and communicators.
  • Booming Entertainment and Media Industry: Projections by ibef.org indicate a 9.7% annual growth in the entertainment and media industry in India, reaching a staggering US$ 73.6 billion by 2027. This growth signifies a burgeoning demand for creative minds in various sectors, offering ample opportunities for English Literature graduates.
  • AVoD Segment Expansion: The advertising-based video-on-demand (AVoD) segment is expected to witness a substantial rise, reaching US$ 2.6 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 24%. This surge underscores the increasing demand for compelling content, reinforcing the need for individuals with a strong foundation in English Literature.

Studying MA in English Literature equips individuals with skills crucial for the competitive global environment. Analytic, creative, and critical reasoning skills become paramount, positioning graduates for roles such as content creators, copywriters, and digital marketers. The diversified career options with MA in English Literature extend to fields like digital advertising, print, films, gaming, and animation. In essence, an MA in English Literature not only nurtures a deep understanding of language but also aligns with the evolving demands of the digital age, making it a strategic choice for those seeking diverse and dynamic career options.

List of top 10 career options with MA in English Literature

Pursuing a Master’s degree in English Literature opens up a plethora of career options that extend beyond traditional academia. The analytical and critical thinking skills gained during the MA program are highly valued across various industries. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 10 career options with MA in English Literature in India, providing insights into eligibility criteria, relevant courses, top colleges, and potential salary ranges.

Academic Research

Engaging in academic research allows individuals to delve deep into literary analysis and contribute to the scholarly community. Pursuing a Ph.D. after an MA in English Literature is a natural progression for those passionate about advanced literary studies.

  • How to Pursue: To pursue a Ph.D., candidates typically need to clear national-level entrance exams like UGC NET or JRF. Admissions are also based on academic performance during the MA program and a research proposal.
  • Eligibility: A postgraduate degree in English Literature with a minimum percentage requirement (usually around 55%) is a standard eligibility criterion.
  • Courses: Ph.D. programs often include coursework in research methodology, literature review, and specialized seminars on chosen research areas.
  • Salary: Assistant Professors with a Ph.D. in English Literature can earn between INR 4 to 8 lakhs per annum, depending on the institution and experience.
  • Top 5 Colleges – Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi; University of Delhi, New Delhi; University of Calcutta, Kolkata; Amity University; IGNOU; University of Mumbai, Mumbai; University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad

Content Writing and Editing

Content writing and editing involve creating and refining written materials for various platforms, including websites, blogs, and marketing materials.

  • How to Pursue: Build a strong portfolio showcasing writing skills. Online platforms offer freelance opportunities to gain practical experience. Specialized courses in content writing can also be beneficial.
  • Eligibility: A Master’s degree in English Literature or related fields is the primary eligibility criterion. Strong writing skills are crucial.
  • Courses: Online courses in content writing, digital marketing, and creative writing can enhance skill sets.
  • Top 5 Colleges: While there are no specific colleges for content writing, online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer relevant courses.
  • Salary: Content writers with an MA in English Literature can earn between INR 3 to 6 lakhs per annum, depending on experience and expertise.

Must read: How to Become a Content Writer

Media and Journalism

Journalism and media roles involve reporting, editing, and creating content for newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, or online platforms.

  • How to Pursue: Internships and freelancing can provide practical experience. Pursuing a postgraduate diploma in journalism is also an option.
  • Eligibility: An MA in English Literature or a related field is generally sufficient. Some journalism programs may have entrance exams or interviews.
  • Courses:  Postgraduate diplomas in journalism cover areas like news reporting, editing, and media law. 

Read About: Journalism Courses

  • Top 5 Colleges
    • Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi
    • Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai
    • Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai
    • Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune
    • Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

Salary: Journalists can earn between INR 3 to 8 lakhs per annum, depending on the organization and experience.

Public Relations (PR)

PR professionals manage communication between an organization and its audience, shaping public perception and maintaining a positive image.

  • How to Pursue: A Master’s in English Literature, coupled with internships in PR or related fields, can pave the way. Specialized PR courses are also available.
  • Eligibility: An MA in English Literature or a related field is typically required. PR courses may have their eligibility criteria.
  • Courses: Courses in PR cover topics such as media relations, crisis communication, and strategic planning.
  • Salary: PR professionals can earn between INR 4 to 10 lakhs per annum, depending on experience and the organization’s scale.

Suggestion: Career in Public Relations

Creative Writing

Creative writing involves crafting original works such as novels, short stories, poetry, or scripts for various mediums.

  • How to Pursue: Building a strong portfolio with published works is crucial. Some writers opt for creative writing courses or workshops.
  • Eligibility: An MA in English Literature provides a solid foundation. Success in creative writing often depends on the quality of one’s work.
  • Courses: Creative writing courses cover fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and scriptwriting.
  • Top 5 Colleges: While there are no specific colleges for creative writing, renowned authors often conduct workshops. Online platforms like Coursera and MasterClass offer relevant courses.
  • Salary: Earnings in creative writing vary widely, with successful authors earning substantial royalties. Initial incomes can range from INR 2 to 5 lakhs per annum.

Also, read: Copywriting courses

Human Resources (HR)

HR professionals manage the recruitment, training, and employee relations within an organization.

  • How to Pursue: An MA in English Literature, coupled with relevant internships or HR certifications, can open doors in the HR field.
  • Eligibility: While an MA is beneficial, some organizations may require additional HR certifications or training.
  • Salary: HR professionals can earn between INR 4 to 10 lakhs per annum, depending on experience and the organization’s scale.

Know about how to build a career in human resource management

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing involves promoting products or services through online channels, including social media, email, and search engines.

  • How to Pursue: An MA in English Literature, coupled with certifications in digital marketing, can provide a foothold. Practical experience through internships or freelancing is beneficial.
  • Eligibility: A postgraduate degree in English Literature is the primary eligibility criterion. Digital marketing courses may have their requirements.
  • Courses: Certifications in digital marketing cover areas such as SEO, social media marketing, and analytics.
  • Top 5 Colleges/Institutions
    • Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) – Global Certification
    • Google Digital Garage
    • HubSpot Academy
    • LinkedIn Learning
    • Manipal ProLearn
  • Salary: Digital marketing professionals can earn between INR 3 to 8 lakhs per annum, depending on experience and the size of the digital marketing team.

To know more about this opportunity, check out Digital Marketing Courses

Corporate Communications

Corporate communication professionals manage internal and external communication for organizations, maintaining a positive image.

  • How to Pursue: An MA in English Literature, coupled with internships or a postgraduate diploma in corporate communications, can pave the way.
  • Eligibility: An MA in English Literature is generally required. Corporate communication courses may have additional eligibility criteria.
  • Salary: Corporate communication professionals can earn between INR 5 to 12 lakhs per annum, depending on experience and the organization’s scale.

Publishing

Working in publishing involves editing, marketing, and promoting books for publication, either in traditional print or digital formats.

  • How to Pursue: An MA in English Literature, coupled with internships in publishing houses, can lead to entry-level positions. Courses in publishing can be beneficial.
  • Eligibility: An MA in English Literature is the primary eligibility criterion. Publishing courses may have additional requirements.
  • Courses: Courses in publishing cover areas such as editing, book marketing, and digital publishing.
  • Top 5 Colleges: While there are no specific colleges for publishing, internships at renowned publishing houses are highly valued.
  • Salary: Entry-level positions in publishing can earn between INR 3 to 6 lakhs per annum, with higher positions offering more competitive salaries.

Teaching and Education

Teaching English Literature at the school or college level allows individuals to impart knowledge and foster a love for literature.

  • How to Pursue: Clearing teacher eligibility tests (TET) or state-level teaching exams is essential. Pursuing a B.Ed. after MA can enhance eligibility.
  • Eligibility: An MA in English Literature is the minimum requirement. Additional teaching certifications may be necessary.
  • Courses: B.Ed. programs cover pedagogy, teaching methodologies, and classroom management.
  • Top 5 Colleges
    • Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi
    • St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University
    • Loyola College, Chennai
    • St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
    • Christ University, Bangalore
  • Salary: Teachers can earn between INR 3 to 8 lakhs per annum, depending on the level of education and years of experience.

Also, read: Career in Teaching

Career options with MA in English Literature present a dynamic landscape where literary knowledge becomes a catalyst for success in various professional arenas. Engaging with these options provides individuals with the chance to make a meaningful impact while leveraging their passion for literature in practical and rewarding ways.

Job opportunities after MA in English Literature

Job opportunities after completing a Master of Arts in English Literature (MA English Literature) in India are diverse and promising. For entry-level positions, fresh graduates can explore roles such as Speech Writer, where they create impactful communication for executives, or Linguist, engaging in language interpretation between parties through various techniques. Teaching is also a viable option, with MA English Literature graduates guiding students in academic fields.

Government jobs beckon those aspiring for stability, with roles like Academic Writer involving research and editing coursework, Translators handling accurate text translations, and Literary Critics offering insights on social, political, and cultural aspects of literary works.

In the private sector, there’s a plethora of opportunities. Editors collaborate with authors to enhance content readability, Content Writers craft compelling headlines and content, while copywriters make strategic decisions and attract new business. The average salary for MA English Literature jobs in the private sector is around INR 5 LPA, showcasing the sector’s growth.

Continued education or specialization can further enhance career prospects for those seeking progression in the field of English Literature. Overall, the MA English Literature job scope in India is expanding, offering graduates a multitude of avenues for personal and professional growth.

Epilogue!

Pursuing a career after MA in English Literature offers diverse opportunities across various industries. Whether one chooses academia, creative pursuits, or corporate roles, the skills acquired during the MA program provide a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career. Evaluating personal interests, gaining practical experience, and continuing education through specialized courses are essential steps in navigating these diverse career paths.

We hope you have all the information needed to make the right career decision! However, choosing the right career could be a daunting task for anyone! And that’s why we are here to help you. Understand what it takes and whether you have it in you. You can avail of iDreamCareer’s special services for that.

We are here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful future! 

Also, Read:

FAQs

What career options are available after completing an MA in English Literature?

MA in English Literature opens up various career paths, including academic research, content writing and editing, media and journalism, public relations, creative writing, human resources, digital marketing, corporate communications, publishing, and teaching and education.

Can I pursue academic research after my MA in English Literature?

Yes, engaging in academic research is a viable option. Pursuing a Ph.D. after an MA in English Literature allows individuals to delve deeper into literary analysis and contribute to the scholarly community.

Are there opportunities in journalism for MA in English Literature graduates?

Yes, journalism and media roles are accessible. Internships and freelancing can provide practical experience, and pursuing a postgraduate diploma in journalism is also an option.

Can an MA in English Literature lead to opportunities in cultural organizations or museums?

Yes, graduates can work in cultural organizations or museums as curators, archivists, or content specialists. Your deep understanding of literature and cultural context can be an asset in preserving and presenting cultural heritage.

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