Beyond Literature: Exploring Non-Traditional Careers for MA English Holders

Blog / November 22, 2024

ma english eligibilityma in Englishma english syllabuscareer after ma English

Are you a wordsmith and literary adventurer, enticed by the mysteries hidden between the text lines? Does this call to the unknown stir your spirit to action? If so, consideration of an M.A. in English may be the perfect path to take on your intellectual journey.

This isn't just walking the dusty corridors of textbooks, though a few favourite classics may follow you on this journey. This is your M.A. in English: the Indiana Jones-esque venture into uncharted regions of literature and language. Imagine yourself playing detective, trying to decode metaphors, get past the circumstances surrounding captivating stories, or reveal the hidden treasures of language.

Yet, this journey goes beyond mere exploration of the past. This postgraduate degree equips you with the sharp skills of critical thinking and the analytical techniques of close reading—essential tools in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Career after an M.A. in English

Role	Description	Skills Utilized
Content Strategist	Plan, create, and manage content across digital platforms. Ensure content aligns with brand goals, engages audiences, and supports business objectives.	Writing, research, SEO, digital marketing
Public Relations (PR) Specialist	Manage communication between an organization and its public, including media relations, press releases, and crisis communication.	Writing, communication, media relations, branding
Copywriter/Advertising Copywriter	Create persuasive, engaging, and informative content for advertisements, websites, social media, and promotional materials.	Creative writing, storytelling, marketing understanding
Social Media Manager	Oversee a company's social media strategy, from content creation to audience engagement and performance analysis.	Writing, digital marketing, audience analysis, creativity
Corporate Communications Specialist	Develop and maintain internal and external communication strategies for companies, ensuring consistency in messaging and brand voice.	Professional writing, communication, editing, public speaking
Technical Writer	Produce manuals, guides, reports, and other documents that explain complex information in a clear, easy-to-understand format.	Writing, research, technical understanding, editing
Editor/Proofreader	Edit content for grammar, structure, style, and consistency, often in publishing, media, or corporate sectors.	Writing, attention to detail, grammar, linguistic knowledge
Digital Marketing Specialist	Focus on online marketing strategies such as SEO, content marketing, and email campaigns to boost brand visibility and sales.	Writing, digital marketing, data analysis, SEO, creativity
Speechwriter	Write speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures, helping them communicate effectively with audiences.	Persuasive writing, public speaking, research, storytelling
Human Resources (HR) Manager	Manage employee relations, recruitment, and organizational development, using communication and interpersonal skills to foster a positive work environment.	Communication, empathy, conflict resolution, negotiation
Event Coordinator/Manager	Plan, organize, and execute corporate or social events, requiring strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.	Communication, project management, creativity, attention to detail
Translation and Localization Specialist	Translate written content from one language to another or adapt content to meet the cultural and language needs of different regions.	Language proficiency, writing, cross-cultural communication
Customer Success Manager	Work closely with clients or customers to ensure they are satisfied with products or services and help them achieve success with the product.	Communication, problem-solving, customer relations, writing
Entrepreneur	Start and manage your own business, whether in publishing, media, content creation, or any other field that requires strong communication and creativity.	Creativity, business management, leadership, communication
Nonprofit Work or  Advocacy	Work with nonprofit organizations focusing on social issues, where English skills can be applied in communication, content creation, and advocacy.	Writing, communication, research, fundraising, public speaking

Oddly enough, M.A. English opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities beyond conventional roles, for example, teaching, literary analysis, etc. 

An M.A. in English Syllabus

The M.A. English syllabus may vary from one university to another depending upon the location, specialization, reputation of the university, and so on. Given that, listed below are the subjects you will cover in your entire tenure. Keep reading to know. 

Semester 1

• Foundations of Literary Studies

• Literary Theory and Criticism
• British Literature: Medieval to Renaissance
• Introduction to American Literature
• Academic Writing and Research Methods

Semester 2

• Exploring Literary Genres

• British Literature: 18th to 19th Century
• American Literature: 19th Century
• World Literature and Global Perspectives
• Elective: Poetry Workshop or Fiction Workshop

Semester 3

• Cultural Contexts and Interpretations

• Postcolonial Literature
• Contemporary Literature and Modernism
• Elective: Drama and Performance Studies or Film Studies
• Elective: Comparative Literature or Gender and Literature

Semester 4

• Specialized Topics and Research

• Special Topics in Literature (E.g., Victorian Literature, African-American Literature, Science Fiction, etc.)
• Independent Research Project or Thesis Preparation
• Elective: Literature of a Specific Region or Author Studies
• Elective: Creative Writing Workshop or Editing and Publishing

From Page to Profession—Turn Your Literary Passion into a Rewarding Journey with an MA in English @ Shiv Nadar University (Institution of Eminence)

Located in the serene beauty of Greater Noida, Shiv Nadar University was established in 2011 by the Philanthropist and HCL Technologies Co-Founder Shiv Nadar with a vision and mission to offer quality education to its students. Being one of the youngest universities that have been making waves in the educational sector, it offers courses at all three levels under its four renowned schools, one of which is an M.A. in English. 

An M.A. in English is meticulously crafted to mix academic excellence with creative exploration. This very course, offered at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, is well-known for immersing students into the rich tapestry of English literary history and world literature while also encircling a wide spectrum of critical topics along with cultural theory, creative writing, translation, and visual theory courses.

In addition, the School’s commitment and dedication to maintaining an extraordinary student-to-mentor ratio ensures the implementation of comprehensive and dynamic writing courses. This program also mandates academic writing, narrative composition, and public writing programs. 

An M.A. in English Eligibility Criteria

Criteria	Description
Bachelor's Degree	Candidates must have completed their bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. The degree can be in English, literature, or a related field. Aspirants from diverse academic backgrounds can also apply.
Minimum Percentage	The minimum percentage requirement for admission generally ranges between 50% to 55%, though it can vary by university.
Entrance Examinations	Some institutions may conduct in-house entrance examinations for the M.A. in English program.

To Wrap it Up 

English, in today’s interconnected world, acts as a golden ticket no matter if you are a brimming storyteller, writer, working professional, educator, journalist, etc. To be precise, it is nothing less than an investment helping you ameliorate your nonverbal and verbal skills, which is imperative for clinching corporate ladders. If you are all set to add brownie points to your resume, pursue an M.A. in English from Shiv Nadar University!