(Kent, UK) – Canterbury Christ Church University has announced it will no longer offer its English literature degree starting in September 2025, citing a significant decline in student applications. The university, located in Kent, stated that the course was no longer financially viable due to the reduced demand. This decision marks a shift for the institution, which has played a key role in English literary history, particularly with Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and its connection to notable writers such as Christopher Marlowe and Aphra Behn.
Students currently enrolled in the English literature program, including those in their first and second years, will be allowed to complete their degrees as planned. Those completing a foundation year will be offered the option to transfer to other courses. However, the university has not yet provided specifics regarding the number of jobs that may be lost due to the discontinuation of the program. A university spokesman assured that staff would receive support during this transition.
In a statement, the university emphasized the need to continually evaluate and adapt its course offerings to meet the evolving demands of students and employers. Despite the decision to drop the English literature degree, the spokesman reassured current students that they would receive the same high-quality education for the remainder of their studies. Additionally, the staff would be supported through the process as the university assesses the impact of the change.
The announcement comes at a time when universities across England are facing financial challenges. The government recently revealed plans to increase university tuition fees for the first time in eight years, with the fees rising in line with inflation starting in 2025. This increase will bring the annual tuition fee for most students to £9,535, up from the current £9,250. The government has also warned that tuition fees could continue to rise in the coming years, potentially reaching as much as £10,500 by the end of the current parliamentary term.
These changes have sparked concerns about the financial health of many universities, with reports indicating that around 40 percent of institutions in England expect to face budget deficits this year. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the rise in tuition fees, arguing that it was necessary to ensure the stability of higher education in the face of financial difficulties.
One student, who expressed dissatisfaction with the university’s decision to scrap the English literature program, described it as a “betrayal” to the city of Canterbury, emphasizing the program’s historical and cultural significance.
Many myths surround the value of an English degree, but the reality is more positive than commonly believed, offering various career opportunities and a solid foundation for further academic pursuits.
English remains a popular choice for many students, with over 56,000 degrees conferred in the U.S. alone in 2020. However, students may find themselves torn between pursuing their passion for English and the pressure from family and friends to choose a more “practical” degree.
There are several myths that often discourage students from choosing this path, but these misconceptions can be easily debunked. For example, a common belief is that most English majors end up teaching. While teaching is a career option, it’s far from the only one. According to a 2009 report by the College English Association, only 10% of English majors become teachers. Many others find success in fields such as writing, editing, journalism, public relations, advertising, and media.
Another myth is that English majors struggle to find well-paying jobs. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for those with a bachelor’s degree in English is $51,000, which is 33% higher than the median salary for all occupations. Further studies show that those who pursue graduate education in English often earn even more.
Additionally, some critics claim that English majors don’t acquire real-world skills. This is far from the truth. Students majoring in English develop critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills — all highly valued in the workforce. While a strong command of grammar and spelling is important, it’s not a prerequisite for success. Many professionals in the field, even those with degrees in English, regularly work with editors to polish their work.
Contrary to popular belief, English majors are not doomed to a life of unemployment. In fact, over 60% of English degree holders were employed in 2019, with many finding jobs in the media, communications, and other sectors. The versatility of an English degree means graduates have a wide range of career options, and the skills they develop are applicable across numerous fields.
Students contemplating whether an English degree is the right choice for them can consider several key factors. Do you have a passion for reading and writing? Are you interested in analyzing literature or improving your communication skills? If so, an English major might be an excellent fit. However, it’s important to explore other options and consider how each aligns with your strengths and career goals.
Despite the common perception that English is an “easy” major, it requires dedication and hard work. Students must engage deeply with both literature and writing. Many English programs also offer specialized concentrations such as creative writing, American or British literature, rhetoric, and digital humanities. These concentrations provide students with opportunities to hone their skills in a particular area of interest, making them more competitive in the job market.
An English degree opens doors to many professions. For example, technical writers, editors, and market research analysts all benefit from the strong communication and analytical skills developed in an English program. Other options include careers in public relations, social media management, and advertising, where storytelling and messaging are key components. The median annual salaries for these positions vary, with technical writers earning around $78,000 and social media managers commanding salaries of over $130,000 annually.
Many successful individuals, including celebrities such as Emma Watson, James Franco, and Stephen King, have majored in English, proving that the skills gained from an English degree can be applied in a variety of fields. These examples show that an English degree can serve as a stepping stone to a successful career, not just in academia, but in business, entertainment, and media as well.
For students interested in the best institutions for an English degree, universities such as Princeton, Harvard, and Yale consistently rank at the top for undergraduate and graduate English programs. Graduates from these schools often find themselves well-prepared for a range of career opportunities.
