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Humanities and writing are about understanding human experience, cultures and the power of language to shape the world. You'll learn how storytelling, critical thinking and creative expression influence everything from journalism to policy.

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Humanities & Writing

Turn your curiosity about people, stories and ideas into a meaningful career.

A-Levels in English Literature, History and a Language, or BTEC in Creative Writing can open the doors to university & apprenticeships.

​​Is This Area For You?

Your Personality
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If you enjoy reading, writing, or exploring why people think and act the way they do, then Humanities & Writing could be your ideal path. This area mixes creativity and analysis, helping you craft narratives and insights that inform, persuade and inspire audiences across every medium.

Your attributes might include:​​

Critical thinking

You question ideas and explore different perspectives with curiosity.

Creative communicator

You express complex thoughts clearly and compellingly.

Empathetic observer

You notice nuances in human behavior, culture and society that others miss.

You might learn to:
 
  • Use language and research to explore real-world issues and human experiences

  • Craft stories, essays and arguments that inform and persuade diverse audiences

  • Analyse texts, history and culture to understand how societies evolve

  • Develop insights that shape everything from media narratives to cultural movements

Linguistics BA/BSc

A woman practising Phonetics and phonology

Study of language as a system, exploring how it is structured, learned, used, and changes over time, and what it reveals about the mind, society, and human communication.

Translation Studies BA

Translation studies student working

Study of how meaning is transferred between languages and cultures, exploring translation theory, practical language skills, and the social, cultural, and professional contexts of translation.

East Asian Studies BA

The great wall of China

Study of the histories, cultures, politics, and societies of East Asia, focusing on countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and their global influence through interdisciplinary perspectives.

African Studies BA

View of quiver trees forest with beautiful sky sunset twilight sky scene in keetmanshoop, namibia.

Study of the histories, cultures, politics, and societies of Africa, exploring the continent’s diversity, global connections, and contemporary challenges through interdisciplinary perspectives.

German BA

German flag

Study of the German language, culture, history, and society, developing advanced language skills alongside intercultural understanding and critical analysis.

Chinese BA

Chinese flag

Study of the Chinese language, culture, history, and society, developing advanced language skills alongside deep cultural, political, and global understanding of China and the Chinese-speaking world.

English Literature BA

Woman reading a book.

Study of literature across periods, genres, and cultures, exploring how writers use language to express ideas, challenge societies, and shape our understanding of the world.

Creative Writing BA

A man writing on paper

Study of storytelling, language, and the craft of writing, helping you develop your voice as a writer across genres including fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and digital writing.

Comparative Literature BA

A woman reading a book.

Study of literature across different languages, cultures, periods, and genres, exploring how stories travel, transform, and connect across global contexts.

Spanish BA

Spanish flag

Study of the Spanish language, cultures, histories, and societies of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world, combining language learning with cultural, historical, and social analysis.

Liberal Arts BA

Two Liberal Arts students discussing coursework

Study of a broad range of subjects across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking, intellectual flexibility, and independent learning.

Arabic BA

Dubai skyline

Study of the Arabic language and the cultures, histories, and societies of the Arab world, developing advanced language skills alongside deep cultural, political, and historical understanding.

Classics BA

Low angle shot of the columns of the acropolis pantheon in athens, greece under the sky

Study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, exploring their literature, history, philosophy, art, politics, and lasting influence on Western culture and modern society.

American Studies BA

Beautiful low angle shot of the statue of liberty during daytime in new york

Study of the history, culture, politics, and society of the United States, exploring American identity, power, diversity, and global influence through interdisciplinary perspectives.

Modern Languages BA

Multilingual languages on a chalk board

Study of one or more modern languages alongside the cultures, histories, and societies in which they are spoken, developing advanced communication skills and intercultural understanding.

Italian BA

Italian flag

Study of the Italian language, culture, history, and society, developing advanced language skills alongside a deep understanding of Italy’s cultural and global influence.

Modern Languages & Translation BA

Translation in the dictionary up close?

Study of one or more modern languages alongside the theory and practice of translation, exploring how meaning moves across cultures and how language shapes communication in a global world.

History BA

A medieval castle

Study of past societies, cultures, events, and ideas, exploring how people lived, how power worked, and how historical change shapes the world today.

Russian BA

Russian flag

Study of the Russian language alongside Russian history, culture, politics, and society, developing advanced language skills and deep regional understanding.

Middle Eastern Studies BA

Archs of shekh zayed grand mosque reflect in the water before it

French BA

French tricolour flag

Study of the French language, culture, history, and society, developing advanced language skills alongside deep cultural and global understanding.

Philosophy BA

A woman thinking on the beach

Study of the fundamental questions and ideas that shape human thought, exploring concepts such as knowledge, morality, consciousness, reality, and the nature of human existence.

Theology & Religious Studies BA

Low angle shot of beautiful design of wat ratchanatdaram temple in bangkok, thailand

Study of religious beliefs, practices, texts, and traditions, exploring how religion shapes cultures, ethics, history, and contemporary society across the world.

Humanities & Writing Degree Courses

Career fields include:
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Quick Career Facts
  • Average starting salary: £22,000–£28,000

  • Common employers: BBC, Penguin Random House, The Guardian, British Museum, Ogilvy, National Trust

  • Study time: Typically three years full-time (four with placement or abroad year)

  • Best A Level/BTEC subjects: English Literature, History, Languages, Creative Writing

Journalism & Broadcasting

Investigating stories, reporting news, and shaping public conversation through rigorous research and compelling storytelling.

Publishing & Editing

Discovering talent, shaping manuscripts, and bringing books and content to readers through editorial expertise.

Content & Copywriting

Crafting brand stories, campaigns, and digital content that engage audiences and drive impact.

Heritage & Museums

Curating exhibitions, preserving cultural artifacts, and interpreting history for public education and engagement.

Education & Academia

Teaching, mentoring students, and advancing knowledge through research and scholarly publication.

Commnication & PR

Managing reputation, crafting strategic messages, and connecting organizations with stakeholders and the public.

Youth Work & Community Education

Supporting young people's personal development outside of formal school settings

Careers

Humanities and writing are about understanding people and communicating ideas that shape culture, policy and public discourse.

 

You'll learn how language, research and storytelling drive everything from news media to heritage preservation.

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