English Careers

Chloe Dunne

I’ve always been a big reader, ever since I was little. I joined my local library when I was six, and I think that’s what set me down the path to studying English today. Now I’m a third year, specialising in History and English, and I absolutely love it. UL offers modules like Medieval Literature and Irish Gothic Lit, which really allow me to combine my two subjects; by studying the works of the past, I’m looking through a window to see people just like me, who read or heard the same, unchanging, words that I’m looking at now, centuries later.

I think that English in UL works really well in conjunction with History, Irish, or any of the other languages offered here. Don’t let the idea of core readings and recommended readings scare you away- the workload is usually quite manageable as long as you don’t leave everything to pile up until it’s deadline time. However, English here isn’t all about just reading literature either. UL also offers modules on literary theories and criticism (which are more interesting than they sound, I promise!) as well as creative writing and opportunities to focus solely on a major author, if that’s your cup of tea.

English in UL offers more than just academic opportunities. As part of my degree, I went on Erasmus to Germany, where I also studied English. The opportunity to improve my German (which sadly had been untouched since my Leaving Cert days) as well as live in a new country and with new people was an invaluable experience and helped me grow as a person in numerous ways. My co-op placement (think work experience!) was just as beneficial- I got to work with the Centre for Early Modern Studies here in UL and it really drove home for me just how interconnected the humanities are. CEMS wasn’t just made up of members of the Department of History- here Geography, Languages, Irish, and English academics can also be found. And that’s when it really clicked for me, just how much the arts can bleed into one another; and how English can be the perfect medium to connect them.

Chloe Reidy 

English was my favourite subject in school. I’ve always loved reading, but more than that, I love understanding how writers develop their ideas, what inspires them, and the cultural context behind their work. That curiosity drew me toward studying English at university.  

The structure of the Bachelor of Arts gave me the space to try out different subjects in first year before fully committing, which was hugely reassuring. I chose to combine English with Digital Culture & Communications because the subjects complemented each other, especially with the overlap in journalism-related modules.  

Early in the degree, I discovered my favourite author, Kate Chopin, through American literature modules, and I eventually wrote my dissertation on her work. I completed my co‑op with I Love Limerick, which gave me hands-on experience and even helped me realise that journalism wasn’t the path for me, something I wouldn’t have known otherwise. My Erasmus in Prague gave me huge confidence, broadened my worldview, and showed me the cultural impact of English literature internationally. 

After UL, I completed an MA in Publishing in the UK. I now work for a book publisher in their international sales department, working across both export and the selling of translation rights. I sell rights into Asian territories, such as China and South Korea. Before my studies at UL, a career in publishing wasn’t something that I ever expected I would get into; I think the course broadened my horizons and allowed me to consider opportunities I hadn’t previously. Publishing perfectly brings together my love of books, culture, and global communication. 

My advice to students is simple: take every opportunity. The course gives you space to explore, and English opens far more doors than you might realise.