Leading academics and high-profile graduates of English have launched a new campaign to highlight the value of studying English at university.

Far from a ‘low-value degree’, English degrees provide skills vital to today’s growing markets in the creative and arts sectors, and language-based systems and industries like AI. Yet the popularity of some English literature and language courses has fallen due to misleading myths about job prospects and skills, professors say.

The #EnglishCreates campaign, led by University English in association with the English Association, shows how young people can create a difference in the world through an English degree, and futureproof their skills for life, work, and social change.

The #EnglishCreates campaign is supported by successful English graduates, including comedian David Baddiel, poet and novelist Patience Agbabi, writers Ali Smith and Jeanette Winterson, and children’s author Francesca Simon. 

David Baddiel said: “I loved my English degree. I loved getting to read books, and then listen to clever people talk about books, and then writing about books, for a degree. It was the most intellectually stimulating way to spend my time at university, plus it opened me up to understanding the world in ways that have stayed with me for life. Plus it may – who knows –  have helped me become a writer.”

Patience Agbabi said: “Studying English Language and Literature, especially pre-19th century texts and poetry, enabled me to explore and extol the sonic properties of language, the  dynamic between orality and literature. I became a sought-after international spoken word poet enjoying numerous invitations through bodies including The British Council in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the USA. I have lectured in Creative Writing and have published four poetry collections and four novels – a time-travel tetralogy for children.”

English graduates and supporters are encouraged to share their own stories on social media channels using #EnglishCreates.

Professor Gail Marshall, chair of University English and Professor of English Literature at the University of Reading, said: “English is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding subject to study, and has a profound impact across our society.

“An English degree creates value of many kinds, helps employability, and equips graduates with life-long skills to respond meaningfully to challenges like the environmental crisis and technological change.

“We would lose so much if universities had to close English departments, particularly in parts of the UK where universities play a major role in the economic, cultural, and artistic landscape.”

The  #EnglishCreates campaign will culminate in a week of national events, 3-7 June 2024. Visit universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreates-campaign-events for more information.