西澳大学

In English and Literary Studies, we take the imagination seriously. We address the creative texts that societies produce and ask what they mean. From Shakespeare to Netflix, and from critical theory to creative writing, English and Literary Studies offers a rich range of units to build your major. At the heart of English and Literary Studies is language, and language is the central domain of human experience. Whatever your career pathway might be, the ability to use and understand language creatively and sensitively will be a lifelong asset.

This is a diverse and vibrant major that gives students the opportunity to tailor their learning according to their interests and career pathway, from creative writing and performance studies, to the rich history of the western literary tradition. Our units look at the rich history of the western literary tradition: Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf; writers who have done much to shape the way we live imaginatively in the world today. The major also offers units that look at the exciting ways in which literature works in the newly globalized world. Other important elements of the major are creative writing, where students produce their own creative work; screen and performance studies, which examine texts in media not confined to the written page; and the study of everyday life (gender, race, class) as it is mediated textually and imaginatively.

Career Pathways

English and Literary Studies graduates are highly successful in obtaining careers from teaching to management, journalism to advertising and the public service, and in all aspects of cultural life. Many proceed from studies in English to specialised training in professions such as law, medicine, psychology, librarianship, education, publishing, journalism, industrial relations or theatre and media work.

Further Study

This major lay the foundation for further study at honours and postgraduate level.