English Studies and Journalism Studies

Texts are all around us – from books and magazines to TV, email and the internet.

The ability to analyse text and language is a skill that employers value, and the tools you learn from studying English will support your career goals.

You can learn more about the power of language and literature with a degree in English from the University of Stirling. We’re ranked 1st in Scotland (source: National Student Survey 2024).

What you’ll study

Our course offers a blend of language analysis, literary studies, and creative writing. You will:

• explore literature from the medieval period to the present day;

• analyse a variety of literary texts including classic novels, plays, and poems;

• develop your creative writing skills to enhance your understanding of literary techniques;

• gain insights into linguistics and the evolution of the English language.

Unique opportunities

We offer several unique opportunities to enrich your studies. You can:

• meet creative writers, scholars and critics at our lectures and readings. Previous guests include Stirling alumni Graeme Armstrong and Kirsty Logan, and writers from the prestigious Royal Literary Fund and Charles Wallace fellowships;

• network with visiting authors, such as past guests Anne Enright, Sarah Waters, Ben Okri and Graeme Macrae Burnet;

• work with our Royal Literary Fund Fellow in one-on-one sessions to develop and enhance your writing skills.

The digital age has transformed the way news is reported and consumed, with more media platforms available than ever before. A degree in Journalism Studies from the University of Stirling equips you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you’ll need to make a mark in this rapidly-evolving industry.

With over 30 years of experience in researching and teaching journalism, the University of Stirling has established a reputation as one of the UK’s top institutions in the field. This course covers theoretical and practical aspects of journalism, and offers an in-depth, critical understanding of journalism practice. You’ll work individually and in groups to write articles and prepare portfolios; create pages for print and online news platforms; produce and edit visuals; and contribute to class blogs. Everything you do will deepen your understanding of how professional journalists operate across broadcast, online and print media – and by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to take your place among them.

Guest lecturers from the media regularly visit the University to share their knowledge with you directly. The respected broadcaster Jon Snow described our media department as “a breed apart”. Join us to fulfil your ambitions in journalism, and you’ll soon find out why.

"The Film and Media Studies department is a breed apart. This is a holistic approach to film and media that refuses to ghettoise them into the narrow confines that others pursue in other institutions. For me Stirling is simply the best in this regard."

Jon Snow, broadcaster and journalist