A national campaign involving UK universities took place at the start of June, highlighting the breadth and excitement of English studies in higher education.
The campaign involved a week-long programme of 20 public events, including online interviews and conversations with renowned experts and authors, and in-person exhibitions and guest lectures.
The events took place under the banner of the #EnglishCreates campaign, which Campaign Collective members helped to develop on behalf of University English, the English national subject association. The work involved members producing an overarching campaign strategy, which included developing messaging for the campaign, suggesting PR hooks, and producing an outline campaign toolkit.
Backed by high-profile graduates such as comedian David Baddiel and poet Patience Agbabi, #EnglishCreates has been showcasing the skills and competencies the subject can offer students, as well as countering ‘misleading myths’ about its contribution to the nation.
The campaign comes at a time when some universities are closing courses due to a steep fall over the last decade in the number of young people studying the subject at A level and beyond.
Professor Gail Marshall, Head of the School of Humanities at the University of Reading and Chair of University English, said:
“English degrees today are incredibly diverse, including literature from across the world, engagement with multiple textual forms, and connection with today’s key social and cultural questions.
“And it remains a high-value degree, producing graduates who are appreciated by employers for their skills of critical thinking, communication and collaboration. They’re independent, engaged with the world, and ready for the flexible workplaces of the future.”
The events included a conversation with Oxford alumni Patience Agbabi, journalist Dhruti Shah and restaurant consultant Flo Graham-Dixon, who reflected on their career journeys since graduating with an English degree.
Ian Morton, Campaign Collective member, said:
“All the evidence suggests that higher education plays a hugely important role locally, nationally and globally. However, all too often the sector seemingly has to fight its corner to prove this to policy makers and politicians.
“Despite the creative economy being worth £84bn, subjects like English go under the radar in favour of other degrees. And with the advance of artificial intelligence, subjects like English will become increasingly important, with its focus on communication and critical analysis.”
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For more information about the campaign, visit: https://universityenglish.ac.uk/englishcreates/