Careers and work placements
Graduate careers
Our graduates go on to develop successful careers in a wide variety of areas and industries.
Vincent Coole
Senior Project Manager, Picker Institute Europe
Graduated: 2011
I manage large-scale national surveys on behalf of the CQC and NHS, and lead on research projects that aim to improve the quality of patient care provided by all healthcare institutions.
Sarah Little
Social Media Manager, Captive Minds Communications
Graduated: 2012
I manage the social media department for a content marketing agency based in Shoreditch, leading international projects from pitch phase right through to wrap-up.
Sheetal Mistry
Administrative Officer (AO) at the Home Office, Asylum Support
Graduated: 2011
Many asylum seekers who enter the UK are destitute. Some asylum seekers, however, claim asylum having entered the country illegally. My role is to assess asylum applications, remaining impartial at all times so as to provide a good quality service – one of the key principles of the Civil Service.
Work placements
You can take a Work Placement module in your second or third year. This module offers you the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge beyond the lecture theatre and classroom. You will work with experienced professionals in organisations that have links with English language or literature. These have included The Oxford Literary Festival, Oxford University Press, Sky Sports, community arts organisations, PR firms, and primary and secondary schools.
Volunteering at the Oxford Literary Festival 2015 enabled me to practise skills crucial to becoming a successful barrister. Interacting with my supervisor and colleagues and assisting visitors required clear communication skills. I honed my ability to perceive the needs of speakers and attendees. These skills will be transferable to the work of a lawyer when building client relationships. The festival was extremely well attended, and in fulfilling my responsibilities I demonstrated my ability to work well under pressure and qualities as a team player.
Jacky Cheng, student