Given the current technological and professional climate, students are often confused about the choices they have in terms of degrees that will take them towards their desired career path. Out of the many postgraduate options that students who wish to make it big in the media industry contemplate, a Master of Arts (MA) in English is one. It is indeed a versatile and enriching choice, since it allows you to find careers both outside and inside academia. Many people think that MA English is a reductive one since it focuses on the study of literature. Few realise the importance of the skills it helps to enhance and advance. Critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills are just a few of these that are highly in demand in diverse industries.

It is precisely with these skills in mind that The NorthCap University, one of the best private universities in India, designed its MA English programme. While teaching our MA English students, we don’t just try to provide a profound understanding of literature and culture, we encourage them to discover how language shapes societies, identities, nations and histories. They are persuaded to make this discovery through a deep dive in the sea of literary knowledge, which exposes them to literature of different varieties based on time, place and style. This exercise isn’t just about examining novels, drama or poetry. Rather, it allows students to gain the ability to understand and explain complex ideas, value socio-cultural diversity, and battle with issues that carry philosophical and moral weight. Exposure of this kind nurtures empathy and expands the intellectual horizons of youth, traits that are imperative for both personal and professional success.

Since we are already discussing the idea of success, it makes sense to highlight the relevance of strong communication in an individual’s life, and how it acts as a cornerstone of success in almost all fields. The academic rigour of assignments, presentations, and discussions while drafting research papers, attending lectures, or engaging in debates hones the ability of MA English students at NCU to express ideas clearly and persuasively. Our graduates are thus empowered with exceptional proficiency in both written and spoken communication, which opens all doors and windows for them when it comes to careers in journalism, academics, publishing, corporate communications, etc.

Our students learn to question existing beliefs and norms to develop strong critical abilities right from day one. They realise sooner than most that studying literature requires an active mind and a sensitive heart. They thus engage with a variety of texts and the diverse contexts that represent them with an openness which is rarely nurtured in literature classrooms. Our MA English students are thus far more aware of what is happening around the world than most literature students can boast of. They are not easily swayed by the disinformation surrounding them and can tell the difference between right and wrong action confidently. Industry recruiters thus seek our graduates with open arms.

Doing an MA English at NCU opens many avenues. One can work in schools and colleges, in publishing houses, or as a journalist writing for newspapers and websites. Companies also need people with strong communication skills, so jobs in HR, training, and corporate writing are possible. Creative fields like scriptwriting, content creation, and advertising also welcome English graduates. If you love studying more, this degree helps you move towards a PhD and research in areas like literature, language, or culture. Most importantly, reading and learning through English makes you grow as a person. It builds imagination, empathy, and joy. In short, an MA English degree at The NorthCap University gives you skills, careers, and personal growth.

Author
Dr. Gouri Kapoor
Assistant Professor of English,
Centre for Language Learning,
The NorthCap University