Careers and employability
Study arts, languages and cultures at Manchester and you will develop skills that will be vital in your future career across all of our degree courses, whichever subject you choose.
If you study a foreign language, you will also gain international experience through your residence abroad and develop a thorough command of communication in this language. You will also better understand diverse cultures.
How we can help you
We offer various opportunities to help you develop your employability skills and work experience as part of our courses. Initiatives vary from course to course, but may include:
- placements, including the opportunity to spend a year in the workplace;
- internships;
- opportunities to study abroad;
- the chance to become a peer mentor;
- volunteering opportunities;
- combining the study of different subjects through Flexible Honours;
- employability-focused course units.
Watch the video below to find out how University of Manchester students got involved with the Manchester International Festival on a summer placement.
What you could do after university
In the UK, we're the most targeted university by the nation's top graduate employers.
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Flyers Research
Whatever course you opt for, you will be highly sought after by employers when you graduate - especially as The University of Manchester is the most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers, according to High Fliers Research.
Our graduates go on to a diverse range of careers, from working in the arts and the media to success in the worlds of finance, marketing, the Civil Service and more.
Careers and employability by subject
Click on the links below to see careers and employability information specific to courses in each of our subject areas, including opportunities for developing your skillset, lists of past graduate destinations and profiles of our alumni.
- American Studies
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Arts Management and Museology
- Classics and Ancient History
- Digital Humanities
- Drama
- English Literature and Creative Writing
- History
- Linguistics and English Language
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Music
- Religions and Theology
- Translation and Intercultural Studies
University-wide initiatives
You will be able to access a rich variety of volunteering opportunities that help students build transferable skills and form part of the University's Stellify initiative.
In addition, Manchester's Careers Service is a great starting point for discovering the wide range of opportunities and activities available across the University and beyond to help you develop your employability and transferable skills alongside your studies, including:
- internships and other forms of work experience;
- work experience bursaries;
- part-time, casual and holiday work;
- overseas opportunities, for example, our Global Graduates scheme;
- networking events, talks and workshops;
- mentoring.
Students and new graduates have access to a full range of in-person and online help, including careers guidance and CV and applications support.
