At the University of Southampton, we believe in providing our students with skills, experience and opportunities to help in acquiring a future career.
Through our Careers and Employability service, you are given guidance and support throughout your studies and including post-studies for up to three years after graduation.
Each faculty provides ample opportunities to get involved in a wide range of programs that can help towards gainful employment. Find out more below.
"I loved my time spent at University of Southampton studying for my humanities degree. The programme had a wide range of modules to study, taught using engaging methods by passionate professors. I was even able to study abroad in Canada, giving me the chance to learn about another culture and to travel. During my degree I was able to develop transferable skills, such as thinking analytically, problem solving and presentation skills, which have helped me to excel in my career"
Sinead Maume, BA in History, Graduated Summer 2012. Sinead is currently working for IBM at their London Office
Employers tell us that they are looking for driven, articulate individuals with a passion for learning; Humanities students fit that bill. During your time with us we will support your personal and professional development within, alongside and outside of your degree programme. Working in partnership with the university's Career and Employability Service, we will provide you with a framework which will enable you to take ownership of your future from the start of your studies, to make the most of all opportunities available to you, building your confidence to fulfil your ambition and realise your goals.
Three modules, one for each year of your programme, comprising of a series of lectures and seminars given by experts, employers and alumni, which take you through career planning step by step. Starting with an introduction to the opportunities on offer, building to skills self-assessment to help you to discover hidden talents, through to CV, application and personal statement writing, entrepreneurial and start-up options, interview techniques, psychometric testing and digital self-marketing. Employers will tell you what they can offer, from placements, internships and springboard programmes to ambassadorships and graduate recruitment. You will learn how and when to apply for roles and be given top tips for making an impact. Our alumni will share their experiences of the world of work, helping you to make connections between your studies and potential career options. Additional optional seminars and flexible online learning will enable you to tailor your development to suit you and your ambitions.
The Humanities Employability Module can be found here
Peer Mentoring is a mutually beneficial way of learning and developing transferable skills that will help you not only during your time at the University of Southampton, but into employability. The scheme takes advantage of the expertise of current Humanities students, who use their first-hand experience and student-led training to be appointed as Mentors. New students (Mentees) are automatically enrolled into the scheme so that every new undergraduate Humanities student can take full advantage of the Mentors to provide extra help and information during their transition into University life here at Southampton. For more information, please visit our Peer Mentoring webpage.
Our modules are supported by input from our External Advisory Board. Members are drawn from a pool of employers and research partners who advise us on a fast-changing job market. Membership of the Board changes frequently so we are always getting fresh ideas, suggestions and advice.
We work closely with our graduates to provide a university experience which extends beyond graduation. Our VIP Alumni are graduates who have opted to give back to Humanities, offering their time to share their experiences and insights with current students. You will meet our VIP Alumni as you study our employability modules or network at events, activities and recruitment fairs.
When you leave Southampton as a driven, articulate individual with a passion for learning you will be equipped to enter a wide variety of fields including setting yourself up in business.
Examples of Humanities graduates career paths include: advertising account executive, PR officer, accountant, academic, festival coordinator, credit controller, project manager, editor, barrister, website editor, market analyst, marketing manager, recruitment manager, archaeologist, TV presenter, army officer, librarian, consultant, museum curator, music teacher, orchestral manager, forensic scientist, auditor, teacher, police officer, events manager, quantity surveyor, vocal coach, civil servant, risk manager, TEFL teacher, journalist, translator, bilingual researcher, paralegal, political researcher, human resources manager, company director, retail manager.
Visit the Humanities alumni page to learn more about what our students are doing now.
Facts and figures about what a humanities degree offers in terms of employability
Find out moreHumanities students have been recognised for their achievements as part of the University of Southampton¿s Excel placements scheme during the Easter and/or summer vacations. This is an opportunity to spend between four and 12 weeks with a wide range of external partners or within the University, organised by the Careers and Employability Service. Students are paid during their placements.
Find out more