Literature and linguistics
A field of study in arts and humanities
Vocational or degree?Both routes3 in 10 train through vocational routes in the EU: 56,000 finished vocational training and 150,000 higher education in this field (2024). Figures for the wider field.Eurostat
Do graduates use it?52% in a matching jobof arts and humanities graduates with a degree in the EU work in a job that matches what they studied. After vocational training: 35%.All arts and humanities fields · Eurostat 2024
Do they find work?87% in workof people who finished higher education in the last 1 to 3 years in the EU (2025). Vocational training: 80%. General upper secondary only: 67%.All fields · Eurostat
What you'd learn
GrammarSpellingLinguisticsLiteratureWriting techniquesRigging terminologyTypes of literature genresTechnical terminologyMusic literatureVeterinary terminologySemanticsTranscription methods+ 13 more
The knowledge areas ESCO files under this field, those most needed by jobs first. Actual programmes vary by school and country.
Where it can lead
19 jobs use what this field teaches.
| Job | Prospects | Pay | Usual study | AI exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writer | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Lexicographer | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Translator | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Literary scholar | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Proofreader | Limited | Below average | Vocational | Significant |
| Interpreter | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Linguist | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Scopist | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Significant |
| Book editor | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Graphologist | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Dramaturge | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Sign language interpreter | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Interpretation agency manager | Good | Well above average | Degree | Low |
| Translation agency manager | Good | Well above average | Degree | Low |
| Journalist | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Photojournalist | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Some tasks |
| Library manager | Good | Well above average | Degree | Low |
| Administrative assistant | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Significant |
| Oil rig motorhand | Limited | About average | Vocational | Very low |
Jobs that need the knowledge this field teaches (ESCO), closest match first. This is not a record of where graduates actually end up: no EU-wide data says that per field.
Where to study
1,154 institutions in the EU offer arts and humanities bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.