Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Planning and delivery of GCSE English lessons, marking coursework and admin tasks.

A typical day involves working with students in the classroom, answering emails, lesson preparation, marking and occasionally a staff meeting.

A few well-motivated students who are willing to learn.

Students who are not motivated. Long hours and a few unhelpful colleagues.

More interesting and not quite as badly paid as the alternatives.

I use basic English language skills and some techniques of literary analysis, as well as low-level IT skills.

I did about twenty months work for social services in basic grade admin jobs, which included reception duties, word processing and data entry. Since then I have done a number of teaching jobs through various agencies, delivering Functional Skills and GCSE English.

I have gained a few low-level qualifications such as the IOSH health and safety certificate, a certificate in counselling skills and a level one IT qualification.

I have very poor job prospects and I cannot afford any worthwhile qualifications.

A PhD in literature does not have much value in the job market, especially for people from less affluent backgrounds. So my advice is do not expect to much from the qualification.