Upon completing a bachelor's degree in English language and literature, continuing to study the same subject at the master's degree level is a natural choice. Even if you continue your studies at the same institution, you can expect a new level of sophistication and complexity to the graduate-level coursework. With a master's degree in English, you may be able to secure better teaching positions than with a bachelor's degree, in private high schools or even in some community colleges. However, with the glut of Ph.D. graduates with English degrees, community colleges are beginning to expect more qualified teachers, reports the Princeton Review.
If you enjoyed studying literature in English and you have some abilities reading in foreign languages, you might consider pursuing a master's degree in comparative literature. Unlike other literature programs, comparative literature usually has an interdepartmental flavor, with students studying literature in a multinational and multilingual context. Instead of using a single language as a unifying element, you might focus your studies around literature of a particular era, aesthetic or genre within the framework of a particular theory.
After completing a bachelor's degree in English, you might decide to focus on a more pre-professional course of study, such as law. While going to law school qualifies you to perform a specific job, it also opens up possibilities to go into a wide range of specializations and career paths. Whether you're interested in trial law, international law, environmental law or perhaps a career in politics, continuing on to law school will provide you with the training. Having completed studies in English, you have already developed research, writing, reading and interpretation skills.
If you're interested in continuing with a master's degree to continue your liberal arts education, you might consider a major in another field within the humanities. For example, if you're interested in the historical elements of the works you studied as an English major, you might like to move to a history department. If you tend to read highly philosophical or religious works, you might switch to one of those departments. By having experience in both departments, you may prove a more valuable teacher upon completing your education.