Our Department is consistently rated as a top-five or higher English Department by various national guides.  

Staff interests cover the full spectrum of English literature from Anglo-Saxon to the present day, and different critical approaches to literature as well as creative writing. We consider literatures in English in the global sense, with modules that cover authors and texts ranging from the United States to South Asia.  Our work combines a strong sense of tradition with a commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary approaches.  

Our teaching and research complement one another at all levels of academic enquiry, from first-year tutorials to the specialised supervision available to MA and doctoral postgraduates. For example, staff offer ‘special topic’ seminar modules related to their field of expertise, while our creative writers lead modules in creative writing, poetry and prose. 

Students are taught in lectures and seminars, as well as small tutorial groups and one-to-one supervisions. Undergraduates can see their tutors regularly, and prepare essays or shorter pieces for tutorial or seminar discussion.  

The University Library maintains extensive general collections in literary studies, with specialist collections and archives on Palace Green.