English

The analysis of some of the most important works of literature ever written, and an opportunity to discover your own voice, in the company of inspiring and world-leading academics. Part of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Top 5 in the UK for English

Times Graduate Prospects 2024

6th in the UK for Gradute Prospects in English

Complete University Guide 2025

7th overall for English

Complete University Guide 2025

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We pride ourselves on providing the best quality teaching and support for our students. Our staff have a real commitment and enthusiasm for the subject, which is evident in our ground-breaking research and the accolades we receive.

Dr Wim Van Mierlo Programme Leader for English
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Research

Staff and student research in English is enormously varied and spans the full range of the discipline, from Medieval and Early Modern all the way through to the Contemporary and Digital. As well as spanning centuries, our work crosses continents and disciplines, which enables us to offer breadth and depth of expertise to students, local communities, and the wider world.

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News and events View all

a human skull resting on an open book

From a scream to a whisper – ‘quiet horror’ novels are making a comeback

Ever since its inception with Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of Otranto (1764), a delirious mixture of violent death and familial conspiracy, gothic literature has been a restless cultural form, constantly mutating and assuming new guises but always exploring the darker side of life. Sometimes, its fashions are those of the historical moment. Sometimes they are initiated by a book enjoying unprecedented commercial success.
a still image from the tv series Salem's Lot

Salem’s Lot: a faithful but shallow adaptation of Stephen King’s classic vampire novel

The vampire story dwells among the undead of literary and cinematic genres, ever available for reanimation. This year alone has seen the publication of more than 30 vampire novels in the US (from Rachel Harrison’s So Thirsty to K. M. Enright’s Mistress of Lies), alongside the release of several vampire movies, including Abigail (with Nosferatu, rebooting the silent German classic, due at Christmas).
front cover of an oscar wilde jigsaw

Oscar Wilde’s life turned into puzzle by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ academic

Oscar Wilde is one of the most famous and often-quoted writers of the Victorian era. His life and literary works have been transformed into plays, films and television shows – but now they have been turned into a jigsaw puzzle.

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    • Staff

    Our staff are recognised nationally and internationally for the depth and breadth of their research, which transcends disciplinary boundaries and translates into engaging and innovative teaching.

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