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English Studies

We are one of the leading English Departments in the UK, and among the top 50 in the world, offering teaching and research of the highest quality.
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Welcome to English Studies at Durham

We are one of few university English departments in the world who teach and research in literature produced in Britain from the early medieval period to the present day as well as in anglophone literature from across the globe. We also offer Creative Writing at MA, PhD, and MLitt level.

Our subject range is made possible by our large and thriving community of around:

  • 700 undergraduates
  • 60 taught postgraduates
  • 60 PhD researchers
  • 80 academic, postdoctoral, and administrative staff

Explore our various courses, or engage with us on social media to discover our research.

Find out more about us
3rd in the UK for English in the Complete University Guide 2023 and the Guardian University Guide 2023
Athena Swan Bronze Award
Athena Swan Bronze Award Recognising our work to address gender equality
38th
38th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 English Language and Literature
World leading research 90% of our research activity was judged to be 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in REF 2021

Study with us

Advance your studies or research with our world-class community of scholars and students.

Undergraduate Study

Our Department combines a strong research profile with a long-standing and continuing commitment to undergraduate teaching.
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Postgraduate study

We offer taught MA degrees in English Literary Studies, and Creative Writing. We support a large research community of PhD and MLitt students.
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Our research

Our research is at the forefront of developments in the discipline. We regularly publish influential academic books and essays that are drawn on by students and other researchers around the globe, and we publish acclaimed creative work in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Our research has regional, national and international impact.
Find out more about our research
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Discover more

  • Diversity and inclusion

    See how we provide an inclusive and supportive working and teaching environment for all.

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  • Our staff

    Find out more about the varied interests and expertise of our academic staff.

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Diversity and inclusion

See how we provide an inclusive and supportive working and teaching environment for all.

Student working outdoors

Our staff

Find out more about the varied interests and expertise of our academic staff.

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  • Events

    Find out more about what's on and join us at one of our many online or on-site public events.

    Sacred and Profane July 2016

  • Current research

    Find out more about some of our current research initiatives and projects.

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Events

Find out more about what's on and join us at one of our many online or on-site public events.

Sacred and Profane July 2016

Current research

Find out more about some of our current research initiatives and projects.

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Follow us on Social Media

Find out about our latest research by following our social media feeds READ: Research English At Durham

Highlights

READ blog

Follow our research blog and discover more about our latest insights and publications.
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Listen to our latest podcasts

Download public lectures, interviews, and book chat to the app of your choice
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What's new?

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New interdisciplinary health research awarded £9m grant

Our cutting-edge Institute for Medical Humanities (IMH) has been awarded a £9m Discovery Research Platform Award to develop a new Discovery Research Platform for Medical Humanities (DRP-MH).

Global research
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Strengthened connections with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

We are delighted to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
Global research
A group of people standing in front of a sign that says Indian Institute of Technology Madras

‘Something that speaks to you in the quiet of the night’: Horror writing with Naomi Booth

This Halloween, Dr Naomi Booth, Associate Professor in the Department of English Studies and award-winning fiction writer tells us about horror writing and the Boggart, a forgotten folklore monster.
Research news
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Recognition for the Department’s Research Excellence

Our outstanding research environment and our impact on public life, community, and culture have been recognised in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
Research news
Photograph of a castle standing above a river. The text REF20201 Research Excellence Framework is on the front of the image.

Lumiere 2021 – In conversation with Kayo Chingonyi

For this year’s biennial Lumiere light festival Durham University have brought together the producers, Artichoke, and regional writing development agency New Writing North, on an exciting collaboration that will see new works from some of the UK’s leading poets light up Durham Castle. Among them is prize winning writer Kayo Chingonyi, an Assistant Professor in our Department. Here Kayo talks about his involvement and how poetry has been a central part of his life.
Research news
Image of Kayo Chingonyi
Read more news

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

We are ranked 38th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

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How Shakespeare was inspired by controversial student theatre

Student theatre may be a staple of undergraduate life today, but in Shakespeare’s time it was controversial and provocative, and may have inspired some of ‘The Bard’s’ most important pieces.
Image showing book of Shakespeare plays open with image of Shakespeare

Remembering Christmas Past

Simon J. James is Professor of Victorian Literature in the Department of English Studies. This festive season he discusses memory in Dickens’ work, and the importance of remembering past versions of ourselves at Christmas.
A Christmas Carol

Students Share their Stories during National Storytelling Week

During National Storytelling Week, 30 January – 5 February, we have been hearing from three budding writers who are currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing in the Department of English Studies.

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Studying English at Durham

What has it been like to study English during the pandemic?
Screenshot of people applauding on Zoom call

  • Durham Book Festival 2022

    Durham’s celebrated Book Festival returns this year for another weekend in October, celebrating new writing with particular relevance to the North East. Our Department of English Studies and Durham University are thrilled to be associated with the event once again, taking pride in the roots the city has in its literature and wider culture.  
    Durham news
    Durham Book Festival promotional poster

  • Why we’re supporting City of Culture 2025

    The University is one of three founding partners in Durham’s City of Culture 2025 bid, with Durham County Council and Culture Durham. Our Executive Dean for Arts and Humanities, Professor Janet Stewart, outlines the significance of the bid, why the University is lending its support, and what the title would bring to Durham City and County.
    Durham news
    Durham: no ordinary county

  • English Studies climbs to 36th in the QS World University subject rankings

    We're delighted to have risen 8 places in this year's QS World University Rankings for English Language and Literature - up to 36th in the world.
    Durham news
    Top 50 English Language and Literature 2022 QS World University Rankings Logo

Durham Book Festival 2022

Durham’s celebrated Book Festival returns this year for another weekend in October, celebrating new writing with particular relevance to the North East. Our Department of English Studies and Durham University are thrilled to be associated with the event once again, taking pride in the roots the city has in its literature and wider culture.  

This is the card image's alt text.

Why we’re supporting City of Culture 2025

The University is one of three founding partners in Durham’s City of Culture 2025 bid, with Durham County Council and Culture Durham. Our Executive Dean for Arts and Humanities, Professor Janet Stewart, outlines the significance of the bid, why the University is lending its support, and what the title would bring to Durham City and County.
Durham: no ordinary county

English Studies climbs to 36th in the QS World University subject rankings

We're delighted to have risen 8 places in this year's QS World University Rankings for English Language and Literature - up to 36th in the world.
Top 50 English Language and Literature 2022 QS World University Rankings Logo

Upcoming events

Cats, Dogs and People: Early Twentieth-Century LGBTQ+ History Beyond the Human

Thursday 1 June 2023 - Thursday 1 June 2023
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Online via Zoom.
Hand writing in notepad

Postgraduate Works in Progress

Wednesday 14 June 2023 - Wednesday 14 June 2023
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Elvet Riverside and online
Inventions of the Text
View all events

Get in touch

Contact us to find out more about our courses and research.

  • General enquiries
  • Postgraduate admission enquiries

    • Department of English Studies

    Hallgarth House  

    77 Hallgarth Street  

    Durham City  

    DH1 3AY 

    Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2500 

    Fax: +44 (0)191 334 2501 

    Questions about studying here?

    Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

    Ask Us

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