We host a thriving community of around 60 taught and 60 research students working across a wide variety of fields, reflecting the breadth of world-class expertise within our academic staff. We offer taught and research degrees in English literary studies, and in creative writing.
Postgraduates are integrated into the research culture of the Department through events, publishing opportunities, and a comprehensive programme of training and induction.
The balance between coursework, extra-curricular lectures, pursuing publication or conference participation, and socializing has been ideal.
Staff and postgraduate research seminars bring us together in an informal environment to discuss the latest research, and to engage with academics from other universities. Postgraduate researchers also participate in various interdisciplinary institutes.
Late Summer Lectures is convened by postgraduates, and brings early-career research to a public audience each year, via live lectures and podcasts. Our postgraduate-run Inventions of the Text series is pitched at a more academic audience.
Training in core research skills, and personal and career development, is available through a central postgraduate programme.
Taught MA students receive training in preparation for a research career through their dissertation programme. Our ongoing induction for PhD researchers offers training in skills such as information management, digital, and conference presentation.
We host possibly the world's longest-running online journal for early-career English, which is edited by two PhD students each year.
PhD researchers and MA students are able to publish articles, reviews, interviews, podcasts and more on our popular blog, and to build skills in research dissemination and impact.
Offer research students the chance to contribute to active research projects. Students are paid £500 to support staff.
The Department may offer research students the chance of some paid teaching experience, usually in their second or third year of research, subject to the approval of supervisors.
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