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The Department of English Literature engages in internationally recognised and world-leading research. We were ranked 6th nationally for research outputs in the latest REF 2021 and 94% of our published research was ranked 3* or higher (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021 – English Language and Literature, when scoring by GPA Output).

We engage in research that addresses current social and cultural issues in an open and enquiring way. Our cluster-based research and distinctive Research Centres reflect our unique strengths in archival recovery and analysis, in cultural, gender, and racial identities, and in creative publication and creative approaches within critical debates.

Excellence in archival research

Many of our world-leading outputs are informed by archival work which draws on the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app Special Collections. These house the , the most important archive of Beckett-related material in the world, and world-leading holdings in the . 

Impact highlights

Our research is transforming how we look at the value and purpose of literature in the modern world.

Co-led by Professor Andrew Mangham, this interdisciplinary research interrogates representations of monster myths in literature, ancient history, modern art, and the biological sciences. Its centrepiece is a major exhibition that was mounted in the Madejski Art Gallery at ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app Museum.

Led by Dr Alanna Skuse, this project brings together research into the representation of self-injury in Renaissance texts with creative work by people who've experienced self-harm. It has featured art workshops, a pop-up exhibition, and a six-month theatre project and performance with charity Self Injury Support.

Working with Mid-Pennine Arts and independent publishers, Professor Nicola Wilson has led efforts to republish the writings of Lancashire mill-woman Ethel Carnie Holdsworth. Getting this work back into print recognises Carnie Holdsworth's legacy as one of the first female working-class novelists, inspiring fresh creativity and pride in cultural heritage.

Dr Neil Cocks is collaborating with the Museum of English Rural Life to engage Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities with one of the UK's largest Romany archives. The project combines community outreach, educational programmes and scholarly research to explore GRT heritage and raise the archive's profile.

Interdisciplinary Research Centres

Three of the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app’s Interdisciplinary Research Centres are led or co-led by staff in the Department of English Literature.

is co-directed by Professor Nicola Wilson and undertakes research in book cultures and publishing with a distinctive global, multilingual and multidisciplinary focus. It includes colleagues from Henley Business School, the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, and the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication.

is co-led by Dr Alanna Skuse from English Literature and includes Professor Andrew Mangham. It explores the ways in which the arts and humanities intersect, reside within, and enrich our understandings of healthcare, sickness, and wellbeing.

is led by Professor Conor Carville and Professor Mark Nixon. The Centre is an interdisciplinary hub for creative and scholarly engagement with the works of Samuel Beckett. It actively promotes all aspects of Samuel Beckett's legacy, especially the potential his work offers to creative artists.

Research themes

While we support a wide range of research activities and interests, our strategy stresses the contribution of English Literature to three core topics:

  • diversity and inclusion
  • environment and community
  • history, historicism and heritage.

We engage in and interrogate contemporary research agendas in the arts and humanities, through an active programme of research events, conferences and exhibitions. We have an enormous network of internal and external collaborators and are constantly seeking new ways to share the work that we do.

Meet our experts

Our talented team is actively involved in research which contributes directly to important international conversations as well as to our teaching and supervision.

PhD study

Be part of a large community of world-leading researchers and develop your own interests and ideas with guidance from leaders in the field.

Special Collections and resources

The unique and precious materials housed in the University’s Special Collections are embedded within our research and teaching.