Research in English and related literature

Field-defining research covering a wide range of periods, regions, languages and disciplines.

Our researchers have a unique approach to what literature is, what it does, how we read it, and how we write about it.

We cover the whole spectrum of English literary studies, including Africa, Australasia and the US. Our research expertise extends to the literature and language of other cultures – from ancient Greece to modern Pakistan.

The Research Excellence Framework 2021

We’re a top ten research department according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021), and 98% of our research is rated 3* and higher.

Learn more about the 2021 REF results

Research strengths

The focal points of our research are our four major schools: Medieval, Renaissance, Eighteenth Century and Romantics, and Modern.

All staff and postgraduate researchers belong to at least one school, which creates the ideal environment for collaboration and discussion. The chronological range of our collective expertise enables opportunities for large-scale collaborations, and many staff members conduct research that crosses the historical boundaries of the schools.

Our researchers also work on a series of featured research projects.

Medieval

Renaissance

Eighteenth Century and Romantics

Modern

Erica Whyman in conversation with former York academic Judith Buchanan — The York International Shakespeare Festival is a major cultural venture from the University, York Theatre Royal and community theatre group Parrabbola.

Impact and engagement

Our research is underpinned by our belief in the intrinsic aesthetic and social value of literary texts, whether as agents of social and political change or of historical understanding.

We work closely with arts organisations, councils, schools and other partners to ensure our research contributes positively to society and culture.

Highlights

Explore previous case studies

A busy scene outside the Berrick Saul Building — The Humanities Research Centre, based in the Berrick Saul Building, is an interdisciplinary hub for arts and humanities research.

Research centres

We are involved in a number of interdisciplinary research centres:

Meet our research students

Writers at York

Writers at York is a lively programme of readings and workshops, bringing exciting new voices and some of the most important contemporary writers to York.

Our recent events have featured poets Denise Riley, Alice Oswald and Seamus Heaney, playwright David Edgar, novelists Graham Swift, Emma Donoghue, J. M. Coetzee, Booker-shortlisted novelist (and York PhD student) Fiona Mozley, and many others.

Explore our upcoming and past events

Eleanor Catton at a Writers in York event — One of our recent events saw Dr Alexandra Kingston-Reese in conversation with New Zealand's Eleanor Catton, a prominent contemporary novelist.

Publications

See our recently published books and articles as well as forthcoming work.

Explore publications

Research degrees

Push the boundaries of knowledge in our supportive and stimulating environment.

Study with us

Fellowships and Postdoctoral Research

Benefit from a dynamic research culture and excellent facilities.

Join us

Academic visitors

We welcome scholars who wish to work with us for up to one year.

Find out more and apply