Research
The Department boasts research strengths in every period and field of English literary studies from the medieval to the contemporary, as well as in Creative Writing. Our Research Environment has been recognised as world-leading (REF 2021), with clusters of excellence and innovation in areas including Environmental, Medical, and Digital Humanities.
Attuned to the social and ecological challenges of the twentieth-century, research in English and Creative Writing is increasingly global in its focus. Our research is outward-looking and interdisciplinary, collaborating with scholars in STEM, the social sciences and the humanities as well as external partners in the creative industries, the media, the heritage sector, and the policy sphere.
Read more from Professor Philip Schwyzer
Professor Philip Schwyzer
Director of Research and Impact
Taught by international award-winning authors
88% of our English research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021, submitted to UoA27 English Language and Literature
46th for English Language and Literature in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Unique on site resources: Exeter’s Special Collections archive and The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Research centres
The Department is structured around six broad period-based research groups, reflecting our expertise in literature in English from the Medieval period to the present day. Our research culture is vibrant and inclusive, and brings together staff and postgraduate students regularly for visiting speaker seminars, external lectures and a regular internal programme of work-in-progress seminars where colleagues come together to speak to a wide range of thematic and interdisciplinary themes.
Postgraduate Research
We have a rich and diverse graduate culture at both Masters and Doctoral level, backed up by strong supervisory and teaching expertise, top researchers and extensive research resources in a number of areas.
Our students work in a lively, productive and enriching environment which encourages and supports them as they strive to achieve their intellectual ambitions.
