School of English

Poet Laureate

Professor of Poetry, Simon Armitage has been appointed as the UK's 21st Poet Laureate

34th in the world for English Language and Literature

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019

Ilkley Literature Festival

Through our partnership with the largest literature festival in the North of England, we’re involved in a programme of talks, events and activities.

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Graduation 2019

As part of our alumni community, our graduates are forever Leeds. #LeedsGrad19

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Professor Simon Armitage
World Top 50
Ilkley Literature Festival
Graduation 2019

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School of English

Welcome to the School of English, where a long and distinguished history meets innovative teaching and research. We’re a diverse and supportive community characterised by our curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence. Together we explore a rich variety of subject areas, producing research of national and international significance.

As a student in our School, you’ll benefit from our wide-ranging expertise and pioneering research will be at the heart of your studies. With our extensive resources, specialist facilities, and supportive staff members you’ll have everything you need to become a confident and independent scholar.

We are also home to the University of Leeds Poetry Centre which combines research, teaching and public engagement to inspire excellence in the creative practice and study of poetry.

Studying with us

Student reading a book, leaning against shelves of books

Undergraduate

Discover the incredible breadth of English literature, language, theatre and creative writing. Tailor your studies or combine them with another subject to suit your interests.

Students sitting at a library desk with bookshelves in background

Masters

Explore your interests in greater depth and develop your own academic identity. Blend specialist taught modules with independent research, and gain advanced transferable skills.

Three students chatting on a sofa in front of window

Research degrees

Undertake extensive independent research and make a valuable contribution to your chosen field. Gain in-depth knowledge and benefit from dedicated development opportunities.

3rd

in the UK for student experience

The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018

Top 10

most targeted by top UK employers

The Graduate Market in 2019

19th

in the UK for English

The Complete University Guide 2019

Our research

When it comes to research, our activities are enormously varied. Our staff and students have interests that span centuries, cross continents, and bridge disciplines.

Exploring our subject in this way means that we have a huge breadth and depth of expertise to offer our students, our local community, and the wider world beyond.