University of Leeds ranks among UK’s top universities for English and Creative Writing
The Complete University Guide’s subject rankings are based on a broad range of measures including research quality, graduate prospects, and student satisfaction
The University of Leeds has placed 10th in the UK for English and 2nd for Creative Writing in the newly published Complete University Guide 2026, marking a significant achievement for the School of English in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures.
The Complete University Guide’s subject rankings are based on a broad range of measures including research quality, graduate prospects, and student satisfaction. In a particularly strong showing, Leeds ranked second in the UK for Research Quality in English and second overall in Creative Writing.
These results reflect the School’s reputation as a centre for both academic and creative excellence, with outstanding teaching and world-leading research in literature, language, and creative practice.
Professor Hazel Hutchison, Head of the School of English, said:
“We’re delighted to be recognised as one of the top places in the country to study both English and Creative Writing. These rankings reflect the dedication of our staff and the talent and commitment of our students across all levels. It’s also a testament to our vibrant research culture and our supportive, inclusive community.”
The School of English has expanded its Creative Writing provision in recent years, launching a new MA in Creative Writing and welcoming a number of acclaimed writers and poets to its staff, including Ross Raisin, Caitlin Stobie, Jess Richards, SK Perry, JR Carpenter, Matt Howard, and Zaffar Kunial. This has helped establish the University of Leeds as one of the UK’s most dynamic environments for literary practice and research.
Professor of Poetry Kimberly Campanello, who joined the University of Leeds in 2018 to establish and lead the BA English Literature with Creative Writing programme, said:
“Our Creative Writing community continues to flourish. As well as our talented undergraduates, we now have a strong cohort of postgraduate researchers undertaking practice-led PhDs, and our staff work across an exciting range of forms, genres, and themes. This result recognises the strength and distinctiveness of our creative practice and its contribution to wider research culture at Leeds.”
The Complete University Guide is published annually and ranks UK universities across 74 subject areas. Rankings are based on independent, public data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the National Student Survey, and the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
The University of Leeds was placed 21st overall in this year’s institutional ranking.
For more information about studying English or Creative Writing at the University of Leeds, join us at one of our Open Days on Saturday 4 October or Saturday 18 October, 2025.
