About us

Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/english/about/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/english/study/undergraduate/

We're home to a stimulating research culture and a supportive learning environment and are highly ranked nationally and internationally.

We offer wide-ranging expertise in literature from Greek and Latin classics to contemporary writing from around the globe, including film, creative writing, and the creative industries.

Our diverse research interests underpin our degree programmes, which are characterised by historical depth and geographical breadth, with opportunities to study select foreign literatures and to engage with a variety of forms, genres, and media. The emphasis on small-group teaching helps to facilitate engagement and support, and gives you the chance to work closely with staff as you develop your independent essays and projects.

We pride ourselves on the inclusiveness and supportiveness of our academic community and on our collective ambition to make a difference in the world around us.

Professor Jennie Batchelor, Head of Department

6th in the UK for English

in the Complete University Guide, 2026.

98% of our research was rated 3* or higher

according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results, 2021.

International and interdisciplinary

We take a cosmopolitan and multilingual view of literature. Thinking across and between borders is at the heart of what we do. We have expertise in literature in English from across the globe and invite you to engage with literature produced in other languages, either in translation or in the original language.

As a department, we approach literature in historical, visual, linguistic, philosophical, and political ways, making our combined course BA programmes a natural fit while also offering all students the chance to undertake interdisciplinary work. At MA level, students can choose modules from other departments, including modules organised by our interdisciplinary research centres.

Find out more about our research

Our facilities

Literature students at York benefit from a rich range of resources, both on campus and around the city. Our facilities include an in-house printing studio, a dedicated poetry library and extensive research resources.

Find out more about our facilities

An inclusive environment

We are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe that diversity should be celebrated, and we strive to provide an environment where all students and staff feel supported and valued.

Equality, diversity and inclusion