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The Department of English Literature engages in internationally recognised and world-leading research across the historical spectrum.

We have three departmental research areas - 'Diversity and Inclusion'; 'History, Historicism and Heritage'; and 'Environment and Community'. 

Our research sits within the University's Heritage and Creativity research theme.

an open book from the samuel beckett archive at reading university

Research groups

We are actively involved in collaborative and interdisciplinary research and work with a number of research groups and centres across the University and beyond.

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Research projects

Research projects, led by researchers within the department, develop specialist knowledge in our areas of excellence.

Find out more about our research project Lost and Found? A Digital Archive of Testimonies of Migration, Displacement, and Resettlement.

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Research Division

The English Literature Research Division sits within the Heritage and Creativity Research Theme.

Read about our research highlights and find out how our research is making an impact.

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News and events

Keep up to date with news and events from the Department of English Literature.

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Meet our experts

Our talented and internationally-diverse team are actively involved in research, contributing directly to your teaching and supervision.
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PhD study

Be part of a large and diverse community and work alongside a thriving group of postdoctoral researchers who recently completed their PhDs.
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Special Collections and resources

Access unique original manuscript collections, journals, the Museum of English Rural Life and its archives, a Royal Literary Fund Fellow, rare collections of books, and much more.