Postgraduate research

The Department of English and American Literature gained a 5* research rating in the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in recognition of the international reputation of the Department's research. For the specific research expertise of staff, and more information about the areas in which they welcome PhD applications, see our list of postgraduate research opportunities.

The University of Reading Library has an excellent library with special research collections (e.g. the Samuel Beckett archive, the Children's Collection, the Finzi Book Room and manuscripts of the composer Gerard Finzi, an extensive archive of British printers' and publishers' papers). The Library also subscribes to Early English Books Online and Eighteenth Century Collections Online which give electronic access to all books printed in English before 1900. Major research resources, such as the British Library in London and the Bodleian Library at Oxford are also within easy reach.

After the first year of PhD study, the Department ensures that there is an opportunity for postgraduates to gain some experience of teaching at undergraduate level. The University's Centre for Staff Development and Training provides support and guidance in preparing postgraduates for teaching.

The English Department is a welcoming place, with a Postgraduate Contact Group providing regular opportunity for research students to meet one another and engage in stimulating intellectual debate. Regular series of research seminars are organized by each of the Department's research centres.

A dedicated research building with study space and state-of-the-art IT facilities for postgraduates in the Humanities has just been completed. The Faculty of Humanities has a postgraduate School which provides extensive support and training for doctoral students.  For more information about the About the Graduate School follow the link.