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At the University of Reading we make the study of English Literature not only a rewarding challenge, but also lay the foundation of a critical and cultural awareness that will remain with you for life.

Our curriculum is global, contemporary and comprehensive. You can study literature from across the world and every period of history, right up to the present.

As a Department, we offer a range of programmes and activities for teachers, pupils and students to help you get involved and enthused about English Literature.

Taster days and talks

We run interactive sessions on texts, themes, and what studying English Literature is like at university throughout the academic year. 

Find out more about our tasters days and talks

We also run bespoke webinars or in-person sessions for your school or college. If this sounds interesting to you and you would like to discuss possible topics with us, please email englit-admissions@reading.ac.uk.

poster reading: 18 reasons for doing an english degree in a nutshell

Downloadable posters

We hope our posters will make colourful additions to your display boards and encourage students to pursue English studies at A-level and beyond.

Professor Gail Marshall worked with the English Media Centre to create a poster listing 18 reasons for doing an English degree.

Meg, one of our current BA Art and English Literature students, is keen to inspire the next generation of literature lovers. She has combined her creative talent with her passion to create a series of posters for teachers to use in their displays.

Things to do now

To get in touch and find out more, please email englit-admissions@reading.ac.uk
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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.
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Our stories

Read stories from our staff, students, and alumni to find out what it's like to study English Literature at the University of Reading.
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Our research

The English Literature Department pursues internationally recognised research across the historical spectrum.