English Research

Although one of the oldest English departments in the country, with long established and still flourishing strengths in the study of Anglo-Saxon and medieval literatures, English at King's today is characterised by an exceptionally wide range of research activities reflected at all levels of its teaching programme. These include contemporary literary theory, the study of theatrical performance (including Shakespeare), literature and medicine, literature in relation to questions of gender and sexuality, Irish studies, writing and the visual arts, post-colonialism, literature and cultural production and the theory and practice of biography. All members of staff are actively involved in research: most have gained an international reputation for the quality of their scholarship and are frequently called on to contribute their specialist knowledge to newspapers and other media. A sizeable and growing graduate body in the department means that we have a diverse and thriving seminar culture with lively critical interchange of graduate students and staff. We place great emphasis on pastoral care for students and are generally perceived as a friendly and personally concerned department.

Joint PhD programme
Exciting opportunities are now available to undertake a joint PhD programme either with the National University of Singapore (areas of mutual interest include postcolonialism; performance and drama; 18th-19th century studies) or Hong Kong University in post-1800 English Literary Studies or Humboldt.

The department hosts a number of vibrant research seminars series and symposia open to all graduate students. In addition, there is a student-led graduate reading group and seminar which allows students to present and discuss their work. We also organise an annual graduate conference attended by students and staff in the department which provides a friendly and supportive forum in which research students can give papers on their work. Students are encouraged to organise their own events, with Departmental and College support.

Students take research training courses in the School of Arts & Humanities and at the Institute of English Studies.