The Department of English is committed to diversity and inclusion; we seek to ensure a learning environment in which all students and staff – regardless of gender, sexuality, economic background, religion, race, ethnicity, or disability – feel they are a part of an intellectual community and thrive in their work.
Part of this endeavour involves diversifying our curriculum, and we are committed to exploring and challenging assumptions regarding what constitutes ‘English’ as an object and method of study.
In light of these commitments, we were particularly thrilled to learn in October 2018 that our application for a Bronze Athena SWAN award was successful. Only a handful of English Departments in the UK have gained this award, which recognises work undertaken to advance gender equality in higher education.
As part of this process we have been focusing on gender equality in relation to staff and student induction, student support and staff career development, curriculum diversity, Department culture, inclusive practices and environments. We look forward to continuing this work as well as attending to staff and student diversity in a much wider context.