© University of Kent - Contact | Feedback | Legal
The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Research
The
School of English at the University of Kent has a strong international perspective, apparent both in the background of its staff and in the diversity of our teaching and research interests. Our expertise ranges from the medieval to the postmodern, including British, American and Irish literature, postcolonial writing, 18th-century studies, Shakespeare, early modern literature and culture, Victorian studies, modern poetry, critical theory, and cultural history. Our reputation for research excellence has recently been confirmed in the 2008 national research assessment exercise (RAE). 30% of our research was found to be 'world-leading' (4*) in 'originality, significance and rigour', with another 35% judged to be 'internationally excellent' (3*). Our research environment, organised through our various research centres (see more below), was found to be of world-class standard. In a highly competitive subject area, these results have strongly reinforced the position of the School as one of the leading English departments in the country.
The School runs several series of weekly seminars, lectures and readings. Our Wednesday afternoon research seminars are organised collaboratively by staff and graduates in the School, often in conjunction with our research centres. Individual seminars address many diverse areas of interest and serve as a forum to discuss, develop and enhance work in progress. Speakers range from our own graduate students, to members of staff, to distinguished visiting academics who are at the forefront of current research nationally and internationally. There is also a thriving research seminar in advanced and contemporary
theory, and another in postcolonial literature. In addition, our dedicated team of creative writing teachers runs a series of weekly readings which feature our own students as well as internationally renowned authors.
There are five research centres based in the School of English: the Centre for Modern Poetry; the Centre for Colonial and Postcolonial Research; the Centre for Studies in the Long Eighteenth Century; the Centre for Gender, Sexuality and Writing; and the Centre for Creative Writing. Two Faculty-based research centres have strong input from the School: the Centre for Medieval & Early Modern Studies; and the Centre for American Studies. Between them, these research centres organise many international conferences, symposia, and workshops.
The School also plays a pivotal role in the Kent Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, of which all graduates are associate members. The Institute hosts interdisciplinary conferences, colloquia and other events, and establishes international links for all Kent graduates through its network with other advanced institutes worldwide.
Click on the links on the left to find out more about our research activities.