English (MA by Research / MRes / PhD)

Research opportunities in English language and English literature are available for either full-time or part-time study, and are offered at all levels, enabling you to be innovative, critical and original. In English language, our research expertise covers: critical discourse analysis; language variation and change; language and identity; rhetoric, language and ecology; ecolinguistics; sociolinguistics; language and gender; dialectology; and new media literacy. Other topics include: The Renaissance and Caroline drama; 19th-century literature and culture; textual editing; children’s literature; American literature; women’s writing; and psychoanalysis. We especially welcome research proposals on regional writers.

In English literature, our research ranges from Renaissance to the present day and staff boast extensive supervision experience in contemporary writing and theory. Along with our libraries and university archives, we offer first-class resources, such as the Dymock Poets Archive and Study Centre, containing manuscripts, first editions and other materials relating to Robert Frost, Lascelles Abercrombie, Edward Thomas, Rupert Brooke, Wilfrid Gibson and Eleanor Farjeon.

We maintain close links with The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, and sponsors the annual Laurie Lee Memorial Lecture in tribute to this famous Gloucestershire writer. Cheltenham’s vibrant cultural life enriches our research environment. We offer seminars by visiting lecturers, and you’ll be encouraged to attend and participate in research conferences. You’ll be well supported by your supervisory team through regular tutorials, combined with peer-group seminars and discussions.