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Department of English, Linguistics and Philosophy

Our department brings together a group of writers, editors, scholars, linguists and philosophers delivering inspiring degrees to undergraduate, master’s and research students. Taking the most stimulating insights on offer from the fields of English literature, linguistics, philosophy and creative writing we consider the values that have made us who we are today. We investigate how our lives are shaped by creativity, digital and technological advancements, new – and established – paradigms of thinking, and invite students to join us in devising imaginative solutions to the big questions.

This supportive learning environment is informed by internationally recognised research across specialisms including forensic linguistics; the study of dialect; gender in language and in literature; Shakespeare and the Renaissance; gothic literature; literature and globalisation; the American South; postcolonial literatures; creative writing; travel writing; technology and culture; bioethics and the philosophy of everyday life. Research is steered by the Centre for Postcolonial Studies, the Centre for Travel Writing Studies and the Centre for Inequality, Culture, and Difference.

The team has long-established connections with external organisations, including galleries, arts centres, libraries and literary festivals. Our students take their writing and research skills outside the classroom through work placements, volunteering and devising projects for companies within our partnership network. We collaborate with organisations including the Broadway Media Centre, Bromley House Library, New Art Exchange, Nottingham Black Archive, Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum, Five Leaves bookshop and Nottingham UNESCO World City of Literature.

Our curriculum balances a solid grounding in the discipline with personal development planning and employability skills, preparing our graduates to enter a wide variety of careers in communications, media, publishing, editing, management, PR, teaching, and many more areas.

Neil Turnbull, Interim Head of English, Linguistics and Philosophy

Distinguished Professor Sharon Monteith Elected into the British Academy