Introduction

The School of English regards itself as being exceptional in many respects. One of the key hallmarks of this can be found in the interdisciplinary way in which we work. Rather than being separated by our individual specialties, the staff and students of the School work together to exchange ideas and develop new ways of thinking.

Within the School you will find staff conducting international-quality research in English Literature, Theatre and Performance, Creative Writing, Applied Linguistics, Cultures of the British Isles, English Language, and more. And much of this activity is passed onto students through our research-led approach to learning and teaching.

Here are Some of the Other Things That Make us Exceptional

Excellence in Teaching

We pride ourselves on our passionate and innovative approach to teaching.  With over 50 members of academic staff, the School of English is able to offer outstanding teaching across a wide range of subject areas. In recent years five members of staff have received Senate Awards for Teaching Excellence, and one of our staff has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship.

A recent Independent Evaluation of Teaching Audit said: “The school is providing an excellent quality of education in English, informed by the high standard of research evident from the School’s RAE rating, an innovative curriculum and a supportive and friendly environment for both staff and students.  The School’s programmes are delivered effectively, as evidenced by the high achievement of students, who are well supported by the staff of the School.”

Excellence in Research

In the last five years, members of the School have produced over 200 books, critical editions, essays and articles. We have also been involved with a number of large publicly funded research projects.  These include `The Origins of Early Modern Literature´ and `The British Library Theatre Archive´. Current initiatives include `Archives of Exile´, `Early Modern Manuscript Poetry´, ‘Dialect in British Fiction 1800-1836’, ‘Twentieth Century Letter Writing’ and ‘The Vietnamese Online Grammar Project’.

We hold a varied series of School Research Seminars across the full spectrum of our research interests, and we regularly play host to international conferences. 

Active and Enthusiastic Students

Our students are an active and engaged group who contribute to the intellectual and social life of the School.  At undergraduate level the English Society organises activities ranging from theatre trips and poetry evenings to quiz nights and socials, as well as the end of year Ball.  At graduate level, our students enjoy a varied social programme and hold their own ‘Work in Progress’ seminar series.

First class Facilities

The School of English is housed in a brand-new Faculty of Arts building alongside the School of Modern Languages and the Department of History.  The building features modern flexible learning, teaching and research facilities - and a cafe.  Located across the road is the Information Commons, a learning centre with over 500 PCs, wireless access throughout,  and1300 individual and group study spaces.

Engagement With the Local Community

We think it is important for the School of English to play an active role in the local community, and to offer our students the opportunity to venture outside the University to see how some of the ideas they are learning about can apply in the wider world.  To this end, we have excellent links with local schools, libraries and museums, and we regularly undertake a range of different projects and activities in partnership with these organisations.

Based in One of England’s Great Cities

Ask any student or member of staff in the School of English and they will tell you that alongside the excellent research and teaching offered at Sheffield, one of the best things is the city itself.  Sheffield is well-known for its friendly people, world class theatre and cinema, high quality sports facilities and easy access to the Peak District countryside.  For a big city, it offers a surprisingly safe and friendly environment, and much of the student housing is situated in pleasant, leafy suburbs.

See  More about student life in Sheffield.