Prospective students

Literature expresses the values and aspirations, the certainties and uncertainties of the societies in which it was created. To study English at university is to take up these questions in a rigorous and systematic way, relating them to a literary culture of exceptional richness and diversity extending over a thousand years and more.

In the School of English, eminent scholars and critics of literature from the Middle Ages to the present day work alongside some of Scotland's leading creative writers.

Amongst UK institutions offering English Literature, the School of English has recently been ranked first in the UK in both The Guardian University Guide 2024 and The Guardian University Guide 2023.  The School of English also climbed the QS World University Rankings in 2023 - 47th in the world, and one of only five Schools in the University to feature in the world top 50.