University English is the organisation for English lecturers in universities and colleges across the UK

University English is a non-profit professional body and community founded in 1993 to promote and protect the study of English in UK Higher Education.

It brings together university lecturers, heads of English, researchers, and independent scholars to promote dialogue, discuss matters of shared concern, and strategise for the successful future of English.

Our website is the hub of our community with information on our Book Prize, annual meetings and events, resources and media, and related networks. Members have access to all our online content and are invited to attend our conferences and general meetings to share knowledge and experiences. Join us today

JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN FOR ENGLISH STUDIES IN HE

The English Creates Campaign mission is to champion, defend and expand access to the study of literature, language, and creative writing in English (in all their forms, regionalities and nationalities), particularly for year 12 and 13 students wanting to study English at university.

We are eager to collaborate with students, graduates, researchers and employers with experience and passion for English literature, creative writing and all related subjects. 

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Register for #EnglishCreates Futures Online Symposium, Thursday 2 July 2026.
Our Students and Graduates
“I use my learnings from my English degree to formulate green energy policies for a more sustainable future” ~ Botsa Katara
“Studying English … goes beyond the page and into the world” ~ Harry Cooper
“This experience, working with individuals on the fringe of society, was the beginning of my journey towards social work and I am very glad of it.” ~ David Clark
“My career is a product of having studied English” ~ Bronte Schiltz
“We think deeply and are armed with the right tools to share these thoughts with the world. Studying English taught me how to get my voice heard.”~ Shauna Roach
“Having conversations about books revolving around class, gender, race, empire, economy, has made me an advocate for positive change in society.” ~ Rory Buccheri
Our Supporters
Ali Smith by Sarah Wood
“Studying for an English degree is one of the best ways there is to learn to read the world.” ~ Ali Smith
“Literature has been my life.” ~ Michael Rosen
“Studying English also helped me discover my own style of writing” ~ Francesca Simon (MBE)
Jeanette Winterson endorses English Studies
“The workings of the human heart, the human mind, the human spirit, are best understood through the arts.” ~ Jeanette Winterson
“It was the most intellectually stimulating way to spend my time at university” ~ David Baddiel
” Studying English Language and Literature[…]enabled me to explore and extol” ~ Patience Agbabi

Our Regular Events

Members meet twice a year, at the Annual General Meeting in Spring and the Ordinary General Meeting in early December. These events are an opportunity to meet colleagues from other institutions, find out about recent developments, celebrate the subject, and discuss matters of shared concern.

OGM

A one day event held in early December in London, with a Plenary speaker followed by panel sessions.

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Subject Leaders Networking

The event brings together a diverse group of academic leaders (across regions, types of university) who have strategic responsibilities in…

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