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. Membership is by departmental subscription (unless unaffiliated), and it welcomes all those engaged in the teaching and study of English in Higher Education.

Our website is the hub of our community with information on our Book Prizeannual meetings and events, publications 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

Our 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, and discuss matters of shared concern. We invite policy-makers, representatives from the funding bodies, and prominent academics, to address topical issues through a mixture of lectures, presentations, panels, and plenary discussion. The Executive Committee meets more frequently to plan activities and respond to the numerous invitations from bodies such as the REF and the AHRC to engage in consultative dialogue.

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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Latest News

Joint Letter in Support of Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent

23rd February 2024 Read UE’s joint letter with English Association and the Institute for English Studies, and University English, opposing redundancies at the University of Kent and offering to meet Senior Management to discuss practical solutions. This letter highlights the issue of Universities relying on historically problematic data to make life changing decisions. It points…

#EnglishCreates Video Competition is Live!

As part of the #EnglishCreates Campaign, UE is inviting current students and graduates to make a short video promoting the subject on social media. What opportunities and rewards has an English degree given you? For more info on how to submit, see the #EnglishCreates Campaign Events page.

Our joint statement on Oxford Brookes

Joint statement from University English, the English Association, and the Institute for English Studies on threatened job losses at Oxford Brookes. OBU letter 12.2023 EA+IES+UE

#EnglishCreates Campaign Week

Coming Soon! A week of scheduled campaign action and activity coordinated across UK Higher Education English Departments, plus friends and allies. Dates: 3rd – 7th June 2024 Please see the #EnglishCreates page for further information about the campaign, and check back on the events and resources pages regularly for further information and campaign schedule.

UE Book Prize Open for Submissions!

We are pleased to announce the opening of this year’s University English Book Prize, a £200 prize awarded annually for the best scholarly book by an early-career academic working in an English department affiliated to University English. The 2023 prize will cover books with a 2022 date of publication.  For details on eligibility and how to submit, please visit our Book Prize page.

How do we express the value of English?

Members may be interested in this English Association event that invites reflections from colleagues and former students in higher education, secondary education, primary education, award body management, private business, and advocacy groups.

University English AGM April 14-15th 2023. University of London Senate House.

Spring Conference and AGM

AGM 2024 will be held at Oxford Brookes University on 22nd-23rd March 2024, including a Keynote by a distinguished practitioner.