Research
Our research in English, History of Art and Film, and Modern Languages is characterised by its chronological and geographical range, linguistic variety, and disciplinary flexibility.
Our profile is genuinely international, and our research priorities reflect our location in one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK. We engage in research that stimulates local and national debate, notable examples including projects on the legacy of Leicester playwright Joe Orton, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ issues, and the previously overlooked implications of slavery and colonialism for country houses owned by the National Trust. We have built on our longstanding and dynamically evolving interests in gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity. Our research has forged new agendas for how literary and cultural research impacts on public policy in relation to diversity.
We are proud of our world-class publications and impact projects.
The School's particular strengths
Literary and cultural history
We undertake research into literature, language and cultures from the medieval to the late modern period.
Contemporary culture, writing and language
Research in this area focuses on key developments from the 1940s to the present and includes the commissioning of new creative writing.
Visual culture
Our work in visual cultures relates to film, video production, photography, painting, sculpture and performance.
Find out more about our research:
The School hosts three University-wide Research Centres and co-hosts two others
Centre for New Writing
The Centre for New Writing is based in English. Emphasising writing practice, the Centre promotes the study of all aspects of contemporary writing by researchers and literary practitioners. Our conferences, workshops, colloquia, lectures and seminar series are open to the general public.
- Visit the Centre for New Writing.
Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies
The Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies, based in Modern Languages, is a focal point for our staff research and programme development in these fields. It has helped us build upon our interaction with the wider community within the University, as well as nationally and internationally.
Victorian Studies Centre
The Victorian Studies Centre has a distinguished record of innovation and excellence in interdisciplinary research and teaching at postgraduate level. Established in 1966 with a generous grant from The Leverhulme Trust, it is the longest established Victorian Studies Centre in Britain.
- Visit the Centre for Victorian Studies.
Medieval Research Centre
The Medieval Research Centre was established in 1996 to co-ordinate interdisciplinary research and teaching in medieval subjects across the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at the University of Leicester, and to host conferences, colloquia and a programme of lectures and seminars by local and visiting speakers.
- Visit the The Leicester Medieval Research Centre.
Centre for American Studies
The Centre for American Studies draws from the expertise of staff in English and History of Art and Film as well as the School of History, Politics and International Relations. All members of the Centre for American Studies are actively engaged in academic research, publishing their work both here in the UK and in the USA.
- Visit the Centre for American Studies.