You can take courses in reading, writing and thinking about texts written in English, from the classics of English and American literature to exciting imaginative writing across the world today.
You can develop sophisticated reading and writing skills and gain an in-depth knowledge of cultural history. You can also take courses that develop your own creative writing skills and interests.
English at the University of Auckland was ranked in the world's top 40 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Postgraduate study in English allows you to pursue your interests through coursework, extend your methodological skills, and pursue specialised research projects in literary studies, drama and theatre studies, cultural and critical theory, critical or creative writing. You can explore the intersections between literature and art, critical and creative practices.

Study and research opportunities in English reflect our established research strengths:
- Medieval and early modern literature
- Shakespeare
- Nineteenth-century literature
- New Zealand and post-colonial studies
- Irish literature
- Modern poetry
- Drama
- Women's writing
- Narrative theory

We are also developing research excellence and extending study opportunities in:
- Literary and cultural theory
- Māori and Pacific literature
- Indigenous studies
- Evolution and literature
- Children's literature
- Popular fiction
- Psychoanalysis and literature
- Creative writing