English

专业详情

Over the centuries, many writers have studied in Cambridge: Edmund Spenser, John Milton, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, EM Forster, Sylvia Plath, Ted Hughes, Kamau Brathwaite, AS Byatt, Zadie Smith and Helen Oyeyemi. When established, the Cambridge course was considered ground-breaking and this ethos of innovation and progress continues to shape teaching and research here.

Today’s course balances a strong grounding in literary works written in English with the chance to explore other art forms, including music and film, in relation to literature, as well as literature’s connections to intellectual traditions including philosophy, art history and politics. 

Teaching and resources

You are taught by some of the world’s most eminent critics and thinkers who, between them, have expertise in almost all aspects of literature. We have no set approach beyond instilling the valuable skills of critical thinking, scholarly rigour and good writing.

You have access to the vast resources of the University Library as well as the Faculty Library, which houses around 80,000 books and provides computer facilities, skills training and a warm welcome. Our modern Faculty building also includes a drama studio and garden.

Socially, many English students pursue interests in creative writing, journalism and the performing arts during their time in Cambridge.

What we’re looking for

English students need an intellectual curiosity which drives them to analyse new texts and ideas and to ask probing questions. We look for reading beyond the syllabus, and for independent, well-informed critical thinking.