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Keep up to date with all the latest news from the School of English.
AI fingers touch

Beyond the algorithm: Shaping AI for people, not just progress

Explore the impact of artificial intelligence on society — from reimagining creativity to transforming law and challenging ethical frameworks, this campaign reveals both the promise and the peril of AI.
Watercolour Illustration of Sylvia Plath and a fig tree

Elisha Wise: Sylvia Plath’s ‘fig tree analogy’ from The Bell Jar is being misappropriated

Sylvia Plath’s iconic “fig tree” metaphor from The Bell Jar—often used as a feel‑good meme—masks Esther’s real anguish, argues School of English PhD student Elisha Wise.
Playwright Lucy Prebble gives a speech whilst receiving her Honorary Doctor of Letters at the University of Sheffield.

School of English Alumnia Lucy Prebble awarded honorary degree

School of English alumna Lucy Prebble has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her acclaimed work for stage and screen, including as a writer and executive producer on HBO’s Succession.
Firth Court with Arts Tower in the background

University of Sheffield ranked within top 100 universities in QS World University Rankings

The University of Sheffield has been ranked within the top 100 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reaffirming its place as a leading global university for teaching and research excellence.
Students walking on a pedestrianised area outside of the University's Jessop West building lined with trees

Sheffield in September 

This blog is designed to be a quick snapshot of what you can expect from September and how you can learn a little more about our amazing city. 
georgiana blog 1

Unlocking the Private Life of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire Through Her Poetry

Whilst working on a Work Placement at Chatsworth House, I was given the opportunity to look through the vast archives, which included private poetry written by Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.
Dr Sara Whiteley

Breaking the 4th wall with Dr Sara Whiteley

Breaking the 4th wall or direct address is a literary and performance technique that has been prevalent since Elizabethan times. Breaking the space (4th wall) between audience and actor invites a unique viewing experience.

Image of Chris Montgomery

The future of the Yorkshire accent and how it is changing, according to language expert

Dr Chris Montgomery, from the University of Sheffield's School of English, discusses what influences regional accents and how the Yorkshire accent may change over the coming years.
Book front cover

Dr Meredith Warren awarded the prestigious Frank W. Beare Award by the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies.

Dr Meredith Warren was recently awarded the prestigious Frank W. Beare award for her brilliant book, Jewish and Christian Women in the Ancient Mediterranean (Routledge 2022).