English

Corpus is recognised in Oxford as an exceptionally lively centre of literary studies.

Our English students are united by their curiosity about literature in all its forms. We encourage them to think creatively about the ways texts shape, and are shaped by, the world around them, and to nurture their sensitivity to the expressive possibilities of language.

Consequently, our students do well in exams. Some of them also write poems, stories, and plays. Some go on to be professional writers, critics, broadcasters, and teachers of the subject, while others use the skills they have acquired to pursue careers in law, the civil service, advertising, politics, and more – any field that values creative thinking, a knowledge of what makes us human, and the ability to construct clear and persuasive arguments. Current English students come from all parts of the country and every kind of school.

We admit 6 undergraduates a year to read English, plus regular singletons in History & English and Classics & English, who benefit from belonging to both subject communities. We look for applicants showing signs of keen reflective reading and readiness to take on the large amounts of primary and secondary reading the Oxford syllabus requires. We are impressed by applicants who are alert to the ways that literary study engages not just with history and context but, above all, with the use of language. We are not averse to deferred-entry candidates.

English is taught within College by Professor Fergus McGhee and Dr Amy Lidster. Professor Helen Moore, a medieval and early modern specialist, is currently President of the college.

Fergus McGhee's tutorial teaching covers the Romantic period to the present, as well as the history of criticism and the philosophy of literature. Amy Lidster teaches the early modern and long-eighteenth century period papers and Shakespeare. The in-house tutors in the subject – as well as the other tutors called on to help in the teaching – try to encourage critical and creative individuality in undergraduates. One of the greatest advantages of reading English at Corpus is the size, quality and modernity of the College Library's holdings in this subject.

Teaching in English is supported by lecturer Dr Eleanor Baker, who teaches medieval and Old English papers.

For information about applying to read English, please refer to the English Faculty Website and the University Admissions Website.

The best preparation for the entrance process is to read widely and reflect carefully and thoughtfully on what you have read. If your reading regularly ranges beyond the texts set for your schoolwork, you have an appetite for poetry or drama as well as prose, and you are interested in literature from earlier eras as well as our own, you will thrive on this course.

Key facts

Typical intake

6 students a year

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview at Corpus will normally be given two online interviews. Each candidate may also be given a passage of literature to think and write about, during the interview period. The interview itself may range widely in the effort to assess candidates' promise in literary study. Candidates could be asked questions about the submitted written work required for admission and could also be asked to comment on the passage(s) they will have been given.

Corpus is home to a lively group of graduate students in English and related literary/linguistic studies. Graduates are admitted via application to the relevant Faculty and are, in the regular Oxford practice, usually supervised by Tutors at other colleges. They are, though, assigned College Tutors as in-house advisers.

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English

Dr Amy Lidster

Professor Fergus McGhee

Professor Helen Moore

English - Manelle

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English

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Dr Amy Lidster

Professor Fergus McGhee

Professor Helen Moore

English - Manelle

Key facts

Corpus Library