English Language and Literature at York placed 11th in the UK and 35th in the world

This week, York’s Department of English and Related Literature reconfirmed its place among the world’s most highly regarded departments for the subject of English language and literature. This subject was ranked 35th in the world by QS World University Rankings (2023), retaining its top-50 position.

This department sits in our Arts and Humanities faculty, which was ranked 66th in the world.

Published annually, QS World University Rankings assess over 50 subjects, at over 1,400 universities, on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

Professor Helen Smith, Head of the Department of English and Related Literature said “I am delighted that English and Related Literature has once again been recognised as one of the world's leading literature departments. The department is a wonderful place to work and study, and we're proud to welcome staff and students from across the world who share our international outlook and commitment to excellence.”

York's overall position

In total, four subjects at the University of York were ranked in the top 50 globally, as well as top 20 in the UK: 

• Archaeology (5th in the UK, 20th globally)
• Social Policy and Administration (7th in the UK, 28th= globally)
• English Language and Literature (11th in the UK, 35th globally)
• Education (9th in the UK, 47th globally)

Three more were ranked in the top 100 in the world, 3 of which are ranked as top 20 in the UK: 

• History (11th= in the UK, 51-100 globally)
• Linguistics (10th in the UK. 92nd= globally)
• Development Studies (11th= in the UK, 51-100 globally)

In the broad subject of Arts and Humanities we were ranked 66th= globally.