English and Theatre Studies

English and Theatre Studies focuses on the form, meanings and effects of imaginative writing and dramatic performance, and explains how these practices engage with the everyday world. We are a combined program, in which students can pursue literary interests, theatrical interests, or both through their major.

English and Theatre Studies at Melbourne

Recognised nationally and internationally for innovative teaching, scholarship and research, English and Theatre Studies boasts one of the oldest literature programs in the world. Today, it is a leading research hub for critical thinking about literature and performance across genres and historical periods.

Our scholars are experts in:

  • Australian literature, theatre and culture
  • Theatre, dance and performance
  • Medieval literature and medievalism
  • Shakespeare and Renaissance drama
  • Enlightenment, Romantic and Victorian literatures
  • Modernism
  • World and comparative literature
  • Popular fiction and adaptations
  • Archival research and digital humanities
  • Literary and theatre history
  • Literary theory and critical thinking

Key research projects extend our work into interdisciplinary and funded collaborations in areas such as creativity, the history of the emotions, ecological thinking, cultural analysis, Asian performance, Irish literature, and early modern English theatre history. The program also  supports a thriving postgraduate community.

English and Theatre Studies runs a weekly research seminar during semester, featuring work in progress from our staff, our graduate students, and colleagues from other institutions. View the seminar schedule. All welcome!

View our staff

More featured research

Study with us

Master your craft in our undergraduate and graduate programs. You’ll learn from leading academics while joining a vibrant and engaged community.

Graduates in English and Theatre studies go on to rewarding careers in the creative arts, publishing, public relations, advertising, media, communications, teaching and law.

Undergraduate

Graduate coursework

Graduate research

Meet our English and Theatre Studies staff

English and Theatre Studies academics are leading teachers, researchers and industry professionals. They train students in critical thinking, advanced writing and research skills, analytical and interpretive reading and effective oral communication.

English and Theatre Studies honorary staff