English

Literature encompasses the total human experience and comes forth in stories, songs, laments and praise. It draws out the nuances of human nature and imagination and compliments the other arts.

English at Waikato stays relevant by constantly evolving and adapting to newer art forms including film, graphic novel and creative non-fiction.

No matter if you're an English major or just taking a few papers, you'll discover English is about answering deep artistic and aesthetic questions. And the quality you'll get at Waikato is excellent – we're a top 250 QS-rated subject.

You'll be immersed in fiction, plays and poetry and explore their potential to shape our world. You'll also have the choice to specialise in creative writing and learn from award-winning writers as well as have the opportunity to publish in Mayhem, our online literary journal. Your writing will gain clarity and subtlety as you develop your unique voice.

Our teaching staff come from a variety of literary backgrounds and contribute to course learning and cultural life on campus. We also host the annual Frank Sargeson Memorial Lecture to commemorate one of New Zealand's most important writers, as well as the Sargeson Prize, New Zealand's richest short story prize.

English at Waikato will develop your critical thinking skills and appreciation for English, as well as prepare you to be a creative problem solver in your future career.