English, Creative Writing and Publishing Outreach

We offer a range of activities, both on and off campus, that are perfect to excite your students across the breadth of English, Creative Writing and Publishing courses that we offer. We can run activities covering any of the following areas: Creative Writing, English (both literature and language), and Publishing.

We also offer outreach activities in related areas such as History, International Relations and Politics and Journalism and Media.

Whether it's part of a campus visit, an in-person session at your school or college, or a virtual experience, we're here to inspire and engage your students throughout the year. Some of our activities are set on particular dates throughout the academic year. If you are not able to make these particular dates, but are still interested, then please let us know and we can look to arrange a bespoke activity for you.

Taster Days

Our visit days allow your students to experience Derby fully and can be tailored to your and your group. All of our taster days include subject sessions, led by our passionate academic team. These sessions are aligned to the curriculum and will help prepare your students for further study. In addition to subject-based sessions, we can run Information, Advice and Guidance talks or campus tours to give your students an insight into university life.

Based at: Kedleston Road, Derby

When: flexible to suit

Who: Year 12 or 13 students

Discipline(s) covered: English, Creative Writing and Publishing. We can also cover sessions around other humanities based disciplines such as History, International Relations, Journalism, Media and Politics

If you would like to book a visit with us, please get in touch with the team.

Masterclasses and Talks

Our talks and masterclasses are designed to be delivered when it is best for you. Aligned with the current curriculum, they will give your students an insight into our academic expertise and elevate their subject knowledge. Below are just some of the topics that our academics can deliver to inspire your students.

If you would like the team to deliver one of the below masterclasses, or have a topic in mind that is not listed then please get in touch with the team.

City of Legends

The lore and legends of Derby - heroes, devils, rebels and fantastic beasts. This masterclass takes a look at Derby's extraordinary legacy of marvels and miracles, from the middle ages to the present day.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Image of the words Derby

Dracula

In 1924 an adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula was staged at the Grand Theatre, Derby. This play became a sensation; it toured Britain, made it to the West End, and was further adapted for Broadway and then Hollywood. What happened in Derby in 1924? How did the character of Dracula change? Why was the play so successful? What might you learn from this in creating your own vampire? This masterclass will explore this all.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Dracula castle perched on a cliff with bats swarming around its towers

Literature, Censorship and Cancel Culture

This masterclass considers the history and nature of censorship in literary texts. You will learn about the varied sensitivities of readers from historical periods up until the present. This will include having the opportunity to compare censored with uncensored versions of texts, and to reflect on instances of censorship or 'cancel culture' in the present day.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

A stack of books with a chain over the top

Frankenstein in Context

Learn about the historical, scientific, and literary contexts that shaped Mary Shelley's masterpiece: Frankenstein. Surveying the novel's landscapes from Switzerland to the Arctic, this masterclass reveals the importance of Derbyshire to the narrative, as well as insight into Frankenstein's Gothic and Romantic influence.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Global Englishes: The Big Picture

This masterclass overviews World Englishes today, as well as giving a summary of how the field developed. We will examine its political beginnings and how shifting ideas have led to key debates such as the role of 'standard' English(es), the place of creoles and challenges from an English as lingua franca perspective - all of which include both linguistic and social/historical/political considerations.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

A pile of books next to a globe

Literature and the Environment

Is the natural world simply used as a setting or symbol for writers? This masterclass explores literary representations of 'Nature' and the 'Environment' within a range of periods and texts. It considers how we might use fictional environments to think critically about environmental issues and contexts, past and present.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

A book with a globe inside a graduation cylinder on a background of nature

Teacher CPD

In addition to support for your students, our academic team are able to support you with being able to cover topics as part of your curriculum. From giving guided tours of our facilities to offering advice and support around practical activities, we can ensure you are keeping up to date with the latest practices and procedures.

If you would like to arrange a meeting with the team to discuss this further, please get in touch.