Think Deeply about Literature. Express Yourself through Writing Your Story.
Welcome to the School of English Studies.
Our programmes focus on enjoying, understanding and crafting fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, poetry and visual texts. Students are prepared to participate in creative industries and professional life by teaching creative writing and professional and technical writing. You are taught that literature is not only something to analyse, but something to experience: to question, to discuss, and to carry with you beyond the classroom.
In our programmes, students critically examine a diverse range of texts and media, and are trained to conduct rigorous research, tell and interpret compelling stories, analyse and critique complex ideas, and imagine and contextualize different points of view. Our classes are intentionally small. Our faculty are proud to offer our students individualized attention, mentorship, and sustained support that continues long after graduation.
Our English graduates think critically, communicate persuasively, and shape cultural and creative life in The Bahamas and globally. Our programmes combine rigorous intellectual training with real-world application, equipping graduates to succeed across diverse industries while contributing meaningfully to public life.
Rooted in The Bahamas. Connected Everywhere.
We are the only School of English Studies in the world where students must primarily engage with Bahamian literature and cultural expression, often taught by the very writers shaping it. From this strong foundation, we explore Caribbean, American, British, and other global literatures written in English. Beginning with Bahamian Creole, we also examine varieties of English: how they work, how they evolve, how they shape identity and opportunity, and how they function in societies navigating multiple linguistic traditions.
Explore Programme Options
You can major or double-major in English and register for English Studies minors. Our programmes include:
Major:
- Bachelor of Arts in English
Minors:
- Creative Writing
- Film and Drama Studies
- Bahamian and Caribbean Literature
Find the programme that fits your passion and aspirations by browsing our academic catalogue or academic brochure. Then, apply now by clicking here.
What You Gain and Where It Can Take You
As a student in our programme, you will graduate as an agile communicator. You will be ready to adapt your ideas to different audiences and platforms. Don’t ask, “What can I do with a degree in English?” Ask: What can’t I do? Taking English Studies courses will teach you:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Research and project management
- Storytelling and explanation
- Effective writing and speaking
- Analysis
- Persuasive communication
- Digital and multimodal literacy
- Cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence
Our graduates thrive in a wide range of careers and are attorneys, teachers, media producers, journalists, editors, communications strategists, human resource managers, financial analysts, executives, curators, and professors.
Employers value English graduates for their initiative, clarity, creativity, analytical rigor, adaptability and empathy.
Get Involved
We host several signature events designed to engage the University of The Bahamas community and the wider public. These include:
- Meet the Writer
- Anatol Rodgers Memorial Lecture Series
- Blue Flamingo Literary Festival
- Critical Caribbean Symposium Series
Often, these events give students the chance to meet and work with famous and brilliant critics and artists. Their advice and feedback can revolutionise how you think or reveal inspiring career paths. Our students are also nurtured in a range of organisations and clubs:
- Tingum Collective for Creative Writers
- Acting Club
- Film Club
- Tamarind Literary Journal
- Sigma Tau Delta English Honour Society
They are also able to gain experience through peer tutoring in the University Writing Centre, working for the student literary journal Tamarind and by presenting their academic research alongside our professors at academic conferences.
Visit Us
Keva M. Bethel Building, A97
University of The Bahamas
Oakes Field Campus
University Drive
Nassau, The Bahamas
Phone: (242) 302 4381 or (242) 302 4386
Drop in and speak to our Chair or Head of Department to learn more about our programmes, discuss major or minor options, explore career pathways, or simply talk about your interests. We’re ready to help you turn strong reading and writing skills into lifelong opportunity.
Dr. Peter A. A. Bailey
Chair, School of Communication and Creative Arts
Phone: (242) 302 4385
Email: peter.bailey@ub.edu.bs
