Research group: Poetry
An area of international excellence that focuses on modern and contemporary poetry.
Research information
About our research
We are experts in the practice of poetry writing and critical theory in poetry, with a focus on modern and contemporary poetry.
We have four world-leading professors of poetry:
- Michael Symmons Roberts
- Jean Sprackland
- Dame Carol Ann Duffy, the former UK Poet Laureate from 2009 to 2019
- Antony Rowland
Our poets have won international awards in their field, including the Costa Prize, the Forward Prize and the TS Eliot Prize. They have been on judging panels for poetry prizes and their honours include Fellowships of the Royal Society of Literature, the English Association and a damehood for the former Poet Laureate.
Our connections with broadcasters, theatres, opera companies, galleries, universities and other cultural organisations make us one of the leading centres for poetry both nationally and internationally.
The UNESCO City of Literature network is another important connection, as we are a founder partner of Manchester’s successful UNESCO bid.
Manchester Writing School
The school hosts a variety of degrees and short courses, a series of public reading events, a programme of outreach activities, a major international writing competition and an annual festival of children’s literature.
Manchester Poetry Library
The Manchester Poetry Library is the North West’s first such library. It offers over 10,000 books and recordings that can be explored through an online catalogue, in person and through in-person events. The collection offers an extensive range of poetry in the many languages spoken in the city, and a section dedicated to children’s poetry.
Featured projects
Other projects
Other projects
Poetry and music
We have created a doctoral programme for a poet to work with a composer to produce a new opera, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. This project is in partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music and BBC Philharmonic.
Poetry and broadcast
Our poets work as writers, presenters, guests and readers on a range of radio and TV shows as part of this project.
Poetry continued professional development (CPD)
Aimed at teachers and pupils, poetry CPD develops skills, exercises and strategies for including poetry in primary education.
Granada Foundation community languages project
There are more than 200 languages spoken in Manchester, and the Manchester Poetry Library aims to grow its collection to include as many language communities as possible. This is an ambitious project, with sponsorship from the Granada Foundation.
We get recommendations for the collection from the community, often through events. This way the books on the shelves represent the people of Manchester.
Other creative, critical and partnership projects
Our poets and poetry critics create projects for stage and screen, books and partnerships with public events.
We also work with other research teams at the University on projects such as Manchester Voices and the Centre for Youth Studies.
Contact information
Contact us
For general enquiries about our poetry research theme, you can contact research group leads Prof Michael Symmons Roberts and Dr Nikolai Duffy.