The School's variety of research projects span areas such as English and New Zealand Literature, Cinema, Media and Cultural Industries, Cultural Theory, Theatre, Drama and Performance. Our Research Projects page showcases a selection of research projects staff are currently engaged in. A comprehensive list of research areas can be accessed through our Staff Research Interests page.

Our staff publish widely and the quality of their research is recognised nationally and internationally. Recent examples of books as well as films and theatre productions staff have been involved in are available on our Publications, Productions, and Exhibitions page. More details on staff research projects and publications can be found on individual Staff pages. Visit our News page for updates on recent staff accomplishments.

In the 2019 QS World University Rankings, three subjects from the School are in the top 100 band—English Language and Literature; History, Art History, Classics and Curatorial Studies; Communication and Media Studies, and Performing Arts. The 2018 Performance Based Research Fund results acknowledged the high-quality research in the School. The PBRF is an independent evaluation by the Tertiary Education Commission of research performance in New Zealand tertiary institutions. Victoria University of Wellington was ranked first in the subject areas of English Language and Literature; Communications, Journalism and Media Studies; and Theatre and Dance, Film, Television and Multimedia.

The School of English, Film, Theatre, Media and Communication, and Art History hosts over 50 postgraduate students. Our Research Students page lists projects and supervisors of current MA and PhD students in English and New Zealand Literature, Film, Theatre, Media Studies, and Art History. Prospective postgraduate students are advised to browse through these pages and also consult our Postgraduate Study pages, particularly the Master of Arts and PhD pages.

Research related events such as seminars, conferences, public lectures, symposiums, exhibitions, performances and theatre productions are featured on our Events page.