Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Jeffrey Boakye is an author, broadcaster and educator who graduated with a BA in English from the University of Leicester. Originally planning to stay in London where he grew up, he came to Leicester through clearing because he wanted to study at a university with a strong reputation for English literature.
Studying English at Leicester taught him far more than close reading of texts. He highlights critical analysis as the most important skill he developed, enabling him to analyse not only literature but also ideas and different kinds of materials, which now underpins his work across fiction, non-fiction and education. He describes his career as a “portfolio career”, combining writing, public speaking, radio broadcasting and teaching, all linked by a love of communicating ideas to different audiences.
Jeffrey has fond memories of the library and the academic support he received from lecturers, including Dr Emma Parker, whose encouragement helped him achieve a first-class degree and later be recognised as Alumnus of the Year and awarded an honorary doctorate
Learn more about studying English at Leicester, including course structure and entry requirements here: le.ac.uk/study/english
Jeffrey Boakye is an author, broadcaster and educator who graduated with a BA in English from the University of Leicester. Originally planning to stay in London where he grew up, he came to Leicester through clearing because he wanted to study at a university with a strong reputation for English literature.
Studying English at Leicester taught him far more than close reading of texts. He highlights critical analysis as the most important skill he developed, enabling him to analyse not only literature but also ideas and different kinds of materials, which now underpins his work across fiction, non-fiction and education. He describes his career as a “portfolio career”, combining writing, public speaking, radio broadcasting and teaching, all linked by a love of communicating ideas to different audiences.
Jeffrey has fond memories of the library and the academic support he received from lecturers, including Dr Emma Parker, whose encouragement helped him achieve a first-class degree and later be recognised as Alumnus of the Year and awarded an honorary doctorate
Learn more about studying English at Leicester, including course structure and entry requirements here: le.ac.uk/study/english
