Neil Cocks

Dr. Neil Cocks is an Associate Professor in the Department of English Literature at the University of Reading, part of the School of Humanities. He serves as Head of Careers for the department and leads outreach initiatives, emphasizing collaboration with educators and the broader community. His research critiques self-evident discourses through close textual analysis, focusing on Children's Literature, Gothic fiction, and critical theories addressing identity, agency, and societal structures. He has authored five books, including influential critiques of student-centered education and higher education discourse, and edited collections challenging Ayn Rand’s philosophy and Gothic literature approaches.

Dr. Cocks’ work spans interdisciplinary domains: he engages with film theory, art criticism, evolutionary psychology critique, and Objectivist discourse. His recent projects include a book on race and fantasy fiction, collaborations with The Museum of English Rural Life on GRT history, and a journal issue on precarity and theory with Royal Holloway scholars. He also publishes poetry under 'Obby Robinson' and contributes to experimental music, including a 2024 film soundtrack.

His teaching encompasses undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including MA modules in Children's Literature. He supervises PhDs in childhood studies, Gothic literature, and race/GRT identity. Professional affiliations include CIRCL (Childhood Research Centre) and the Screen Work Group, alongside a Senior Fellowship at the Higher Education Academy.