Elizabeth Herbert was educated at Aberystwyth University, where she got her first degree in 1977 and her PhD in Medieval English Literature.[1][2] In 2005, she joined Swansea University,[2] where she was Reader in Gender in English Studies and Medieval Literature.[3] She was later promoted to Professor of Medieval Studies and Emeritus Professor.[4][5] She has also held a Personal Chair in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University.[6] She also holds a Honorary Senior Research Associate position at the University of Bristol.[5]
McAvoy specialises in medieval women's literature and in medieval anchorites.[6] In addition to editing several volumes, she has also written several books.[6] She served as Associate Director at the Swansea University Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Research.[3] After becoming Vice-President of the Society for Medieval Feminist Scholarship in 2013, she was promoted to President in 2015, serving until 2017.[2]