The Department of English Students Association (DESA) is a non-profit organisation which acts as a link between the student body and the Department of English, with the aim of generating an active environment wherein students can benefit from multiple opportunities to broaden their knowledge and keep up to date with current developments in the area of English studies. The association also helps facilitate the organisation of events and activities put forth by the department itself.

Academic events such as have occurred in the past include talks, lectures and readings given by notable literary figures such as Douglas Dunn, Sarah Manguso and Andrew Sant. These events are normally open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students on campus.

Furthermore, recreational activities such as film screenings, performances and quiz-nights provide ample opportunity for socialising. Such social events are set up by the students themselves in the hope of promoting communication among students across all year groups, including graduates and postgraduates, as well as to raise awareness among the general public of the relevance in obtaining a degree in English.

Moreover, a new publication, simply entitled TEXT, has recently been launched online with the aim of providing regular updates and useful information, as well as the opportunity for students to publish some of their writing.

All students reading for a degree in English at the University of Malta are automatically members of the association.