English Literature (PhD/MPhil)

Overview

The PhD programme in English Literature offers the opportunity for postgraduate students to make an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen field of study and to become part of a thriving, internationally-renowned research community. We welcome applications for research across the chronological and theoretical range of English Literature. Successful applicants will be supervised by academic staff working at the forefront of their fields and leading debate in the ever-changing environments of the discipline. Doctoral students are encouraged to push beyond the boundaries of critical commonplaces, to think differently and to participate fully in the rich intellectual life of the School. As well as working closely with a dedicated supervisor, or supervisors, students are able to develop their projects within the context of a dynamic and well-resourced interdisciplinary research culture.

Course structure

The culmination of the PhD in English Literature is a sustained piece of written work that makes an original contribution to knowledge and understanding in a chosen field of study. Successful PhD students are trained in the most sophisticated critical and theoretical practices in preparation for a career in Higher Education or professional employment requiring advanced research skills and subject knowledge at the highest level. In addition to working closely with a supervisor, doctoral students attend a weekly thesis workshop, which offers discipline-specific research training as well as opportunities to share work-in-progress with other students. The workshops run alongside the integrated research and professional skills training programme, which includes career management skills, offered by the Doctoral Academy.