PhD in English with Creative Writing

University of York

PhD in English with Creative Writing encourages distinctive approaches to practice-based literary research. This route allows you to develop a substantial research project, which incorporates an original work of creative writing (in prose, poetry, or other forms). As part of a thriving community of postgraduate researchers and writers, you will be supported by world-leading experts with a wide range of global and historical specialisms and given access to unique resources including the department's letterpress printing studio, writers-in-residence, and our prestigious Writers at York events series.

Applicants for the PhD in English with Creative Writing should submit a research proposal for their overall research project, along with samples of creative and critical writing, demonstrating a suitable ability in each, as part of the application. Proposals should include plans for a critical research component of 30-40,000 words and a creative component written to its natural length (e.g., a book-length work of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction), while demonstrating a clear relationship between the two.

Research Student Training

Our research students receive training in research methods and skills appropriate to the stage they have reached and the nature of their work. In addition to regular supervisory meetings to discuss planning, researching, and writing the thesis, we offer sessions on bibliographic and archival resources (digital, print and manuscript). Our students receive guidance in applying to and presenting at professional conferences, preparing, and submitting material for publication and applying for jobs. We meet other training needs in handling research data, various modern languages, palaeography, bibliography. Classical and medieval Latin are also available.