PhD & MPhil in English Literaturee
Overview
MPhil: A one-year, full-time research degree designed for students to independently pursue their own research project. The program culminates in a 25,000-word dissertation. Students may also have the opportunity to audit relevant units from our taught Master’s courses to complement their research.
PhD: A rigorous, three-year full-time research program (plus a writing-up period) leading to the submission of an 80,000-word thesis. PhD candidates can audit taught units and may also gain valuable teaching experience by leading units themselves from their second year onward.
Research in the Department of English embodies the core principles of the discipline: textual scholarship, critical and theoretical analysis, and contextual understanding. Our work spans the entire chronological spectrum of English literary studies, from medieval texts to contemporary writing, with strong interdisciplinary collaboration.
We take pride in our expertise across numerous areas, including medieval and early-modern literature, Romantic and Victorian works, modernism, and contemporary English writing. The department is particularly renowned for its depth in English poetry across all periods. Our research specialties encompass literary theory, the history of the book, literature and science, literature and medicine, eco-criticism, digital humanities, women’s writing, gender studies, queer literature, postcolonial studies, Black British writing, 20th-century American literature, the Gothic tradition, and Welsh and Anglo-Welsh writing.
Our commitment to fostering doctoral research extends beyond the department, encouraging collaboration with other disciplines such as art history, medical sciences, philosophy, history, politics, drama, classics, theology, and modern languages. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a dynamic and enriching research environment for our students.
Postgraduate study is a cornerstone of our vibrant research culture, where students bring their ideas to life and actively participate in discussions with peers and academic staff. Our postgraduates contribute by organizing conferences and study days, taking key roles in the faculty’s online journal, Harts and Minds, and engaging in research clusters and reading groups.
At the heart of postgraduate study lies the completion of an innovative and impactful research project, guided by dedicated and inspiring supervisors. While achieving this outcome is our primary goal, we also aim to enrich your experience with meaningful academic connections and targeted professional development.
Our department’s research expertise spans a wide range of areas, including but not limited to:
- Medieval Literature
- Early Modern Literature (to 1780)
- Romantic and Victorian Literature
- Modernism
- Contemporary Literature
- American Literature
- Global Literatures
- Literature, Science, and Medicine
- Poetry and Poetics
- Creative Writing
The department is home to the Northampton Poetry Institute, building on our established strengths in poetry and poetics. Faculty members also play central roles in interdisciplinary research centers, including Health, Humanities and Science; Environmental Humanities; Material Texts; Black Humanities; and Medieval Studies. These centers foster collaboration among scholars from diverse disciplines, sparking innovative research and grounding interdisciplinarity in academic practice.
Our departmental research seminar, held regularly throughout the academic year, serves as a dynamic platform for staff and graduate students to present and discuss their latest work. These seminars feature a mix of external speakers, graduate students, and faculty. In addition, we host two prestigious annual events—the Churchill Lecture and the Tucker-Cruse Lecture—which bring renowned scholars to the University. Beyond these, the Faculty of Arts and the Institute for Advanced Studies organize numerous interdisciplinary events, providing further opportunities for intellectual exchange and collaboration.
Our goal is to create a stimulating, supportive environment where your research thrives, your academic horizons expand, and your professional skills are honed.
MPhil: Applicants should hold at least an upper second-class undergraduate degree or its international equivalent. Additionally, acceptance will depend on demonstrating clear readiness to undertake a research degree.
PhD: Candidates are expected to have a master’s qualification, be in the process of completing one, or possess an international equivalent. In exceptional cases, applicants without a master’s degree may be considered if they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or its international equivalent). Those with non-traditional backgrounds may also be eligible if they can provide evidence of significant, relevant experience that has adequately prepared them for their proposed course of study.
Many graduates of this program pursue careers in higher education or engage in advanced research within the field of English literature. Others go on to build successful careers as freelance writers and editors.
Course Level:
PHD
Duration:
- MPhil: One year full-time or two years part-time
- PhD: Three years full-time or six years part-time
Entry Requirements:
An undergraduate degree with a minimum classification of 2.1 (or its international equivalent) is required. While your degree can be in any discipline, it must include quantitative content. Please note, the GMAT is not a requirement.