phd in english literature abroad

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• Study Abroad

A Literary Odyssey: Explore PhD in English Literature Programs Abroad!

Updated on 12 december, 2023.

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. content editor.

For aspiring scholars of the English language , the allure of a PhD abroad is undeniable. From the hallowed halls of Oxford and Cambridge to the vibrant literary scenes of Paris and Florence, pursuing such a degree offers unparalleled access to world-renowned scholars, unique research opportunities, and a chance to immerse in a new cultural landscape. Choosing to pursue a PhD in English Literature abroad is a transformative decision indeed.

Table of Contents

• United States of America:
• New Zealand:

Best Universities to Study PhD in English Literature

• Writing Sample:
• Statement of Purpose:
• Letters of Recommendation:

How to Apply

Best countries to study phd in english literature.

It's important to pick wisely while pursuing a PhD in English Literature abroad since every country has its unique blend of research possibilities, academic brilliance, and cultural richness.

England: 

With some of the most prominent colleges in the world and a long tradition of literary contributions, it is a global literary powerhouse. The UK offers a favorable environment for exploring both classic and modern literature, in addition to offering access to vast literary archives and a lively academic community.

United States of America: 

The US boasts a robust higher education system, with a multitude of universities offering cutting-edge research facilities and interdisciplinary programs in English Literature. The US academic landscape encourages innovative research and provides opportunities to engage with diverse literary traditions.

Canada: 

Canada is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for PhD candidates in English Literature. The country's inclusive learning environments, emphasis on multicultural literature, and strong support for research endeavors make it an attractive choice. 

Ireland: 

Birthplace of literary greats like Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and James Joyce, Ireland offers a special environment for English literature doctoral study. The nation is renowned for emphasizing both classic and modern literary studies, having small class numbers, and having a supportive academic environment. . 

New Zealand: 

New Zealand offers a refreshing academic experience for PhD candidates in English Literature. With its stunning landscapes and a strong emphasis on indigenous and Pacific literature, New Zealand provides a unique perspective for literary studies.

Each of these countries presents a distinct academic and cultural landscape, allowing PhD candidates to tailor their research to specific interests within English Literature.

According to the "Open Doors Report" by the Institute of International Education, the US alone witnessed a notable 1.5% increase in international students pursuing humanities and arts doctorate programs. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, publishing, writing , and research.  

Numerous universities are offering top-notch PhD in English Literature abroad. A few of the best universities are mentioned below:

Documents Required for PhD in English Literature Abroad

When applying for a PhD in English Literature abroad, it's essential to prepare a comprehensive set of documents to meet the requirements of the respective universities:

Writing Sample: 

The applicant must submit two 15-page papers in 12-point type with 1-inch margins, in double-spaced, 12-point type. Rather than creative writing, the writing samples should demonstrate critical writing skills directly related to English.

Statement of Purpose: 

The statement of purpose is not a personal statement, and it should not be filled with personal anecdotes. It should be no longer than 1,000 words. Admissions committees should be able to see clearly what the applicants' interests and strengths are.

Test: 

All international applicants (whose primary language is not English) must submit official TOEFL (minimum score 100) and/or TSE scores via ETS.

Languages: 

No specific prerequisites are required for admission, but students who lack a strong language background will need to fill these gaps during their first two years of graduate study.

Grades: 

It is more important for a candidate to have an average of no lower than A- in literature (and related) courses.

Letters of Recommendation:  

A minimum of three letters of recommendation are required from faculty members or others who are qualified to assess the quality of the academic work and the potential for teaching. Letters of recommendation must be submitted online by the deadline for applications.

Applying for a PhD in English Literature abroad involves a strategic and meticulous process. Follow these essential steps:

• Research and Choose Institutions:  

Explore universities renowned for their English Literature programs. Consider faculty expertise, research facilities, and program structure.

• Check Eligibility Requirements:  

Review each university's eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, language proficiency tests (such as IELTS or TOEFL ), and any specific prerequisites.

• Prepare Required Documents:

Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts , CVs, letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose, and any additional materials specified by the chosen institutions.

• Take Language Proficiency Tests:  

If required, schedule and take English language proficiency tests. Ensure your scores meet the minimum requirements of the selected universities.

• Submit Online Applications:  

Complete online application forms on the universities' official websites. Upload all required documents, paying attention to specific guidelines and deadlines.

• Prepare for Interviews:  

Some institutions may require interviews as part of the selection process. Familiarize yourself with potential interview questions and be ready to discuss your research interests.

• Apply for Scholarships:  

Explore available scholarships and apply for financial aid to support your studies. Check eligibility criteria and deadlines for scholarship applications.

• Monitor Application Status:  

Keep track of your application status through the university portals. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

By meticulously following these steps, you enhance your chances of a successful application and embark on a rewarding PhD journey in English Literature abroad.

Conclusion 

Pursuing a PhD in English Literature abroad promises a transformative academic journey, as evidenced by the increasing global interest in humanities and arts doctorate programs. With diverse opportunities in academia, publishing, writing, and research, graduates are well-equipped for a fulfilling future. The selection of top universities, meticulous document preparation, and strategic application steps are essential for a successful PhD application. 

What is a PhD in English Literature abroad?

A PhD in English Literature abroad is an advanced doctoral program focused on literary theory, history, and criticism. Opting for this international academic journey opens up opportunities in academia, publishing, writing, and research, offering a rewarding and transformative experience.

Which countries are considered ideal for undertaking a PhD in English Literature abroad?

The optimal countries for pursuing a PhD in English Literature encompass the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. Each presents a distinctive academic and cultural setting, enabling candidates to customize their research based on specific interests in the field.

What documents are necessary to pursue a PhD in English Literature abroad?

Required documents encompass transcripts, a completed application form, a comprehensive resume, letters of recommendation, English language proficiency test scores, a statement of purpose, GRE or relevant test results, passport-sized photographs, and an outline detailing the proposed research project.

How to initiate the application process for a PhD in English Literature abroad?

To commence the application process, it is essential to research and select institutions, review eligibility criteria, compile necessary documents, complete language proficiency tests, submit online applications, prepare for potential interviews, seek scholarships, and regularly check application status through university portals to ensure a successful application journey.

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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• Schools & departments

English Literature PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: English Literature

Discovery Day

Join us online on 21st August to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh.

Find out more and register

Research profile

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in literature and related fields.

As the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, based in one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, we are the ideal place for PhD study.

Our interdisciplinary environment brings together specialists in all periods and genres of literature and literary analysis.

Research excellence

Based on our performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), over 90 per cent of our research and impact is classed as world-leading and internationally excellent by Research Professional. 69 per cent is graded at the world-leading level – the highest of REF’s four categories.

In Times Higher Education's REF analysis, English at Edinburgh is ranked fifth in the UK (out of more than 90 institutions) for:

• the overall quality of our publications and other outputs
• the impact of our research on people’s lives
• our supportive research environment

Given the breadth and depth of our expertise, we are able to support students wishing to develop research projects in any field of Anglophone literary studies. These include American studies, literary and critical theory, the history of the book, gender and sexuality studies, and global Anglophone literatures - where our specialisms include Pacific, African, South Asian, and African-American writing.

We have particular strengths in each of the main periods of English and Scottish Literature:

• Renaissance/early modern
• Enlightenment
• 21st century
• Contemporary

Emergent research themes in the department include the digital humanities, the economic humanities, the environmental humanities and literature and medicine.

• Explore our range of research centres, networks and projects in English and Scottish Literature

Working with colleagues elsewhere in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, and across the wider University, we are able to support PhD theses crossing boundaries between disciplines and/or languages.

• Be inspired by the range of PhD research in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

Over the course of your PhD, you’ll be expected to complete an original body of work under the expert guidance of your supervisors leading to a dissertation of usually between 80,000 and 100,000 words.

You will be awarded your doctorate if your thesis is judged to be of an appropriate standard, and your research makes a definite contribution to knowledge.

• Read our pre-application guidance on writing a PhD research proposal

Go beyond the books

Beyond the Books is a podcast from the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at research and the people who make it happen.

Listen to a mix of PhD, early career and established researchers talk about their journey to and through academia and about their current and recent research.

• Browse Beyond the Books episodes and hear our research community talk about their work

Training and support

Between the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), the Careers Service, and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you’ll find a range of programmes and resources to help you develop your postgraduate skills.

You will also have access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.

Part of a community

As part of our research community, you will be immersed in a world of knowledge exchange, with lots of opportunities to share ideas, learning and creative work.

Activities range from talks by visiting speakers and work-in-progress seminars, to reading groups, conferences, workshops, performances, online journals and forums, many of which are led by PhD candidates.

Highlights include student reading for the James Tait Black Prizes, Britain's oldest literary awards which typically involve reading submissions across fiction and biography and advising the judges on the shortlists.

• Read an interview with 2022 James Tait Black reader, Céleste Callen

Our graduates tell us that they value the friendliness of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff, who are published experts in their field.

A UNESCO World City of Literature, Edinburgh is a remarkable place to study, write, publish, discuss and perform prose, poetry and drama.

Take a PhD with us and you will be based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) in the historic centre of this world-leading festival city.

You will have access to the University’s many literary treasures. These include the libraries of:

• William Drummond
• Lewis Grassic Gibbon
• Hugh MacDiarmid
• Norman MacCaig

The Centre for Research Collections holds the W.H. Auden collection; the Corson Collection of works by and about Sir Walter Scott; and the Ramage collection of poetry pamphlets.

It also holds a truly exceptional collection of early Shakespeare quartos and other early modern printed plays put together by the 19th century Shakespearean James Halliwell-Phillipps, the correspondence of Thomas and Jane Welsh Carlyle (the focus of one of the major editorial projects in Victorian studies of the last half-century), and the extensive Laing collection of medieval and early modern manuscripts, as well as letters and papers by - and relating to - authors including:

• Christopher Isherwood
• Rudyard Kipling
• John Middleton Murry
• Walter de la Mare
• George Mackay Brown
• Compton Mackenzie

Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, Computing Labs, and dedicated PhD study space in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).

Look inside the PhD study space in LLC

In the city

Our buildings are close to the National Library of Scotland (where collections include the Bute Collection of early modern English drama and the John Murray Archive), Edinburgh Central Library, Scottish Poetry Library, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Writers’ Museum and a fantastic range of publishing houses, bookshops, and theatres.

We have strong links with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which annually welcomes around 1,000 authors to our literary city.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK masters, or its international equivalent, with a mark of at least 65% in your English literature dissertation of at least 10,000 words.

If your masters programme did not include a dissertation or included a dissertation that was unmarked or less than 10,000 words, you will be expected to produce an exceptional research proposal and personal statement to show your ability to undertake research at the level required by this programme.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Fees and costs

Read our general information on tuition fees and studying costs:

Scholarships and funding

Featured funding.

There are a number of scholarship schemes available to eligible candidates on this PhD programme, including awards from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Please be advised that many scholarships have more than one application stage, and early deadlines.

• Find out more about scholarships in literatures, languages and cultures

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
• 50 George Square
• Central Campus
• Programme: English Literature
• School: Literatures, Languages & Cultures
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This programme is not currently accepting applications. Applications for the next intake usually open in October.

Start date: September 2024

Awards: PhD (36 mth FT, 72 mth PT)

Application deadlines

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2024/25:

• How to apply

The online application process involves the completion of a web form and the submission of supporting documents.

For a PhD programme, you should include:

• a sample of written work of about 3,000 words (this can be a previous piece of work from an undergraduate or masters degree)
• a research proposal - a detailed description of what you hope to achieve and how
• Pre-application guidance

Before you formally apply for this PhD, you should look at the pre-application information and guidance on the programme website.

This will help you decide if this programme is right for you, and help us gain a clearer picture of what you hope to achieve.

The guidance will also give you practical advice for writing your research proposal – one of the most important parts of your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

We have 3 English Language (fully funded PhD for international students) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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English Language (fully funded PhD for international students) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Arts and humanities postgraduate research, university of glasgow, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Arts Research Programme

Arts Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at UEA

Humanities research programme.

Humanities Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Literary Modernism and Proto-Veganism

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

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Filtering Results

Doctorate English Literature Courses Abroad

Don't miss this opportunity for English Literature - Apply now for 2024 intake!  

Choosing to study Doctorate in English Literature abroad is a decision that will hugely benefit your future.

With a Doctorate in English Literature you will excel in the subject and set yourself up for a prosperous career.

Five countries in total are best to consider. These are the UK , USA , Canada , Ireland , and New Zealand . Each offers a different array of opportunities and unique universities.

You can choose from over 17 institutions offering 35 Doctorate courses in English Literature.

Fees start from £13,000 up to £25,000. The actual cost will depend on your chosen institution, so do make sure you check. If costs are a concern, many scholarships available can help with funding. Each scholarship has different criteria to qualify for but can help cover living costs and tuition fees.

You must also have a suitable background when applying for Doctorate in English Literature. Different universities will have different requirements, so check their criteria before applying.

You will also likely need an English language qualification, such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Top 10 Doctorate in English Literature universities abroad

• University of Leicester
• University of Glasgow
• Newcastle University
• Swansea University
• University of Birmingham
• Lancaster University
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• University of Hertfordshire
• University of Huddersfield
• University of Portsmouth

Doctorate in English Literature fees abroad

There’s no way around tuition fees (unless you have a scholarship of course) as they are a necessity to study Doctorate in English Literature. Fees can be higher or lower depending on which country you decide to study in and the university.

To find out what you’ll need to pay, please look to your chosen university for Doctorate in English Literature.

To help you get a general idea, we’ve identified the minimum and maximum fees below.

Don’t forget there are many scholarships available that you can apply for to help reduce costs.

The minimum fees for Doctorate in English Literature are £13,000.

The maximum fees for Doctorate in English Literature are £25,000.

Student’s visa cost for studying Doctorate in English Literature abroad

Most countries require students to take a student visa before studying there. There are costs associated with applying, which vary depending on the country. The table below outlines the costs you’ll be expected to pay.

Studying Doctorate in English Literature abroad eligibility criteria

When applying to study abroad, there is a set list of documents that you will need. The specific requirements depend on the country as well as the institution. In general, however, you will need the following:

• Academic transcripts
• Application form
• Letter of recommendation
• English language proficiency test scores
• Statement of purpose
• Admissions test results

Each university will outline the minimum score for each test before you apply, as well as any other additional document you may need, such as a portfolio.

Post-study work permit after completing Doctorate in English Literature qualification

Once you’ve finished your course, you will have the option to stay back in the country and look for work. In order to do so, you will have to apply for a post-study work permit.

Countries have different types of permits that differ in how long you can stay back for. The table below outlines the length of time each permit lets you stay in each country.

Top Doctorate English Literature Courses

Studying Doctorate in English Literature is just the tip of the iceberg as there are many opportunities to specialise even further in the subject. For you to see all your options, we've outlined below where you can focus the subject even further.

35 + courses available

Explore, filter and shortlist now

• Doctorate in Post-Colonial Literature
• Doctorate in Strategic Studies
• Doctorate in Medieval Literature
• Doctorate in World Englishes
• Doctorate in Writing
• Doctorate in Contemporary Literature
• Doctorate in Latin
• Doctorate in Standard English
• Doctorate in Performance And Literature
• Doctorate in Fiction Writing

Why study Doctorate in English Literature abroad?

How many years is doctorate in english literature abroad, which country is best for doctorate in english literature, how can edvoy help me.

Most popular

At Edvoy, we provide end-to-end support all through the study-abroad process: from shortlisting courses and submitting documents to university applications and visa interviews. Just sign up and add your details to get started with Edvoy. One of our experts will get in touch with you to understand your requirements and guide you with friendly advice all along the way. Talk to a counsellor now! 

Can I study Doctorate in English Literature abroad?

How much does it cost to study doctorate in english literature abroad, which are the popular exams required to study doctorate in english literature abroad, can i study doctorate in english literature abroad without ielts, is it worth studying doctorate in english literature abroad.

• Undergraduate English Literature
• Postgraduate English Literature
• Doctorate English Literature
• Foundation English Literature

Want to study English Literature abroad?

Countries with Doctorate English Literature courses

• Italiano| English

Phd in STUDIES IN ENGLISH LITERATURES, LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION

• STUDIES IN ENGLISH LITERATURES, LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION

Presentation

© Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" - Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma

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PhD English Literature

We perform innovative and world-leading research across literature, writing and linguistics. Our diverse mix of subject specialities means we are a vibrant and imaginative community with lots of opportunity for intellectual exchange.

Key course information

January 2025 - full-time, january 2025 - part-time, april 2025 - full-time, april 2025 - part-time, july 2025 - full-time, july 2025 - part-time, why choose this programme.

• We’re part of the interdisciplinary School of Literature and Languages, which has research-active staff who are at the forefront of knowledge in English literature, creative writing, film studies, translation studies, theoretical and applied linguistics, and literary and cultural studies.
• Our research concentrates on a range of periods, themes and subjects, spanning Medieval literature, Shakespeare and the Renaissance, Romanticism, Victorian and 19th-century literature, Modern and contemporary literature, creative writing and film studies. 
• We’re part of  TECHNE , an  Arts and Humanities Research Council  (AHRC)-funded doctoral training partnership, which provides access to comprehensive academic and professional training programmes, as well as the possibility of funding for your studies. 
• The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School of Literature and Languages 10th for research impact in the UK, with 75% of our case studies rated as having outstanding impacts, in terms of reach and significance (4*). Our submission to REF included contributions from the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

Fantastic graduate prospects

95% of Surrey's postgraduates go on to employment or further study 

10th for Research impact

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School of Literature and Languages 

Programme details Open

What you will study.

Our English Literature PhD will train you in critical and analytical skills, research methods, and knowledge that will equip you for your professional or academic career. It normally takes around three or four years to complete our full-time PhD.

You’ll be assigned a primary and secondary supervisor, who will meet with you regularly to read and discuss your work and progress. For us, writing is essential for understanding and developing new perspectives, so you’ll be submitting written work right from the start of your course.

In the first year of your PhD, you’ll refine your research proposal and plan the structure of your work with the guidance and support of your supervisors. As you go into your second and third year, you’ll gradually learn to work more independently, and your supervisors will guide you on how to present at conferences and get your work published.

After 12-15 months, you’ll submit a substantial piece of work for a confirmation examination. The confirmation examination will be conducted by two internal members of staff not on your supervisory team and will give you the opportunity to gain additional guidance on your research-to-date. The final two years of your PhD will be devoted to expanding and refining your work ready for submission of the final thesis.

As a doctoral student in the School of Literature and Languages, you’ll receive a structured training programme covering the practical aspects of being a researcher, including grant-writing, publishing in journals, and applying for academic jobs.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Research areas Open

Research themes.

• Women's writing (especially medieval women's writing, early modern women's drama and Victorian women writers)
• Medieval romance
• Romanticism
• Victorian studies
• Modernism and modernity
• Travel and mobility
• Western and global esotericisms
• Sexuality and queer theory
• Postmodern and post-postmodern writing
• Contemporary fiction
• Transnational literature.

Discover more about our literature and languages research .

Academic staff Open

See a full list of all our  literature and languages academic staff .

Support and facilities Open

Research support.

In addition to a number of excellent training opportunities offered by the University, our PhD students can take additional subject-specific training and take part in the School’s research seminars and events. These provide a valuable opportunity to meet visiting scholars whose work connects with our own research strengths across literature, theory, and creative writing.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College , which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

You’ll be allocated shared office space within the School of Literature and Languages and have full access to our library and online resources. Our close proximity to London also means that the British Library and many other important archives are within easy reach.

Hear from our students Open

Edwin Gilson

Student - English Literature PhD

"A real highlight for me was having an article published in a well-known journal in my field. This came out of a chapter I wasn’t expecting to write at the start of the thesis, on a novel I read during the PhD."

Entry requirements Open

Applicants are expected to hold a good first-class UK degree (a minimum 2:1 or equivalent) and an MA in a relevant topic.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic:  7.0 or above with a minimum of 6.5 in each component (or equivalent).

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept. 

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses , designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants:

• Meeting the expected entry requirements
• Being shortlisted through the application screening process
• Completing a successful interview
• Providing suitable references.

Fees and funding Open

Fees per year.

Explore  UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the  list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.

• Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
• Any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Application process

Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our  application guidance .

After registration

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Apply online

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Select your course

Choose the course option you wish to apply for.

Create an account and sign into our application portal.

English Literature PhD

Full-time, January 2025

Part-time, January 2025

Full-time, April 2025

Part-time, April 2025

About the University of Surrey

Accommodation

We have a range of housing to suit all requirements and budgets. There are more than 6,000 rooms available (en-suite, single-sex, studio flat, shared or single).

Student life

At Surrey we offer a friendly university campus set in beautiful countryside, with the convenience and social life of bustling Guildford on your doorstep.

Need more information?

Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.

Code of practice for research degrees

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF) .

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures , student regulations , and terms and conditions .

We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:

• First when we make an offer.
• Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).

View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.

It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer .