124 PhD programmes in Literature in Europe

From Medieval and Renaissance writing to the 18th century to the present, from the novel to poetry to modernism, postmodernism and the contemporary scene – English at the University of Sussex is strongly committed to the interdisciplinary study of literature.

Undertaking doctoral English Studies research at University of London allows you to develop in-depth knowledge, while making a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.

The Doctoral Programme in Literary Studies at Tampere University educates professionals in the analysis of literature, society and culture who are able to carry out independent scientific research. 

The English Literature programme offered by Bogazici University develops advanced expertise in literary analysis and critical scholarship across historical periods and theoretical approaches.

Beyond their individual projects, our students are fully engaged in the rich intellectual life of our subject area and the School of Critical Studies, organizing reading groups and conferences, participating in colloquia, and, from the second year of study, contributing to undergraduate teaching. We offer a English Literature degree at the University of Glasgow.

Comparative Literature at University of Glasgow is an exciting interdisciplinary, intercultural, and inter-medial discipline housed in our School of Modern Languages and Cultures with expertise in ten modern languages and cultures.

The Postcolonial and Global Literatures research group at The Open University UK has contributed to major externally-funded projects, including: Making Britain: South Asian Visions of Home and Abroad, 1870–1950, and City Fictions of the New India: Literature, Infrastructure, Citizenship.

The Literary Studies programme at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn equips graduates with solid expertise within the scope of humanistic and social sciences; it also provides them with thorough specialist knowledge within literary studies.

The Comparative Literature programme at University of Kent offers an excellent environment for the postgraduate study of literature beyond national and linguistic borders.

 This World and Comparative Literature PhD programme from The University of Exeter seeks to cross the borders and bridge the distances between languages, literatures and cultures.

The English Literature programme offered by Swansea University enables doctoral researchers to undertake a substantial independent research project which should be of a publishable standard. It offers supervision in most areas of literature from the middle ages to the present and supports original work across a wide range of literary fields.

The Language, Literature and Politics (LLP) research group at The Open University UK is a cross-faculty collective bringing together researchers from the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of Languages and Applied Linguistics.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of language and literature with the University of Udine's doctoral program in Linguistics and Literature.

Embark on a scholarly journey at SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities with the Culture, Religion Studies, and Literary Studies doctoral programs.

As a PhD researcher in English Studies at the University of Stirling, you’ll become a key part of our research environment. We also offer the opportunity to pursue a practice-led PhD in Creative Writing, with specialist supervision from the writers on our staff.

A University of Hertfordshire research degree in English Literature is an internationally recognised degree signifying high levels of achievement in research.

On our MA by Research or PhD in English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing at The University of Lancashire you'll research your chosen topic in depth, guided by an experienced team of expert supervisors.

The English department at Uppsala University conducts research in the English language and its literatures, North American studies and Celtic languages.

The Catalan Language and Literature and Theatre Studies programme offered by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona develops advanced research expertise in Catalan linguistics, literary studies, and performing arts.

Romance Languages at Uppsala University researches French, Spanish, Italian and comparative Romance linguistics, as well as French, Spanish and Italian literary studies.