Overview
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 Comparative Literature.
As the first UNESCO World City of Literature, and a major cultural hub, Edinburgh is the ideal place to study literary works of different linguistic and cultural systems, and to explore the relationship between literature and the other arts. In the course of your research, you will look comparatively at one or more literary themes, genres or historical periods.
Literature has been taught here for over 250 years and we offer one of the widest variety of languages of any UK university, particularly within European Languages and Cultures which comprises:
- French and Francophone Studies
- German
- Italian
- Russian Studies
- Scandinavian Studies (Danish, Norwegian and Swedish)
- Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies (Hispanic Studies)
Join our community and undertake a specialised research project under the guidance of experienced and well-published supervisors. We have particular strengths in:
- European and world literature
- Intermediality
Working with colleagues elsewhere in LLC, and across the wider University of Edinburgh, we are able to support PhD theses crossing boundaries between languages and/or disciplines, including film and theatre studies.
Over the course of the Comparative Literature programme at The University of Edinburgh, you will 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.
Facilities
A UNESCO World City of Literature, Edinburgh contains exceptional resources for study and research in Comparative Literature.
Based in the Main University Library, the Centre for Research Collections is unique in the UK, bringing together a collection of more than 400,000 rare books, six kilometres of archives and manuscripts, and the University’s collections of art, historical musical instruments and other objects. Many of its Special Collections are digitised and available online.
Several important collections are a short walk from our buildings, including those in the National Museum, Galleries and Library of Scotland, which is particularly strong in French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish material.
Nearby theatres, museums, galleries and cinemas include the Traverse Theatre, Stills Gallery (Scotland’s Centre for Photography), Scottish Storytelling Centre, and Filmhouse.
Programme Structure
- This programme includes optional training on research skills, methods and problems.
- Between the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you will find a further 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.
- Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff, who are published experts in their field.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
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Delivered
Disciplines
Literature View 105 other PhDs in Literature in United KingdomAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
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Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
Get your student insurance nowStarting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.
Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The University of Edinburgh and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Other requirements
General requirements
A UK masters degree, or its international equivalent, in a related subject.
- If you intend to undertake aspects of the programme in any languages other than English, you should be competent in those languages.
- We may also consider your application if you have equivalent qualifications or experience; please check with your potential supervisor before you apply.
Tuition Fee
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International
26300 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 26300 GBP per year during 36 months.
Living costs for Edinburgh
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Comparative Literature.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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