Overview
Why choose this course
We’re at the forefront of new knowledge in fields including literature, translation, language, linguistics, creative writing, and film studies.
Our research concentrates on a range of periods, themes and subjects, including medieval literature, Shakespeare and the Renaissance, romanticism, Victorian and 19th-century literature, modern and contemporary literature, creative writing, and film studies.
Our diverse mix of subject specialities mean that we are a vibrant and imaginative community with lots of opportunity for intellectual exchange.
What you will study
The PhD in English Literature at the University of Surrey 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 your first year, 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 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. Following submission of your completed thesis, a viva will be conducted by a panel of one or more external examiners as well as an internal examiner.
Get more details
Visit official programme websiteProgramme Structure
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 writing
- Literature and the Environment
- Medical humanities.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
- Part-time
- 96 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Language Studies Literature View 53 other Masters in Literature in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a good first degree (a minimum 2:1 or equivalent) and an MA in a relevant topic.
Tuition Fee
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International
16500 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 16500 GBP per year and a duration of 48 months. -
EU/EEA
4327 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 4327 GBP per year and a duration of 48 months.
Part time fees
- EU/EEA £2,163.50
- NON-EU/EEA £8,200
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.
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Check the official programme website for potential updates.