Overview

This English PhD programme from the Queen's University Belfast offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research, creative writing and critical thought. It allows students to explore an area of interest and to make an original contribution to the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student’s written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.

There is no specific course content as such. You will be able to take training courses in research skills and professional development organized by the School and the Graduate School. You will also have the opportunity to hear global subject experts at the English research seminar and to present your own work at this seminar series. You will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’ which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree.

Key Facts

Research students of the English programme at Queen's University Belfast are encouraged to play a full and active role in the professional and research activities of the School. These include:

Regular research seminars and conferences within the School of Arts, English & Languages.

Access to the School’s Professionalising the PhD Progamme and Peer Mentoring Scheme.

Access to Queen’s University Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

A number of major research projects (including Doctoral and Postdoctoral posts in Language and Linguistics, Medieval Studies, Modern Literary Studies and Renaissance Literature) have been funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Poetry and Irish writing remain at the core of the School's research expertise.

The School is home to the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry and the Centre for the Americas. A number of staff participate in the Centre for Eighteenth-Century Studies and the Institute of Irish Studies, and are fellows of the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute For Global Peace, Security And Justice.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-16 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

If you want to apply for postgraduate funding, you should check the School/Institute webpage for information on the deadlines.

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Language Studies Literature View 92 other PhDs in Literature in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Other requirements

General requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. While a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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.

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Starting 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 Queen's University Belfast and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

20500 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 20500 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Belfast

561 - 887 GBP /month

Living costs

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 English.

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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