Overview

This English programme offered by Aberystwyth University provides an intensive research environment for the study of literature across historical periods, genres, movements, and cultural traditions. Students work with internationally recognized scholars and researchers while pursuing original investigations that contribute new knowledge to literary studies. The programme supports research ranging from medieval texts to contemporary writing and encourages engagement with diverse critical approaches, cultural contexts, and theoretical perspectives.

Key Facts

Candidates benefit from close academic supervision, vibrant research centres, extensive library resources, and access to the National Library of Wales, one of the UK's major copyright libraries. Through the completion of an original doctoral thesis, students develop advanced research, analytical, and scholarly communication skills while establishing expertise in a chosen area of literary study. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, publishing, education, cultural institutions, research organizations, and other professions requiring advanced critical and communication abilities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Contemporary Poetry
Crime Fiction
Life Writing
Horror
Nature Writing
Black Diaspora Literature
Postcolonial Fiction
Women's Writing
Children's Literature
Literary Geography and Ecocriticism

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-18 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-09-27 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2028-01-10 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Applicants are encouraged to apply for postgraduate study as early as possible.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

105

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

75

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

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Credits

45 alternative credits

Students are expected to complete a minimum of 45 credits of institutionally-provided research training within the first two years.

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Aberystwyth, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Language Studies Literature View 143 other PhDs in Language Studies in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

105

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

75

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

Entry Requirements: 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area and Merit performance at Masters level (either complete or in process). Consideration will be given to applicants who can demonstrate a significant body of relevant professional experience in lieu of academic qualifications.
English Language Requirements: IELTS 7.5 with minimum 7.5 in each component
Other Requirements: Submission of a satisfactory portfolio of existing critical writing.
Please note that the above requirements are a minimum for entry, and successful applicants are likely to be able to demonstrate consistent academic performance at the higher levels (i.e. at least high 2.1 / high Merit). Marks transcripts must be provided at the point of application.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20270 GBP / year

≈ 20270 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5238 GBP / year

≈ 5238 GBP / year

Living costs

Aberystwyth

United Kingdom

700 - 1300 GBP / month

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.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Aberystwyth

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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