Overview

We actively foster the creation of a lively graduate intellectual community and our students' professional development. A large number of our recent PhD graduates have successfully obtained permanent academic posts in leading universities in Britain, the United States and other countries.

Highlights

With more than 100 students undertaking research for PhDs in English and Humanities, Birkbeck has a large and thriving postgraduate community - the largest body of graduate students in English studies in the University of London.
Supervision is available in literature from Old Icelandic to contemporary writing, and we are also well regarded for our work on interdisciplinary research topics in cultural history and theory.
Birkbeck, University of London places great emphasis on ensuring that graduate supervision is thorough, professionally conducted and leads to the successful completion of a thesis.

Programme Structure

We welcome applications for research in all areas of English, cultural studies and related areas, including:

Old English
Old Norse
medieval literature and culture
the Renaissance and early modern periods
the Enlightenment
Romantic and Victorian studies
the modern and contemporary periods
literary and cultural theory
gender studies
theatre studies
poetics and creative writing (including practice-based research)

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 84 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-04-27 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2026-09-29 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

If you wish to apply for funding, you will need to apply by certain deadlines. Consult the websites of relevant bodies for details.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

94

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Language Studies Liberal Arts Literature View 82 other PhDs in Literature in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

94

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

A good honours degree and preferably an MA in literary, historical or other disciplines of cultural studies.
Prior to interview you will need to submit a research proposal of 2000 words.

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

15570 GBP / year

≈ 15570 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5006 GBP / year

≈ 5006 GBP / year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for English and Humanities.

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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