English

Entry requirements

2:1 (or international equivalent) and a masters degree at Merit level or above.

Applicants without a masters degree who can demonstrate equivalent expertise should contact the School of English on english-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk.

Months of entry

February, October

Course content

This course allows you to develop original research into literature and language, from the medieval period to the present day, guided by our expert staff.

Our friendly research community will encourage you to develop your skills and expand your thinking. You will also develop key transferable and research specific skills.

We offer a diverse range of expertise, spanning from the Old English period to contemporary writing. Recent student research has included 'Language and LGBT identity', 'Danelaw Boundaries: the place-name evidence in context', and 'The influence of William Blake on the mysticism of Irish modernist writers'.

A PhD in English is mainly made up of independent study, with supervision meetings spread throughout the year.

There are no taught credits attached to a PhD, although it is compulsory for full-time students to attend the Arts Faculty Researcher Skills training programme. Some PhD students also choose to audit masters modules taught by their supervisors where appropriate, though this is not compulsory, nor does it involve any formal assessment.