English and Comparative Literary Studies PhD

The University of Warwick

With 91% of our research outputs ranked as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework and in the top 10 departments in the UK for research environment, Warwick's English and Comparative Literary Studies Department hosts an innovative MPhil/PhD. We offer a wide range of research areas to choose from. Harness your intellectual ambitions, and study amongst a globally renowned network of experts on the MPhil/PhD in English and Comparative Literary Studies.

Course overview

A PhD serves as a gateway for many opportunities: as preliminary training for an academic career; as an advanced degree that may contribute to a future career in other sectors, such as the creative industries and management; or simply as an exciting and rewarding pursuit in its own right. The degree culminates in a final dissertation of approximately 80,000 words that makes an original contribution to knowledge.

Studying at Warwick means joining a supportive and world-leading network of experts across a broad spectrum of literary, cultural, and theoretical topics.

Our warm and vibrant research community is one of the largest in the UK, with around 80 postgraduates every year. We have an active set of research groups ranging from Feminist Dissent to Critical Environmental Studies. We offer a full calendar of seminars, symposiums and conferences and training in research methods and professionalisation . We also offer funding for postgraduate study and career development support during your time here.

You will study alongside ambitious scholars and researchers at the forefront of their fields. We want you to harness your intellectual ambitions and interests and to bring your own distinct personal experiences and circumstances to bear on your work.

Teaching and learning

As a research student, your closest contact will be with your supervisor, or co-supervisors, who will meet with you regularly to discuss your work. The supervisory relationship is at the heart of your research. Your supervisor(s) are experts in their field, who will guide you throughout your degree and will agree upon a programme of reading, research and writing with you.

You will also be able to seek advice from our Director of Graduate Studies, who oversees our research students; and participate in sessions organised by our PG Professionalisation Officer, who organises seminars on employment in both the academic and non-academic sectors. With your peers, you will have the chance to participate in seminars, conferences, reading groups, and symposia; and you will be encouraged to apply for internal funding to support research trips and participation in academic events outside of the University.

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply.