Humanities research degree MPhil/PhD at De Montfort University

Programme overview

Research degrees (MPhil/PhD) in the humanities at De Montfort University covering English language, literature and creative writing, and history. The School hosts the Centre for Textual Studies, the Centre for Adaptations and the International Centre for Sports History and Culture.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities | Department: School of Humanities | Duration: Full-time: 3 years normal registration, viva within 48 months; part-time: viva within 60 months | Location: Leicester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Candidates complete a Training Needs Analysis, register for the research degree, pass a Formal Review and annual reviews, then submit a thesis examined by viva voce. Research strengths include medieval to contemporary literature, adaptation studies, scholarly editing, migration history, South Asian and Indian Ocean history, and sports history.

Career pathways

Research students have gone on to postdoctoral and lectureship positions, including at Columbia University and the universities of Tuzla, Leeds, Bangor, Portsmouth and Bath, as well as DMU. The doctoral training programme offers advice on writing for publication, teaching, presenting and conference organisation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In order to be admitted as a candidate for a research degree an applicant shall normally: Possess a UK Honours degree with at least an upper second class honours, or an academic or professional qualification which the University deems to be equivalent (eg. an overseas qualification); and; Demonstrate competence in the use of the English language to the satisfaction of the University; For further details contact the DMU Doctoral College; Guidance; Applicants without the normal qualifications outlined above may be considered for registration by the University on their merits in relation to the nature of the proposed research programme and by submission of a non-standard qualifications request by the prospective supervisor; If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent before you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). PhD full-time; part-time GBP 2,619 per year Source

International applicants: GBP 16,000 a year (2026/27). PhD full-time for international students based in the UK; part-time GBP 8,000 per year Source

Duration: Full-time: 3 years normal registration, viva within 48 months; part-time: viva within 60 months

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