PhD English Literature at University of Brighton

Programme overview

A research PhD in English literature supervised by a team of two or three academics, covering fields from Early Modern literature to contemporary writing. Doctoral researchers are based in the School of Humanities and Social Science and can work on interdisciplinary projects with cognate disciplines.

Faculty: School of Humanities and Social Science | Department: Literature | Intake: Rolling intake; October start common | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research leading to a thesis, supported by the Brighton Doctoral College training programme in research methods, conference delivery, writing for publication and job applications. Strengths include Early Modern, twentieth-century and contemporary literature, women's writing and feminist theory, and postcolonial literature.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Brighton PhD (all disciplines): a recognised Masters degree with a significant research component or an equivalent relevant qualification; or substantial relevant postgraduate-level research or professional experience resulting in published work or written reports, normally with independent academic references; or, unless a school specifies stricter requirements, a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants submit a research proposal, personal statement, two references (one academic, written within the last 12 months), and degree certificates and transcripts, and may be invited to an online admissions interview. Applicants are strongly advised to approach a potential supervisor before applying. International applicants (Humanities and Social Science): IELTS 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing and no component below 6.5, or equivalent; tests must be less than two years old at course start.

Requirements published at program group level.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). MPhil/PhD standard full-time annual tuition fee (part-time £2,619 a year); bench fees/consumables may be charged in some subject areas. Source

International applicants: GBP 16,980 a year (2026/27). MPhil/PhD standard full-time annual tuition fee (international including EU); £15,500 for international students registered in the School of Humanities and Social Science or the School of Business and Law. Source

Intake: Rolling intake; October start common

Apply through the official page: https://evsipr.brighton.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?

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