PhD English at University of California, Riverside

Programme overview

The PhD in English focuses on English and American literature and cultures, with interdisciplinary work spanning Black studies, feminist and queer studies, postcolonial studies, oral traditions, visual culture, performance and soundscapes.

Faculty: College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences | Department: Department of English | Duration: 18 quarters (6 years) standard; five years of financial support | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Riverside, CA, United States

What you will study

Students entering with a BA take 13 seminars and those with an MA take 9, beginning with English 200, plus a 410-series professionalisation seminar. Requirements include proficiency in one language other than English, two qualifying exams (portfolio and oral) and a dissertation of about four chapters with a public defense. Designated emphases include Speculative Fictions and Cultures of Science, Southeast Asian Studies, and Archive, Museum, Manuscript and Print Studies.

Career pathways

The department prepares students for the academic job market in the final year; students typically gain teaching experience through the University Writing Program.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE is not required or evaluated. The GPA of the last two years of undergraduate coursework is the one considered; statement of purpose, personal history, writing sample and recommendation letters. Graduate Division (university-wide): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or recognized international equivalent; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher standard); transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation; English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 7 with no component below 6) unless the prior degree was taught in English; GRE/GMAT only where the program requires it (many no longer do). Source: graduate.ucr.edu/admission-requirements.

UC Riverside operates a quarter system. Summer begins mid-June, Fall late September, Winter early January and Spring late March/early April. Most graduate programmes admit and begin in the Fall quarter only.

New domestic applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter November 1, Spring February 1, Summer May 1. New international applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter September 1, Spring December 1, Summer March 1. Some programmes set earlier priority or fellowship deadlines.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/

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