Doctor of Philosophy in Literature, Culture and Thought at University of Cambridge

The PhD in Literature, Culture and Thought supports interdisciplinary projects that by virtue of their design clearly transcend or stand outside any one Section in the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics. Existing alongside PhD pathways in French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Slavonic Studies, and Spanish and Portuguese, this doctoral degree offers an opportunity for students to pursue research projects that at their core traverse conventional disciplinary or linguistic boundaries, but to do so inside the rigorous and supportive environment of MMLL.

Faculty: School of Arts and Humanities  |  Department: Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics  |  Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: January 2027, October 2027, January 2028  |  Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The degree will prepare them to engage primary texts and secondary scholarship with critical dexterity, to synthesise research, and to expand the research horizons of their defined specialist area. For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Thesis to a PhD, the usual academic requirement is a Pass in the MPhil. Thesis / Dissertation The thesis typically has a limit of 80,000 words (including footnotes and appendices but excluding the bibliography).

Career pathways

Students with an interest in pursuing careers in higher education will also be offered teaching opportunities and relevant pedagogical training.

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