PhD Literature at University of Essex

Programme overview

The PhD Literature offers supervision in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies across early modern to contemporary writing in English and other languages. Research strengths include Romanticism, postcolonial literature, US and Caribbean literature, eco-criticism, travel writing, science fiction and literature and human rights.

Department: School of Language, Literature, and Media | Duration: 3-4 years | Intake: January 2027 | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The PhD is a research degree built around a thesis. Students are encouraged to plan work so that the thesis can be submitted for examination by the end of three years.

Career pathways

Graduates have become writers, scholars, university lecturers, teachers, publishers and editors, journalists, arts administrators, theatre artistic directors, drama advisers and translators.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: a good Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject; some applicants may be accepted on the basis of an outstanding honours degree. A well-developed research proposal is essential. Applicants will normally be required to attend an interview, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department. International applicants: IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year. Home/UK tuition per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,625 a year. Tuition per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Source

Intake: January 2027

Duration: 3-4 years

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