PhD Comparative Literature at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

Postgraduate research in Comparative Literature within the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, with a focus on European and European-influenced literatures and close links to Translation Studies, English and Scottish Literature, Classics, History, Art History and Philosophy.

Faculty: College of Arts & Humanities | Department: School of Modern Languages and Cultures (Comparative Literature) | Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Thesis of 70,000-100,000 words. Research areas include gender, emotions, visual cultures, literatures of migration and exile, nationalism and transnationalism, psychoanalysis and literature, and literature and philosophy, critical theory and censorship. Linguistic strengths include Eastern, Central and Western European languages, Latin American languages and Mandarin.

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Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a 2.1 honours degree; candidates will also usually be expected to have completed or be undertaking a Master's qualification. Required documents: academic transcripts and degree certificate, CV, research proposal, two references and named supervisor information. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no component below 6.5 (equivalent tests such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Duolingo are also accepted at published minimums).

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time annual research fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK fee is yet to be confirmed. Part-time is half the full-time fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 28,275 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual fee; part-time is half the full-time fee. Bench fees (research support costs) may be charged separately and are not included. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time

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