PhD Comparative Literature at University of Kent

Programme overview

A supervised research PhD of up to 100,000 words making an original contribution to knowledge in comparative literature. The programme studies literature across national canons, languages, periods and media, and runs at the Canterbury campus.

Faculty: Division of Arts and Humanities | Department: Department of Comparative Literature | Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time | Intake: September, January, April | Study mode: full-time or part-time (Canterbury) | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research with a supervisor, plus research methods, teaching and professional development training. Supervision strengths include fascism and war in contemporary literature, the Holocaust and other genocides, post-Brexit fiction, life-writing, literature and sustainability, the medical humanities, and madness, mental health and neurodiversity.

Career pathways

Graduates go on to careers in the media, academia and cultural institutions including libraries, museums and galleries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first or upper-second class (2:1 or above) BA honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, a distinction or merit in an MA or equivalent in a relevant subject, and the appropriate language skills; competence in the relevant languages must be demonstrated. International applicants: this course requires a Good level of English (CEFR B2), for example IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component or PTE Academic 63 with at least 59 in each sub-test; a degree from a UK university or a majority English-speaking country is also accepted.

International applicants: GBP 21,950 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual tuition fee from the 2027/28 fee table Source

Intake: September, January, April

Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities