PhD at the Institute of English Studies at University of London

Programme overview

The PhD at the Institute of English Studies (IES), School of Advanced Study, University of London, supports doctoral research in English studies, including book history, manuscript and print studies and textual scholarship. The IES offered the world's first degree in Book History, and students have access to its collections integrated within Senate House Library and to SAS-Space, the School's online repository for humanities research.

Faculty: School of Advanced Study | Department: Institute of English Studies | Duration: 3-4 years (full-time); 5-6 years (part-time) | Intake: January 2027; September 2027 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research over three to four years full-time or five to six years part-time, supervised by specialists, with entry in January or September.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

School of Advanced Study research degrees (MPhil/PhD): applicants are normally required to hold a master's degree; candidates without the formal academic requirements may be considered on the basis of alternative qualifications and/or relevant experience. A research proposal is required before an offer, and applicants are advised to discuss their proposal with a member of academic staff first. Candidates are registered for the MPhil in the first instance and upgraded to the PhD after satisfactory progress. English language for applicants whose first language is not English (or who are not nationals of a majority English-speaking country as defined by the UK Home Office): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component, or Trinity College London ISE III at CEFR C1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening; IELTS results must be no more than two years old at enrolment and Trinity results no more than four years old. Applicants who completed a bachelor's or master's degree in a majority English-speaking country (except Canada) need no further evidence. Application deadlines: 31 October 2026 for the January 2027 start; 31 July 2027 for the September 2027 start.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,506 a year (2026/27). MPhil/PhD full-time, Institute of English Studies Source

International applicants: GBP 17,430 a year (2026/27). MPhil/PhD full-time, Institute of English Studies Source

Intake: January 2027; September 2027

Duration: 3-4 years (full-time); 5-6 years (part-time)

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