PhD at the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies at University of London

Programme overview

The PhD at the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies (ILCS), School of Advanced Study, University of London, provides doctoral supervision by leading academics in languages, cultures and societies, in collaboration with specialists at other institutions where appropriate. Students can join networks associated with the Centres for German and Austrian Exile Studies, Contemporary Women's Writing, Cultural Memory, Ernst Bloch and German Thought, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Austrian Literature and Culture.

Faculty: School of Advanced Study | Department: Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies | 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

The degree can be taken full-time over three years (maximum four) or part-time over six years (maximum eight), culminating in a thesis supervised by specialists.

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 Languages, Cultures and Societies Source

International applicants: GBP 17,430 a year (2026/27). MPhil/PhD full-time, Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies Source

Intake: January 2027; September 2027

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

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