| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-27 | 2023-09-01 |
| 2024-01-18 | 2023-11-24 |
| 2024-04-10 | - |
Program Overview
The highest academic degrees are the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) and the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) also known as the DPhil. The Department of English and Digital Media welcomes applicants at this level.
This is an opportunity to work closely on a writer or topic within a supportive research environment. Alongside frequent meetings with both a first and second supervisor, PhD students are also invited to attend seminars led by staff and guest speakers, as well as a postgraduate reading group, in order gradually to develop the insights needed to complete their research.
The period of study required for the award of a PhD is three years full-time or six years part-time. Students are registered initially for the degree of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), although their status is probationary until the first Annual Review has taken place, normally between 12 and 18 months from first registration. At the end of this period, the candidate submits a thesis (80,000-100,000 words) embodying the results of the research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the opinions of others. It must also embody an original contribution to the knowledge of the discipline either by the discovery of new knowledge or by the exercise of a new and independent critical approach.
The Department particularly welcomes research proposals related to its specialisms: Charles Dickens, his novels and journalism; the 19th-century novel; 19th-century poetry; Shakespeare; Modernism and early 20th-century literature; 20th-century poetry; the short story; contemporary writing; women’s writing.
Recent projects include:
Program Outline
Teaching & Assessment
Quality supervision
The aim of the Research Programme is to help students develop the following: a) a systematic and in depth understanding in the subject area of choice of research by the student; b) the critical skills necessary to analyse and evaluate complex legal problems and related issues; c) To give students the opportunity to undertake substantial independent research project at Level 7 of writing; d) research skills necessary to demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities; e) To develop research skills necessary to display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the opinions of other authors in the subject.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research
. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.Supervisory methods
Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner. In addition to this:
- All postgraduate research students Students must attend supervisory meetings
- All postgraduate research students Students must attend any other training required to assist with the completion of the PhD.