English Literature and Language MPhil/PhD

Program Overview

---

English Literature and Language MPhil/PhD

Overview

We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in English Literature and Language.

Research at Worcester has grown significantly in recent years. We aim to produce research that is distinctive, socially and culturally relevant, and that influences national agendas. We continually strive to develop new areas of research excellence while, in certain areas, our work has already been acknowledged as world-leading.

Entry Requirements

For MPhil

• First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or an approved equivalent award
• Research or professional experience which has resulted in appropriate evidence of achievement

For PhD

• Postgraduate Masters Degree in a discipline which is appropriate to the proposed programme of study
• First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent award in an appropriate discipline
• Research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of achievement

International Applicants

International applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have the appropriate level of written and spoken English.

For MPhil/PhD this is an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in every component.

Programme Structure

PhD Year by Year

After receiving your application, we try to establish if we have the necessary expertise to supervise your project and we begin to form a supervisory team for you. This will normally consist of a Director of Studies (DoS), who will be your lead supervisor, and at least one other supervisor, who will offer you additional support and guidance throughout your studies. If, following a successful interview, you are offered a place as a full-time student, your programme of study will look something like this:

First Year

You will have submitted a draft research outline with your application. In your first year, you will be working towards submitting a more complete research proposal. You will be aided in your research by meeting with your supervisory team to discuss your progress. You will also be supported through your first year by engaging with a series of three modules as part of our Researcher Development Programme:

• RSDP4001: Developing as a Researcher
• RSDP4005: Approaches to Research
• RSDP4004: Planning Your Research Project

At the end of each year, beginning with your first year, you will reflect on and formally review your progress with your supervisory team and MPhil/PhD Course Leader. We call this annual meeting an Annual Progress Review (APR).

Second Year

In your second year, you will be collecting data and working on your research project under the supervision of your supervisors through regular meetings. You may at this point have research papers ready to publish and you may wish to attend conferences to present your research to other experts in your field. You will be able to apply to our Research Student Support Scheme for some funding for this purpose. Students normally undergo Transfer from MPhil to PhD towards the end of their second year. This will be part of your Annual Progress Review for this year.

Third and Fourth Year

In your third and fourth year, you will be writing up your thesis and preparing for your viva voce examination. This is an oral exam with two examiners and a chair. You can also request that your supervisor be present at the exam. The exam will take place after you have submitted your final thesis. After the exam, it is not unusual for the examiners to ask that some amendments be made to your thesis before the final award is confirmed and you will have additional time to do this. It is possible to complete the course in three years, but we have found that the majority of students do take four years to complete the course. At the end of each year of your registration, you will go through an Annual Progress Review.

Resources

With study space and IT provision in the Research Office, and access to the University of Worcester’s virtual resources and state-of-the-art library facilities, the English Literature and Language team at Worcester have an excellent range of resources to support your learning and research project.

Programme Specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document for the MPhil or PhD.

Research Areas

Supervisors

• Dr Lucy Arnold: modern and contemporary fiction; the novels of Hilary Mantel; ghosts and haunting; psychoanalysis and criticism
• Dr Charlotte Barnes: Shakespeare performed, edited, filmed, recycled, translated; European Shakespeare; Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama; adaptation theory and practice; Shakespeare and visual culture
• Dr Jack McGowan: Creative Writing, especially spoken word poetry; voice, affect, and textuality
• Dr Ruth Stacey: Creative Writing, specifically prose poetry, docupoetics, symbolist poetics, memoir, historical fiction and fantasy fiction
• Dr Sharon Young: Renaissance, Restoration and eighteenth-century literature, especially women's poetry; topographical poetry; critical theory

Careers

All students engage with our Researcher Development Programme (RDP). The RDP aims to develop and enhance the skills, both generic and specific, that you will need to complete your research degree but also to become an effective researcher. The RDP is organised around thematic clusters, consisting of modules, and workshops, delivered face-to-face by subject specialists from across the University and the dedicated Researcher Development Team, or online through our virtual learning environment.

As part of the RDP, you will complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods (PG Cert). All students must complete the PG Cert in order to progress on their MPhil/PhD Programme. The PG Cert is strongly focused on developing your programme of research, starting from establishing your development needs, and preparing you for the planning and subsequent delivery of your programme of research.

Full-time students will complete the PG Cert in 12 months and part-time students in 24 months.

Fees

The current fees can be found within the tuition fees document on our figure out finances page.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience. Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study. We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Halls' at £131 per week to 'Ensuite Premium Halls' at £228 per week (2025/26 prices). For full details visit our accommodation page.

Program Outline

MPhil/PhD English Literature and Language: Detailed Extraction

---

Degree Overview:

---

Overview:

• The University of Worcester welcomes applications for the MPhil/PhD in English Literature and Language.
• The program focuses on research that is distinctive, relevant, and influential.
• The program aims to develop new areas of research expertise and build upon existing strengths.
• The program has areas of research recognized as world-leading.

---

Objectives:

• To support students in developing their research skills and knowledge.
• To guide students in producing high-quality research in English Literature and Language.
• To contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

---

Program Description:

• Students will focus on a specific research project under the supervision of experienced academics.
• The program offers a supportive environment for research with access to University resources and facilities.
• Students will engage with a series of modules as part of the Researcher Development Programme to enhance their research skills.

---

Teaching:

• Students will be supervised by experienced academics with expertise in various areas of English Literature and Language.
• Students will receive regular feedback and guidance throughout their research journey.
• The program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can share their ideas and receive constructive feedback.

---

Careers:

• Graduates of the program have pursued careers in academia, research, education, publishing, and other sectors.
• The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a variety of professional settings.

---

Other:

• The program offers a flexible structure that allows students to complete their research at their own pace.
• The program is open to students from all backgrounds and nationalities.
• The University of Worcester is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

---

Additional Information:

• The program is available for full-time and part-time study.
• Part-time students typically complete the program in five to six years.
• The program fees can be found on the University's website.
• The application deadline for the program is January for a September start and September for a January start.

---

Additional Notes:

• The context provided does not contain information about the program outline, assessment methods, or individual modules.
• The information on careers and other aspects of the program is limited.
• It is recommended to visit the University of Worcester website for more comprehensive information about the program.