PhD in English with Creative Writing

Program Overview

This PhD program combines critical research with original creative writing, offering students the opportunity to explore literature through a practice-based approach. Guided by world-renowned experts, students develop a substantial research project and an original creative piece, benefiting from unique resources and a supportive research community. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, publishing, and various writing and editing roles.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Develop a substantial research project alongside an original piece of creative writing.
• Explore literature across all periods and genres through a practice-based research approach.

Program Description:

• This PhD program encourages students to combine a critical research component with an original creative writing piece (prose, poetry, or other forms).
• Students benefit from the support of world-leading experts with diverse global and historical specialisms.
• The program offers access to unique resources such as the letterpress printing studio and the Writer in Residence program.
• Students work with a supervisor to complete a research component of 30-40,000 words and a creative component of appropriate length.
• A typical semester involves independent research, supervisor meetings, and potential research trips (archives, international locations).
• The program provides opportunities to attend research training sessions, archival and research skills workshops, and seminars organized by research schools and the distinguished Writers at York series.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Critical research component: Involves in-depth analysis and exploration of a chosen literary topic.
• Creative writing component: Allows students to develop and refine their original work in prose, poetry, or other forms.

Structure:

• 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time.
• Distance learning option available.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Written thesis: Comprises the critical research component (30-40,000 words) and the creative writing component.
• Ongoing supervisor meetings: Provide feedback and guidance throughout the research and writing process.
• Research training sessions: Offer opportunities to develop research and writing skills.

Assessment Criteria:

• Depth and originality of research.
• Quality and clarity of writing.
• Effective use of evidence and critical analysis.
• Adherence to academic standards and formatting guidelines.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Individual supervision: Provides personalized guidance and support.
• Research training sessions: Cover various research skills and techniques.
• Seminars and workshops: Offer opportunities to engage with other researchers and writers.
• Writer in Residence program: Provides access to renowned writers and their insights.

Faculty:

• World-leading experts with diverse specializations in literature and creative writing.
• Dedicated research supervisors with extensive experience in guiding PhD students.

Unique Approaches:

• Practice-based research: Blends critical analysis with creative writing.
• Access to unique resources: Letterpress printing studio, Writer in Residence program.
• Distinguished Writers at York series: Offers interaction with renowned authors.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Academic positions in literature, creative writing, or related fields.
• Research careers in various industries, including publishing, education, and cultural organizations.
• Writing and editing positions in various media, such as newspapers, magazines, and online platforms.

Career Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a wide range of careers by developing their research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Other:

• The program offers a vibrant research community with opportunities to collaborate with other scholars and writers.
• Students can benefit from the University's excellent library resources and state-of-the-art facilities.