Program Overview

Introduction to the University of Reading's English Literature Program

The University of Reading's Department of English Literature offers a range of programs for students interested in pursuing a degree in English Literature. These programs include undergraduate degrees, master's degrees, and PhD opportunities.

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of English Literature offers undergraduate degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing.

• English Literature degrees provide students with a comprehensive understanding of English literature from the medieval period to the present day.
• Creative Writing degrees allow students to develop their writing skills in a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, and drama.

Master's Programs

The Department of English Literature also offers master's degrees in English Literature.

• These programs provide students with the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of English literature, such as medieval literature or modernism.
• Students can also pursue a master's degree in Creative Writing, which allows them to develop their writing skills in a variety of genres.

PhD Opportunities

The Department of English Literature offers PhD opportunities for students who wish to pursue a career in academia or research.

• PhD students can specialize in a particular area of English literature, such as Shakespearean studies or postcolonial literature.
• The department also offers PhD by Distance, which allows students to pursue their research from another location.

Modes of Study

The University of Reading offers flexible modes of study, including full-time and part-time options.

• Full-time PhD students can complete their degree in 3-4 years, while part-time students can complete their degree in 4-6 years.
• PhD by Distance students can complete their degree in 4-6 years, depending on their individual circumstances.

Facilities and Resources

The Department of English Literature has a range of facilities and resources available to students, including:

• The University of Reading Library, which has an extensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.
• The Graduate School, which provides support and training for postgraduate research students.
• Old Whiteknights House, a dedicated facility for doctoral researchers that provides space for working and networking.

Training and Development

The University of Reading offers a range of training and development opportunities for PhD students, including:

• The Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP), which provides training sessions and workshops on research methods, writing academic papers, and career planning.
• The Academic English Programme (AEP), which provides support for international students to develop their academic English skills.
• The PhD Plus scheme, which provides additional support and training for international doctoral researchers who are lecturers in their home country.

Presenting and Networking

PhD students at the University of Reading have the opportunity to present their research and network with other researchers through:

• Research seminars and conferences
• Workshops and training sessions
• The annual Doctoral Research Conference

Dedicated Support Service

The Department of English Literature provides a dedicated support service for PhD students, including:

• Supervision from an experienced academic
• A monitoring committee to provide additional support and guidance
• Access to the Doctoral Research Office, which provides advice and support on registration, student status, and other matters.

Fees and Funding

The University of Reading offers a range of funding opportunities for PhD students, including:

• Tuition fees for new postgraduate research students
• Sources of funding, such as the South, West and Wales Consortium (SWW DTP)
• Anniversary PhD Scholarships
• University of Reading Regional PhD Bursaries

Overseas Students

Overseas students are responsible for finding suitable funding, but the University of Reading also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including:

• Overseas scholarships
• University International Research Studentships
• Alumni fee discounts

English Language Support

The University of Reading offers English language support for international students through the Academic English Programme (AEP), which provides a range of courses and individual tutorials to help students develop their academic English skills.

Life at Reading

The University of Reading offers a range of facilities and activities for students, including:

• A beautiful parkland campus
• A vibrant town centre with a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions
• A range of clubs and societies
• Accommodation options, including halls of residence and private housing.