English Literature PhD
University of Edinburgh
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

The University of Edinburgh

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

The University of Edinburgh

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

The University of Edinburgh

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

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English
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Course info

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in literature and related fields. As the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, based in one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, we are the ideal place for PhD study.Our interdisciplinary environment brings together specialists in all periods and genres of ...Read more

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in literature and related fields. As the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, based in one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, we are the ideal place for PhD study.

Our interdisciplinary environment brings together specialists in all periods and genres of literature and literary analysis. Given the breadth and depth of our expertise, we are able to support students wishing to develop research projects in any field of Anglophone literary studies.

We have particular strengths in each of the main periods of English and Scottish Literature – medieval, renaissance/early modern, enlightenment, romantic, Victorian, modernist, post-war, contemporary and 21st century. We also have concentrations of expertise in American studies, in literary and critical theory, the history of the book, gender and sexuality, and in global Anglophone literatures (including postcolonial studies).

Emergent research themes in the department include the digital humanities, the economic humanities, the environmental humanities and literature and medicine.

Working with colleagues elsewhere in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, and across the wider University, we are able to support PhD theses crossing boundaries between disciplines and/or languages.

Training and support

Between LLC, the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you’ll find a range of programmes and resources to help you develop your postgraduate skills, as well as having access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.

As part of our research community, you will be immersed in a world of knowledge exchange, with lots of opportunities to share ideas, learning and creative work. Activities range from talks by visiting speakers and work-in-progress seminars, to reading groups, conferences, workshops, performances, online journals and forums, many of which are led by PhD candidates. Highlights include student reading for the James Tait Black Prizes, Britain's oldest literary awards which typically involve reading submissions across fiction and biography and advising the judges on the shortlists.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
9th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
15th
What students say
K
Kate
31 Mar 22

N/A..Read more

O
Oriana
31 Mar 22

Excellent facilities and friendly..Read more

Entry requirements

A UK masters, or its international equivalent, with a mark of at least 65% in your English literature dissertation of at least 10,000 words.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£26,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£26,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest English Literature reviews

English Literature
English Literature
O
Oriana
31 Mar 22
French and English Literature MA (Hons)
Excellent facilities and friendly...
Read more
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Uni info

University of Edinburgh
Student Recruitment and Admissions 33 Buccleuch Place EDINBURGH EDINBURGH, CITY OF EH8 9JS United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.4 miles away
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