This PhD programme accommodates researchers with a background in literary studies, culture studies or linguistics, with knowledge of cultures and languages in addition to English, and with an interest in comparative and intercultural studies. Research projects within this programme can include comparative literature and cultural transfer, cross-linguistic comparison of discourses and language use as well as intercultural communication. It is underpinned by related research expertise of staff in and across English Literature, English Language and Applied Linguistics as well as in the Department of Languages and Cultures.

The Department of Languages and Cultures offers a friendly and supportive environment to research students. The collaboration between the programmes of French, German, Italian and Spanish and Latin American Studies within the Department, as well as with complementary departments within Reading, cognate departments in neighbouring universities, and foreign universities provides further opportunities for contact with other researchers.

As a postgraduate research student in the Department of Languages and Cultures at the University Reading, you will become part of a vibrant community. You will contribute to the Department's interdisciplinary research culture, and benefit from the mentoring provided by an integrated and supportive research community.

Our PhD students go on to work in academia as postdoctoral researchers and lecturers, but also quickly find employment in a variety of sectors such as publishing and the media; library-related services; advertising; and secondary school education.