Brandeis University

What you'll study

The PhD programme centres on sustained, original research in areas across the Anglophone literary world and comparative traditions. Core work combines coursework, seminars, and independent study with a major emphasis on the dissertation as the programme's culminating research project.

• Coursework and seminars: advanced seminars in literary history, critical theory, genre studies (poetry, drama, fiction), and specialised topics such as modernism, postcolonial literature, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality studies, Victorian studies, and early modern literature.
• Methodology and theory: training in contemporary theoretical approaches (critical theory, queer theory, racial formation theory, ecocriticism, digital humanities methods) and archival research methods where relevant.
• Teaching practicum: supervised teaching experience, including leading discussion sections and, at later stages, designing and teaching undergraduate courses, supported by pedagogical mentoring and professional development workshops.
• Qualifying examinations: language competence where required by research needs, written and/or oral qualifying exams to demonstrate mastery of fields of study and readiness to proceed to dissertation research.
• Dissertation: an original scholarly monograph or equivalent project that makes a substantial contribution to literary studies, developed with the guidance of a primary adviser and a dissertation committee.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: electives and cross-registration possibilities with related programmes (e.g. Jewish Studies, History, Film and Media, American Studies, or the Heller School) to support interdisciplinary research trajectories.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant graduate degree (MA or equivalent) or a strong bachelor's degree with substantial coursework in literature and critical theory. Admissions committees look for demonstrated scholarly potential, clarity of research interests, and preparation for advanced study.

• Academic record: evidence of strong academic performance in prior university study, with coursework in English or related humanities fields.
• Writing sample: a substantive sample of scholarly writing (typically an essay or chapter-length paper) that showcases close reading, argumentation, and engagement with critical scholarship.
• Research statement: a clear statement of research interests and prospective dissertation questions or fields of inquiry.
• Letters of recommendation: several academic references that can attest to research potential and teaching ability.
• Language competence: proficiency in research languages as required by the candidate's proposed work; proof of English proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English.
• Standardised tests: policies on tests such as the GRE vary; applicants should consult the department for the current testing policy. International applicants should review language documentation requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme go on to a variety of careers that make use of advanced research, writing and teaching skills. The most common paths include tenure-track and visiting faculty positions at colleges and universities, as well as roles in research institutes.

• Academic careers: college and university teaching, postdoctoral research, and academic administration.
• Publishing and editorial work: book and journal publishing, editorial roles, and literary translation projects.
• Public humanities and cultural institutions: curatorial work, museum and library research positions, and programming in arts organisations.
• Digital humanities and information professions: project management for digital scholarship, archival work, and roles combining technology and literary research.
• Writing and communication: grant writing, policy analysis, journalism, and roles in nonprofit or government sectors requiring strong analytical and communication abilities.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers a scholarly environment that emphasises interdisciplinary inquiry and intellectual rigour within a relatively small, faculty-driven department. Students benefit from close mentorship, frequent seminar-based instruction, and opportunities to pursue cross-departmental collaborations.

• Faculty strengths: a diverse faculty with expertise spanning historical periods, theoretical approaches, and global literatures, supporting a wide range of dissertation topics.
• Research resources: access to specialised collections and archives, including university library holdings and nearby research libraries in the Boston/Cambridge area.
• Professional development: structured support for teaching, grant applications, conference participation, and the transition to academic and non-academic careers.
• Collaborative culture: opportunities to work with centres and programmes across the university, fostering interdisciplinary projects and public-facing scholarship.
• Location: proximity to a rich network of colleges, cultural institutions and academic conferences in the Greater Boston region enhances research and career networking possibilities.