University of Warwick

What you'll study

The PhD Literary Practice is a practice-based doctorate that normally combines two linked components: a sustained creative portfolio and a critical commentary (exegesis) that situates the creative work within relevant scholarly, theoretical and historical frameworks. Creative portfolios can take a range of forms — for example a novel or novella, a linked short-story sequence, a poetry collection, dramatic scripts, or mixed-genre and interdisciplinary projects — and candidates are encouraged to negotiate the precise form of the practice element with supervisors.

Alongside the main submission, doctoral study includes advanced training in research methods, critical theory, and creative craft. Candidates participate in research seminars, writing workshops, and postgraduate training programmes that cover topics such as archival research, practice-as-research methodologies, genre and form, revision strategies, and publication pathways. Regular supervisory meetings, peer-led reading groups, and opportunities to present work-in-progress form part of the support structure.

Progression typically involves probationary review and confirmation of status, annual monitoring, and a viva voce examination of both creative and critical components. Candidates may also take optional taught modules or short courses in areas such as literary theory, publishing studies, digital humanities, or pedagogy, subject to departmental regulations and individual research plans.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants usually hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as an MA in Creative Writing, Literature, or a related discipline) with strong academic and/or creative achievement. Applicants should submit a detailed research proposal that outlines the creative project and the accompanying critical framework, plus samples of creative work and a sample of critical writing. The creative sample should demonstrate command of form, voice and craft; the critical sample should evidence engagement with scholarly debate.

Strong references are required, ideally including at least one academic referee familiar with the applicant's research potential and one who can comment on the applicant's creative work. Candidates whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview or to provide further material or a live reading/workshop sample.

Career prospects

Graduates of practice-led PhD programmes follow diverse careers in both academic and non-academic sectors. Typical pathways include teaching and research roles in higher education, lecturing in creative writing or literature, and postdoctoral research positions. The combination of creative and critical expertise also equips graduates for careers in publishing (editorial work, commissioning), arts administration and policy, literary journalism and criticism, freelance writing, script development, and public engagement roles.

Many alumni build portfolios of related activity: producing books, scripts or collections; securing fellowships and residencies; working in cultural organisations; and contributing to interdisciplinary research projects. The programme’s emphasis on professional presentation, dissemination and peer networking supports routes into entrepreneurial and collaborative creative practice.

Why study at University of Warwick

Warwick offers a vibrant environment for practice-led research through its established creative-writing community and links across the arts, humanities and cultural institutes. The Warwick Writing Programme and the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies provide experienced supervisors who are both active scholars and practising writers, enabling close mentorship tailored to individual projects.

Students benefit from an active schedule of readings, workshops, visiting writers and interdisciplinary research events, as well as access to the university’s library collections, archives and research training provision. The university also promotes opportunities for collaborative work across departments and with external partners, and provides career development and doctoral training to prepare researchers for both academic and creative-industry careers.

Prospective candidates looking for a research environment that supports ambitious creative projects alongside rigorous critical enquiry will find at Warwick a combination of scholarly expertise, practical craft-led attention, and institutional support for dissemination, publication and professional development.