University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD in English is a research degree centred on an independent thesis that makes a distinct and original contribution to knowledge in literary studies, cultural studies or related fields. Candidates develop a focused research proposal in consultation with potential supervisors and then undertake sustained primary and secondary research under the guidance of a supervisory team.

Although the programme is research-led rather than taught, students normally take part in structured research training and professional development modules designed for doctoral researchers. Typical areas of supervisory expertise include medieval and early modern literature, nineteenth‑century studies, modern and contemporary literature, American literature, postcolonial and global literatures, critical theory, gender and sexuality studies, and digital humanities/textual scholarship.

• Development of an extended, original thesis on a chosen topic within English literature or closely related cultural fields
• Research methods and training in archival work, close reading, theoretical approaches, and digital research techniques where appropriate
• Ongoing seminars, online reading groups and virtual research communities to support scholarly exchange
• Annual progress reviews, confirmation of candidature, and preparation for the viva voce examination
• Opportunities for optional short visits to Nottingham for supervision, seminars, or access to physical collections (depending on circumstances)

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, normally a Master’s degree in English or a closely related discipline, with a good academic record. Exceptional candidates with a strong first degree and demonstrable research experience may also be considered. All applicants must submit a substantial research proposal, a writing sample (often a chapter-length piece or equivalent), and academic references.

Because this is an online research degree, applicants should demonstrate their ability to work independently and engage in virtual academic environments. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements or provide evidence of equivalent proficiency, and applicants are assessed on the overall strength and viability of their research proposal and fit with potential supervisors’ expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates of a PhD in English pursue a wide range of careers in both academic and non-academic sectors. The degree prepares students for university teaching and research roles, including postdoctoral positions and lectureships. Many alumni also move into careers where advanced research, writing and critical analysis are highly valued.

• Academic research and teaching at higher education institutions
• Publishing, editorial work and literary criticism
• Museum, archive and cultural heritage roles, including curatorial and conservation-related work
• Digital humanities, data curation and research services in cultural organisations
• Policy, communications, content strategy and consultancy roles that require high-level research and writing skills
• Education leadership, curriculum development and adult learning

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham’s School of English is a research-active environment with a wide range of specialist supervisors across historical periods and theoretical approaches. Even as a distance-research student you benefit from the School’s research clusters and interdisciplinary links, which foster collaboration across literature, history, cultural studies and digital scholarship.

Distance PhD candidates receive tailored supervision from experienced staff and access to the University’s online learning platforms, electronic journals and digitised collections. Nottingham also provides doctoral training in research methods and professional development, helping students build teaching experience, public engagement skills and digital competencies. Where appropriate, students can make short visits to campus to consult physical collections and meet supervisors in person, combining the flexibility of online study with the resources of a major research university.

Support services for postgraduate researchers include dedicated administrative guidance, skills workshops, and career development advice to help convert doctoral study into varied and rewarding career paths.