University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD is a supervised research degree focused on producing an original thesis that makes a substantive contribution to scholarship in English language, literature, literary history, cultural studies or allied areas. Candidates typically develop a detailed research proposal in consultation with potential supervisors and then pursue independent research under the guidance of a supervisory team.

Although the primary requirement is the thesis, doctoral training at Nottingham is supported by supplementary elements that strengthen research methods and professional skills. Typical components include:

• Regular meetings with a principal supervisor and a second supervisor or advisory panel.
• Research methods training covering archival research, critical theory, quantitative/qualitative methods where appropriate, and digital humanities tools.
• Participation in research seminars, postgraduate workshops, and conferences to present work-in-progress and receive feedback.
• Opportunities to take taught modules or short courses in transferable skills such as publishing, grant-writing, teaching, and public engagement.
• Access to the University’s special collections, libraries and archival resources for primary-source based projects.

PhD candidates usually prepare a thesis of a length set by university regulations and may also submit a shorter thesis with creative components where allowed by the School’s research degree regulations. Progress is monitored through annual review processes and demonstration of ongoing professional development.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a strong academic background in English or a closely related discipline. A typical profile includes a good undergraduate degree (first-class or upper second-class honours) and a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as a Master’s) with strong performance. Exceptional candidates with a very strong undergraduate record and substantial research experience may also be considered.

Applications normally require a clear and feasible research proposal, two or more academic references, and a sample of written work such as a chapter from a Master’s dissertation or a longer essay. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English; evidence of an appropriate English language qualification or equivalent is normally required.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with potential supervisors. Funding is competitive: applicants should indicate whether they are seeking funded studentships or intend to self-fund and check the School and University web pages for available funding opportunities and eligibility criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD in English pursue a wide range of careers. Many go on to academic roles such as postdoctoral researcher, lecturer or teaching fellow, and continue in higher education and research. Others find employment in:

• Publishing, editorial work and literary agencies
• Archives, libraries, museums and heritage organisations
• Policy, research and think-tanks where advanced analytical skills are valued
• Communications, public relations, digital content and copywriting
• Education sectors beyond higher education, including curriculum development and outreach

The programme also builds transferable skills in critical analysis, project management, scholarly writing and public engagement that are applicable across the cultural and creative sectors, arts administration and the wider knowledge economy.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham’s School of English has a broad research profile spanning medieval to contemporary literature, language studies, critical theory, theatre and performance studies, and digital humanities. Doctoral researchers benefit from supervision by internationally active scholars and access to a lively research community of seminars, reading groups and postgraduate-led initiatives.

Students can draw on strong interdisciplinary links across the University, including with film and media, history, modern languages, and heritage studies, which can enrich comparative and cross-disciplinary projects. The University’s libraries and special collections provide extensive primary materials, and formal researcher development provision supports training in methods, teaching, impact and career development.

Nottingham’s campuses offer a supportive postgraduate environment with dedicated facilities, funding competitions, and opportunities to gain teaching experience and public engagement practice—preparing doctoral researchers for both academic and non-academic career pathways.