University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The Comparative Literature PhD is an independent, research-led programme culminating in a substantial thesis and an oral examination. Your research can range across national literatures, genres, media and theoretical frameworks, and frequently draws on related disciplines such as history, philosophy, cultural studies, translation studies, film and visual culture.

Key elements of the programme include:

• Development of an original research project under the guidance of a supervisory team drawn from English, modern languages, film studies and other relevant areas.
• A first-year review or upgrade process to establish progress and confirm registration for the PhD.
• Regular participation in research seminars, reading groups and departmental colloquia, providing peer feedback and exposure to current debates in comparative and transnational literary studies.
• Training in research methods and professional development through the university’s doctoral training provision — for example, workshops on archival methods, digital humanities tools, publishing and public engagement.
• Where appropriate, training and assessment of language competence and use of primary sources in languages other than English.

The typical outcome is a thesis that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge. Candidates are expected to plan and pace their research, produce written chapters or papers for supervisory review, and prepare for the viva voce examination.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as an MA) with a strong performance in literary studies, modern languages or a closely related discipline. Equivalent international qualifications and substantial research or professional experience in a relevant field are also considered.

Application materials should include:

• A concise, well-focused research proposal explaining research questions, methodology, theoretical frameworks, intended primary sources, and a provisional bibliography.
• Academic transcripts and certificates for previous qualifications.
• Two academic references that can comment on your readiness for doctoral study.
• A sample of written work (such as an MA dissertation or a substantive essay) that demonstrates research and analytical ability.
• Evidence of language competence where the project requires work in languages other than English.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with potential supervisors. Admissions take account of supervisory expertise and capacity to support the proposed project.

Career prospects

Graduates from Comparative Literature PhD programmes pursue a wide range of careers. Common academic pathways include postdoctoral research, university teaching and continued scholarship in literature, translation studies and cultural theory. Many alumni also move into careers outside the academy, for example:

• Publishing and editorial roles, including literary translation and commissioning.
• Cultural and arts management, curatorial work and public engagement with literature and the arts.
• Policy roles, heritage and archive work, and roles in museums or cultural institutions.
• Media, journalism and criticism, particularly where strong research and language skills are valued.
• Education and learning development in schools, colleges and adult education, including curriculum design and teacher training.
• Research and roles in the digital humanities, data curation, and knowledge management.

The research, writing and communication skills developed during the PhD are highly transferable and valued across public, private and third-sector organisations.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham provides a supportive research environment with interdisciplinary supervision and a busy programme of seminars and research events that attract scholars from across the UK and internationally. You will have access to the university’s library collections and Special Collections and Manuscripts for primary-source work, as well as digital resources and inter-library loan facilities.

Doctoral researchers benefit from structured training and professional development offered through the university’s postgraduate training framework, plus opportunities to participate in conferences, public-facing projects and collaborative research networks. The School’s international community and partnerships support comparative and multilingual research, and supervisors have expertise across a wide range of literatures, theoretical approaches and media.

Funding opportunities and studentships are available through central university schemes and external bodies; potential applicants are encouraged to discuss funding routes with prospective supervisors and the school’s postgraduate office.