University of York

What you'll study

The programme is an advanced research degree centred on an original doctoral thesis supervised by faculty with expertise across English and related disciplines. Candidates pursue sustained, independent research that combines literary analysis with approaches from neighbouring fields (for example film studies, classics, history, philosophy, visual culture or digital humanities). You will develop a research proposal with your supervisor, undertake regular progress reviews, and prepare a thesis of doctoral length that makes a significant contribution to knowledge.

Alongside the thesis you will normally engage with a structured research training programme offered by the department and the University’s graduate training provision. Training typically includes research methods (archival research, textual editing, quantitative and qualitative methods where relevant), professional skills (publishing, public engagement, research funding), and opportunities to present work in seminars and conferences. Many students also take or audit postgraduate modules relevant to their project and have the chance to gain teaching experience in undergraduate classes.

Key elements of the PhD include:

• One-to-one supervision with regular supervisory meetings.
• Independent archival, textual, theoretical or empirical research depending on your project.
• Participation in departmental research clusters, reading groups and seminars.
• Research training and professional development workshops provided by the department and the graduate school.
• Annual monitoring and a final viva voce examination.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant master’s degree with a substantial research component (for example an MA by dissertation, MPhil or MRes) at a strong level, or demonstrate equivalent research experience. Typical background subjects include English literature, comparative literature, film studies, classics, history or other humanities disciplines closely related to the proposed project.

Applications require a clear research proposal that outlines the project, methodology and primary sources; academic transcripts; a curriculum vitae; and two or three academic references. International applicants must demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency. Shortlisted candidates are often interviewed by potential supervisors or a small panel.

The department looks for evidence of your ability to carry out independent research, familiarity with the relevant critical debates, and a realistic plan for completion within the normal PhD period.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of careers that value advanced research, analysis and communication skills. Common paths include academic research and teaching, postdoctoral fellowships, and roles in higher education administration. Outside academia, alumni work in publishing and editorial roles, archives and libraries, cultural heritage and museums, arts organisations, public engagement, policy, journalism and communications, and digital humanities or data curation projects.

The training you receive—research management, presentation skills, supervision and teaching experience, plus opportunities for public engagement—prepares you for both specialist and transferable roles in the public, private and third sectors.

Why study at University of York

The University of York’s Department of English and Related Literature is known for its research-led teaching and a collegial environment that encourages interdisciplinary work across periods and media. York offers active research groups and reading networks spanning medieval and early modern studies, Romantic and nineteenth-century studies, modernist and contemporary literatures, and intersections with film, music and visual culture.

Researchers benefit from strong supervisory expertise, access to extensive library collections and special archives housed at nearby institutions, and a vibrant graduate community. The department supports doctoral students with training opportunities, seminar series, public-facing events and collaboration across the arts and humanities. These features make York a supportive place for sustained, innovative doctoral research in English and connected fields.