PhD

English

Key Facts

Course Code Q3550

  • Qualification

    PhD

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2026

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The Department of English and Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University provides an excellent environment for postgraduate study, research, and creative work. The main University library is well stocked with standard texts and critical works on a very wide range of topics. The National Library of Wales, adjacent to the campus, is one of the UK’s five copyright libraries, holding one of the most extensive collections of books and manuscripts in Europe.

As a department that values a stimulating research ethos highly, we place great emphasis on the provision of high-quality teaching, supervision and facilities for our postgraduate community. As a result, our postgraduate community is dynamic and thriving. It is very pleasing to note that our graduates secure employment in teaching, academia, publishing, and various other professional fields.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area and Merit performance at Masters level (either complete or in process). Consideration will be given to applicants who can demonstrate a significant body of relevant professional experience in lieu of academic qualifications.

English Language Requirements IELTS 7.5 with minimum 7.5 in each component

Other Requirements Submission of a satisfactory portfolio of existing critical writing. Please note that the above requirements are a minimum for entry, and successful applicants are likely to be able to demonstrate consistent academic performance at the higher levels (i.e. at least high 2.1 / high Merit). Marks transcripts must be provided at the point of application.

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Course Overview

We welcome enquiries and proposals for PhD study in all periods of literature in English, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. The Department's strengths include:

  • Medieval Literature
  • Restoration and C18th Literature
  • Romantic Literature
  • Victorian Fiction
  • C19th and C20th American Literature
  • Modernism
  • Postmodernism
  • Contemporary Poetry and Fiction
  • Women's Writing
  • Children's Literature
  • Welsh Writing in English
  • Irish Writing
  • Literary Geography
  • Gothic Literature and Ghost Stories
  • Postcolonial Literature (especially African Literature)
  • Ethnic American Literatures
  • Literary Theory (especially Ecocriticism, Gender Studies, Queer Theory, Marxism, New Historicism, Psychoanalysis, Poststructuralism, Postcolonialism).

Modules September start - 2026

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Principles of Research Design PGM0210 10
Ways of Reading PGM0410 10

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh