Comparative Literature MPhil/PhD

UCL provides an ideal environment for comparative inquiry in the thriving field of Comparative Literature, building on the great strength of its well-established language-specific literary and cultural degrees. UCL is home to an exceptional range of modern and ancient languages. We actively support interdisciplinary research across languages and cultural periods, and welcome comparative projects that may benefit from joint supervisory support. This PhD is offered by the Centre for Multidisciplinary and Intercultural Inquiry (CMII) within the School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS). The Comparative Literature research degree draws on the collective expertise of specialists in the Faculties of Arts & Humanities, Social & Historical Sciences, the Institute of Education, the School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES). Research students can specialise in any aspect of comparative literature for which suitable supervision is available. Potential supervisors' disciplinary perspectives are drawn from language departments including the School of Slavonic & East European Studies, Greek & Latin, Anthropology, Geography, literary studies and queer studies and across UCL. In the first instance, candidates should establish a dialogue with a potential supervisor before making a formal application. We are especially interested in creative critical research and in proposals that articulate and examine new developments in literary and cultural studies, in the English-speaking world and beyond. Training courses are designed on an individual basis by the student's supervisor and generally involve participation in activities offered by the department of the primary supervisor. You will also participate in a mandatory skills seminar programme in CMII. Regular research seminars are run by individual PhD Courses and research centres, such as Gender and Sexuality Studies, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American Studies, Health Humanities, French and Francophone Studies, Translation Studies, Film Studies, and Comparative Literature. All students are welcome to attend relevant sessions, offering opportunities for cross-fertilisation of ideas. This course is for applicants with a background or interest in comparative literary study and research. It is suitable for both recent Masters graduates as well as early or mid-career professionals. This MPhilPhD is for applicants who want to do multi-disciplinary research, who may have completed post-graduate training or study and want to develop an advanced critical analysis in a specific research area.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and a Master's degree with Merit in a relevant field. In the first instance, candidates should establish a dialogue with a potential supervisor before making a formal application. Admission is normally dependent on the submission of a detailed research project proposal.