PhD in English

As a research student, you’ll work closely with two allocated supervisors who will assist you in planning, executing and presenting your research. We encourage applications in any topic related to English studies.The School of English offers research opportunities across a variety of topics related to English studies and draws on the resources of Nottingham’s renowned Centre for Research in Applied Linguistics. This is an interdisciplinary research centre devoted to describing and understanding language as it is acquired and used in the real world.Why choose this programmeYou will cover the range of theoretical approaches making up the contemporary critical terminology of English and English studies. The course will also develop your awareness of practices in language use and their application to various contexts. The course will focus on developing your ability to engage in critical evaluations of current research along with developing your ability to problem-solve in respect of real-world projects and case studies.Our global footprint allows you to draw on the supervisory expertise of over 80 staff specialising in numerous fields of English studies across our three campuses. Located in the UK, Malaysia and China, students are encouraged to spend a period of time at any or all of our campuses worldwide.Course contentCurrent areas of researchWe encourage applications in any topic related to English. Our current research topics include:19th-Century British and American LiteratureCreative WritingDiscourse AnalysisFairy TaleGender StudiesGothicGrammarIdentityLanguage in the ClassroomMalaysia LiteratureNew literatures in EnglishStylisticsWorld EnglishCareersThe School features a world-class network of researchers and academics offering a wide range of research opportunities. The school seeks to equip you with the skills to succeed in a variety of careers, including teaching, broadcasting, publishing, literary criticism, advertising, marketing, publishing, journalism, communications, business, banking, law, human resources, and public relations to name but a few. Former research students hold senior posts in top-tier universities across the world and prominent positions in government and the private sector.Job prospectsA postgraduate research degree in English equips you with the skills to succeed in a variety of careers including teaching, freelance writing, literary criticism, marketing, public relations, and publishing to name just a few. Former research students hold senior posts in top-tier universities across the world and prominent positions in government and the private sector.

A good master\u2019s degree (usually merit or higher), plus an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.ORA first-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.IELTS: 7.0 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)TOEFL (iBT): 100 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)PTE (Academic): 76 (with no less than 65 in each element)