English Literature

The PhD programme in English Literature degree delivered at Cardiff University offers the opportunity for postgraduate students to make an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen field of study and to become part of a thriving, internationally-renowned research community.

Successful applicants will be supervised by academic staff working at the forefront of their fields and leading debate in the ever-changing environments of the discipline.

Doctoral students are encouraged to push beyond the boundaries of critical commonplaces, to think differently and to participate fully in the rich intellectual life of the School.

As well as working closely with a dedicated supervisor, or supervisors, students are able to develop their projects within the context of a dynamic and well-resourced interdisciplinary research culture.

Programme aims

The culmination of the PhD in English Literature from Cardiff University is a sustained piece of written work that makes an original contribution to knowledge and understanding in a chosen field of study.

Successful PhD students are trained in the most sophisticated critical and theoretical practices in preparation for a career in Higher Education or professional employment requiring advanced research skills and subject knowledge at the highest level.

Distinctive features

• A dynamic and supportive interdisciplinary research culture that connects the vibrancy of Cardiff’s literary and cultural location to the broader international contexts of the discipline.
• Access to a diverse range of research training and professional development opportunities, including: a weekly thesis workshop; a student-led annual postgraduate research conference; a residential conference for students in their first year of study atGregynog Hall, a country house with a distinguished artistic heritage set in glorious countryside in mid-Wales.
• We offer teaching opportunities on the undergraduate degree and PhD students can undertake the School’s unique ‘Learning to Teach’ programme, accredited by the Higher Education Academy.
• The School provides a dedicated suite for research students with computing facilities, networked information and access to email and Internet.
• Postgraduate research students can apply for School funding to attend academic conferences and/or undertake archival/library visits.

Career Prospects

Job roles: Lecturer, Researcher, Editor, Head Teacher, English Teacher, EFL Teacher, PR Officer.

Employers: Universities from Cork (Ireland) to Wisconsin State (USA), Oxford University Press, Penguin Random House, Palgrave MacMillan, London Film School, Virgin Media, Literature Wales, Visit Wales.

Employers: Oxford University Press, London Film School, Palgrave MacMillan, Universities from Cork (Ireland) to Wisconsin State (USA), Virgin Media, Literature Wales, Visit Wales.

Research projects include:

• African American literature

• book history

• children’s literature

• critical and cultural theory

• cultural history

• digital humanities

• editing theory and practice

• experimental writing