Program Overview
The English PhD program at Royal Holloway University of London offers in-depth research opportunities across the full range of English literary study. It emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and independent scholarship, preparing students for careers in academia, publishing, and related fields. The program features a supportive research environment, world-class resources, and a flexible course schedule tailored to individual interests.
Program Outline
This PhD program offers students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research across the full chronological and specialist range of English literary study. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, research skills, and independent scholarship.
Objectives:
- To equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct high-quality research in the field of English Literature.
- To foster a vibrant research culture and provide students with opportunities to engage with leading scholars in their field.
- To prepare students for successful careers in academia, publishing, and other related fields.
Program Description:
The English PhD program is a four-year full-time or five-year part-time program. It is offered at both the Egham and Central London campuses of Royal Holloway University. Students benefit from a supportive and stimulating research environment, access to world-class resources, and opportunities to participate in a variety of research seminars and events.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics in English Literature, including:
- Early Modern Literature
- Victorian Literature
- Modern and Contemporary Literature
- Postcolonial Literature
- Literary Theory and Criticism
- Creative Writing
Course Schedule:
The course schedule is designed to provide students with the flexibility to tailor their studies to their individual interests. Students can choose from a variety of modules offered each semester, covering different periods, genres, and theoretical approaches.
Individual Modules:
- Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama: This module explores the works of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries, examining their historical, social, and literary contexts.
- Nineteenth-Century Literature and Culture: This module examines the major literary and cultural movements of the nineteenth century, including Romanticism, Victorianism, and the rise of modernism.
- Modern and Contemporary British Literature: This module explores the development of British Literature from the early twentieth century to the present day.
- Postcolonial Literature and Theory: This module examines the literature of formerly colonized countries, exploring themes of identity, colonialism, and globalization.
- Literary Theory and Criticism: This module introduces students to key critical theories and methodologies used in the study of literature.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Dissertation: Students are required to submit a dissertation of not more than 100,000 words, demonstrating their original research and analysis.
- Viva voce examination: Students will be orally examined on their dissertation and other aspects of their research.
Assessment Criteria:
- Originality and creativity of research
- Depth and breadth of knowledge
- Analytical skills
- Clarity and coherence of writing
- Effective communication and presentation skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.
Faculty:
The program boasts a team of internationally recognized scholars with expertise in various fields of English Literature.
Unique Approaches:
The program encourages students to develop their own research interests and pursue independent projects.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the English PhD program pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Academia
- Publishing
- Librarianship
- Journalism
- Arts Administration
- Education
Career Opportunities:
The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of professional settings. Graduates have secured positions at prestigious institutions such as the British Library, Shakespeare's Globe, and renowned universities worldwide.
Other:
Research Facilities:
Royal Holloway offers excellent research facilities, including the Poetics Research Centre and the Centre for Victorian Studies, which host regular events and seminars for postgraduate researchers. The program provides students with a range of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and access to library resources and IT facilities.
Additional Notes:
- The program accepts applications from students with a minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent undergraduate degree and a merit or equivalent at Master’s level.
- International students are required to meet specific English language requirements.
- The program offers a variety of funding options, including scholarships and bursaries.
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year : £4,786 Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.
- and These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2024/25.
- Please note that for research courses, we adopt the minimum fee level recommended by the UK Research Councils for the Home tuition fee. Each year, the fee level is adjusted in line with inflation (currently, the measure used is the Treasury GDP deflator). Fees displayed here are therefore subject to change and are usually confirmed in the spring of the year of entry.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually, based on the UK’s Retail Price Index (RPI). Please therefore be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
