PhD: World and Comparative Literature

Research overview

Staff in Modern Languages research a wide range of areas, including literature, linguistics, translation and film. We supervise PhD students researching periods from the medieval to the present, across our seven main languages, with interdisciplinary projects involving additional supervision from other departments in the College of Humanities and beyond.

The ‘Centre for Translating Cultures’ provides a focal point for research in Modern Languages. Our postgraduate students regularly present work in progress at the Centre and participate its regular series of seminars often with distinguished visiting speakers. Modern Languages postgraduates are also active in other research centres in Modern Languages and the College of Humanities.

Beyond the University we have good relations with UK museums and galleries, as well as academic and research institutions internationally, attracting research students from all over the world and many cultural backgrounds.

There are frequent public seminars and lecture series which feature distinguished scholars and public figures in related fields from the UK, Europe and throughout the world.

Interdisciplinary and cross-cultural by nature, Translation Studies appeals particularly to students with an interest in how language mediates between cultures and disciplines, and with an aim of learning about the professional aspects of the field.

Careers

We are committed to ensuring you receive high quality research supervision to maximise your potential and prepare you for a rewarding career. You will develop skills which will be useful to you whether or not you stay in academia including highly developed research methods skills. Possible careers include academic research and teaching, and potentially, usually with further professional training, employment in research and policy organisations and charities in the UK and beyond.

Normally students will need a good UK Honours degree (2:1 Honours or international equivalent) and a Master’s degree with Merit or international equivalent in a related subject.