PhD English

About our programmes

English at Hull is friendly, inclusive and supportive, and characterised by the internationally excellent research that informs our postgraduate degree supervision. Our academic staff have expertise in all literary periods, from Old Norse to 21st century literature. We have renowned expertise in medieval literature and medievalism, Shakespeare and Renaissance drama, early modern literature and politics, 19th-century studies (particularly the novel and the visual arts), modern and contemporary literature (particularly poetry and fiction), genre fiction (gothic, crime and science fiction), and creative writing.

We offer two research options for postgraduate students – MA by Thesis English (Literature and Creative Writing pathways) or a PhD (English or Creative Writing). You have access to the superb facilities of the newly refurbished Brynmor Jones Library, as well as our Graduate School. PhD students have exclusive use of the library’s Postgraduate Lounge. Research is strongly interdisciplinary and enhanced by the research networks of its centres: the Andrew Marvell Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, and the Centre for Nineteenth-Century Studies. Training in subject-specific research skills and methodologies is provided by the department, on top of the University’s Postgraduate Training Scheme.

Research

Our academic experts welcome applications for postgraduate research across a broad range of topics. Research fits into six key themes:

Medieval

Research in medieval literature at the University of Hull encompasses a complementary but diverse range of specialisms, with particular expertise in Chaucer, late medieval drama, and representations of the Middle Ages in film, media and television.

Early Modern

The Renaissance and Early Modern cluster has strong research and teaching expertise in Shakespeare; Andrew Marvell; sixteenth and seventeenth-century drama and poetry; literature and politics; Renaissance intertextualities; drama and visual culture; and the literature of ruins. Research is supported by the Andrew Marvell Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, which hosts a range of events, including the annual Andrew Marvell Lecture.

18th and 19th Century

The eighteenth- and nineteenth-century cluster constitutes a lively and enterprising research culture at the cutting-edge of international and interdisciplinary scholarship. Research is supported by the Centre for Nineteenth-Century Studies (CNCS).

Modern and Contemporary

Research expertise includes work on: D.H. Lawrence; R.S. Thomas, crime fiction; gothic, horror and science fiction; women's writing; and literature and the life cycle (age, youth, children's literature).

Creative Writing

Our creative writers have expertise in creative non-fiction, crime fiction, the novel, short fiction including flash fiction, and poetry. Research is supported by The Philip Larkin Centre for Poetry and Creative Writing, which has hosted many of the world's finest writers such as Hilary Mantel, Christopher Hampton, Edna O'Brien, and Kate Mosse.

You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. You should submit a sample of your written work in the relevant subject of at least 4000 words (for MA by Research) and at least 10,000 words (for PhD).