PhD at the University of London Institute in Paris

Undertaking doctoral research allows you to develop in-depth knowledge, while making a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.

With guidance from our expert supervisors, you will carry out extensive independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words. Broadly speaking the area covered by ULIP’s expertise is the study of the Paris history and culture, transnational and postcolonial literature, modern French and comparative literature, French and colonial history since the 1880s, and translation studies.

This degree presents the opportunity to gain expertise in your area of interest while also honing a range of transferable skills. On completing this course, you will be well prepared for specialist career paths both within academia and beyond.

This programme is managed in partnership with the School of Advanced Study and the University of London Institute in Paris(Opens in new window). Students are registered at the School of Advanced Study (SAS) as SAS students, but will undertake study on-campus in Paris at the University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP) with supervision delivered by ULIP.

Degree structure

The MPhil involves a minimum of two years (equivalent to six terms) of study, and a dissertation of up to 60,000 words. The PhD is awarded after a minimum of three years (equivalent to nine terms) of study for a dissertation of up to 100,000 words. Both degrees can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis.

Our research degrees usually start in September or January, although start dates can be flexible.

In common with most UK universities, you will initially be registered for an MPhil degree and be expected to transfer to the PhD programme during your second year, on meeting the formal requirements for progression/upgrade.

A successful MPhil dissertation is either a record of original work in a Iimited area or an ordered and critical exposition of existing knowledge in a field. A successful PhD dissertation must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality either in the discovery of new facts, or by the exercise of independent critical power, or both.

Examples of areas in which the Institute can provide supervision are:

Paris History and Culture
Transnational and Postcolonial Literature
Modern French and Comparative Literature
French and Colonial History since the 1880s
Translation Studies

We offer two University of London research degrees - the MPhil and the PhD in our areas of expertise. Candidates must have at least a first degree at Honours level (minimum upper second class, or mention 'assez bien') in a subject relevant to the area of research. A taught postgraduate degree to Masters level is recommended prior to undertaking post-graduate research.