Creative Writing PhD

Why choose this programme

We belong to the interdisciplinary?School of Literature and Languages, which has research-active staff in English literature, film studies, translation studies, theoretical and applied linguistics, and literary and cultural studies as well as creative writing.

Our research in modern and contemporary writing includes both literary-critical and creative work. In particular, we explore:

The work of living writers
The tradition and future of innovative writing
The environment and climate change
The nature of publishing as an innovative and radical political enterprise
Literature and the body.

Our diverse mix of subject specialities mean that we are a vibrant and imaginative community with lots of opportunity for intellectual exchange.

What you will study

Our Creative Writing PhD will train you in critical and analytical skills, research methods, and knowledge that will equip you for your future career. It normally takes between three to four years to complete our full-time PhD.

You’ll be assigned two supervisors who will meet with you regularly to read and discuss your work and make sure you’re on track. For us, writing is essential for understanding and developing new perspectives, so you’ll be submitting written work right from the start of your course.

In your first year, you’ll refine your research proposal and plan the structure of your work with the support of your supervisors. As you go into your second and third year, you’ll work more independently, and your supervisors will guide you on how to present at conferences and get your work published.

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree and an MA in a relevant topic. In exceptional cases, students with a good first degree will be considered for creative writing where there is a substantial or promising creative portfolio.