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What is the Doctoral College?

The University of Edinburgh Doctoral College is a coordinating structure for all postgraduate researchers, supervisors and relevant staff at the university, designed to enhance and support the postgraduate student experience. 

For information and resources for research staff, please see the Research Staff Pages:   https://www.ed.ac.uk/researchers

A Town Hall Event for all Postgraduate Researchers is running on the 5th June 2024 - Find out more here -  https://edin.ac/3vVbL

PhD stories

Our extraordinary PhD students come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. In this collection of short videos, some of them share their experiences -   PhD Stories

Vision and strategy

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The purpose of the Doctoral College, our vision, strategic objectives and our commitment to the improvement of postgraduate research cultures

People and structure

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About the Doctoral College leadership and management structure, and the wider Doctoral College team.

Personal and professional development and training

Information about professional, careers and personal development training and opportunities for  UoE   PGR  students.

Researcher Representation and Community

Information on student representation and community

Support for PGR supervision

Information and guidance for staff who supervise research students.

Doctoral training centres

Information on funded PhD training programmes and support for directors and administrators of these programmes.

Essential information for postgraduate researchers

Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students (PDF)

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - PGR pages

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine - PGR pages

College of Science and Engineering  (EASE log in required)

Information for prospective postgraduate research students

New student pages

Postgraduate study degree finder

This article was published on 2023-12-07

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English Literature PhD

The university of edinburgh, different course options.

  • Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

English Literature

Course type

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in literature and related fields. As the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, based in one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, we are the ideal place for PhD study.

Our interdisciplinary environment brings together specialists in all periods and genres of literature and literary analysis. Given the breadth and depth of our expertise, we are able to support students wishing to develop research projects in any field of Anglophone literary studies.

We have particular strengths in each of the main periods of English and Scottish Literature – medieval, renaissance/early modern, enlightenment, romantic, Victorian, modernist, post-war, contemporary and 21st century. We also have concentrations of expertise in American studies, in literary and critical theory, the history of the book, gender and sexuality, and in global Anglophone literatures (including postcolonial studies).

Emergent research themes in the department include the digital humanities, the economic humanities, the environmental humanities and literature and medicine.

Working with colleagues elsewhere in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, and across the wider University, we are able to support PhD theses crossing boundaries between disciplines and/or languages.

Training and support

Between LLC, the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you’ll find a range of programmes and resources to help you develop your postgraduate skills, as well as having access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.

As part of our research community, you will be immersed in a world of knowledge exchange, with lots of opportunities to share ideas, learning and creative work. Activities range from talks by visiting speakers and work-in-progress seminars, to reading groups, conferences, workshops, performances, online journals and forums, many of which are led by PhD candidates. Highlights include student reading for the James Tait Black Prizes, Britain's oldest literary awards which typically involve reading submissions across fiction and biography and advising the judges on the shortlists.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

A UK masters, or its international equivalent, with a mark of at least 65% in your English literature dissertation of at least 10,000 words.

English Literature and Creative Writing - MA/PgD/PgC

Cardiff metropolitan university, english literature masters - ma/pgd/pgc, english literature ma, royal holloway, university of london, victorian literature, art and culture ma, english literature, american studies & creative writing ma by research, university of central lancashire.

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Writing your PhD: Qualitative Research

This course is intended for PhD students in their final year.

This 7-week course is intended for final year PhD students working on a thesis based on qualitative research, who are in the later stages of their PhD.   In semester 1, this course is only available online. In semester 2 it will be available both in-person and online. Students work on various aspects of what is involved in producing such a thesis, and receive feedback from their tutor on extracts from their writing.

Course Content and Unit Aims

Structure and Introduction

  • To explore the features of qualitative research writing.
  • To examine ways of structuring a qualitative thesis.
  • To consider the content, structure and language of a typical introduction.
  • To provide practice in writing an introduction.

The Literature Review

  • To discuss the purposes and principles behind a qualitative literature review.
  • To explore the typical content and organisation of a literature review.
  • To raise awareness of citation practices, including direct quotation, paraphrase, summary, and the use of reporting verbs.
  • To provide practice in writing a section of a literature review.

Methodology

  • To discuss the content and structure of a qualitative Methodology chapter.
  • To explore the use of language in a qualitative Methodology chapter.
  • To provide practice in writing the “setting” /”context” section of a Methodology chapter.

Your data chapters

  • To discuss the typical elements of a qualitative data chapter.
  • To analyse the structure and language of a sample data chapter from a qualitative PhD.
  • To explore the language used to express caution when interpreting results.
  •  To provide practice in writing a data discussion.

The final chapter

  • To discuss the typical components of the final chapter of a qualitative thesis.
  • To raise awareness of the kind of language typically used in these elements.
  • To practice avoiding repetition in written texts.
  • To analyse extracts from final chapters of qualitative theses.
  • To provide practice in writing a section of a final chapter.

The first few pages

  • To discuss the characteristics of a successful thesis title.
  • To analyse sample thesis abstracts, contents pages and acknowledgements.
  • To practise writing your abstract and title.

Course Days and Times

Online -  Wednesday 11:00 - 12:00 

Teaching Methods and Learning Outcomes

At home, you will listen  to a brief introductory lecture and work through a series of tasks which involve analysing sample extracts from University of Edinburgh doctoral theses; expanding your repertoire of useful academic English expressions; drafting short pieces of writing. You will then write a short assignment. In order to benefit fully from the course, you can expect to spend an additional 2 hours per week of independent study , including the written assignment.

You should send the assignment to your tutor, who will respond with feedback on your writing, including comments on style, the use of sources, organisation, and linguistic accuracy. Your tutor will also meet you for a synchronous online class once per week. All materials are provided. 

You will also have the opportunity for a one-to-one on-line tutorial with your teacher, to discuss any remaining questions you may have.

By the end of the course, you should have a better understanding of:

  • ways of structuring the chapters of your thesis.
  • appropriate language for the different chapters or sections, and how to use that language accurately
  • any specific language areas that you will need to work on further

Eligibility

PhD students in the later stages of their PhD, who are ready to present and discuss their data.

This article was published on 2023-11-23

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English Literature PhD

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days ?

Different course options

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

The University of Edinburgh

Select a course option

Select a subject

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Course info

Entry requirements, tuition fees, latest reviews.

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in literature and related fields. As the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, based in one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, we are the ideal place for PhD study.

Our interdisciplinary environment brings together specialists in all periods and genres of literature and literary analysis. Given the breadth and depth of our expertise, we are able to support students wishing to develop research projects in any field of Anglophone literary studies.

We have particular strengths in each of the main periods of English and Scottish Literature – medieval, renaissance/early modern, enlightenment, romantic, Victorian, modernist, post-war, contemporary and 21st century. We also have concentrations of expertise in American studies, in literary and critical theory, the history of the book, gender and sexuality, and in global Anglophone literatures (including postcolonial studies).

Emergent research themes in the department include the digital humanities, the economic humanities, the environmental humanities and literature and medicine.

Working with colleagues elsewhere in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, and across the wider University, we are able to support PhD theses crossing boundaries between disciplines and/or languages.

Training and support

Between LLC, the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you’ll find a range of programmes and resources to help you develop your postgraduate skills, as well as having access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.

As part of our research community, you will be immersed in a world of knowledge exchange, with lots of opportunities to share ideas, learning and creative work. Activities range from talks by visiting speakers and work-in-progress seminars, to reading groups, conferences, workshops, performances, online journals and forums, many of which are led by PhD candidates. Highlights include student reading for the James Tait Black Prizes, Britain's oldest literary awards which typically involve reading submissions across fiction and biography and advising the judges on the shortlists.

What students say

N/A.. Read more

A UK masters, or its international equivalent, with a mark of at least 65% in your English literature dissertation of at least 10,000 words.

Students living in

£4,786 per year

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£26,300 per year

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Latest English Literature reviews

Review breakdown, how all students rated:.

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Linguistics and English Language

Linguistics and English Language at The University of Edinburgh has an outstanding international reputation in many areas of Linguistics and English Language research.

The University of Edinburgh Multiple locations Edinburgh , Scotland , United Kingdom Top 0.5% worldwide Studyportals University Meta Ranking 4.2 Read 201 reviews

Training and support in the Linguistics and English Language at The University of Edinburgh

Each research student receives supervision by at least two members of academic staff, who will meet regularly with you to discuss your progress and wider issues in your field of study. This may include discussion of journal articles or books, and preparation for conference presentations, as well as discussion of your dissertation or draft chapters of your thesis.

Most research students are assigned to a research group, each of which hosts regular research activities.

The department also has a visiting speaker series (the Linguistic Circle), and you are encouraged to participate in the School’s Language at Edinburgh research network.

Programme Structure

We can offer expert supervision across a wide range of topics, including:

  • developmental linguistics, including first and second language acquisition
  • discourse Analysis
  • historical English linguistics, including the syntax, morphology, and phonology from the earliest periods to the present day
  • language evolution
  • linguistic fieldwork
  • morphology, including word formation
  • phonetics and phonology, including diachronic phonology and the phonology of varieties of English and their history
  • sociolinguistics
  • speech technology

Key information

  • 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

  • Apply before 2025-01-31 00:00:00

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Disciplines

Academic requirements, english requirements, student insurance.

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

  • Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
  • Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
  • Home contents and baggage

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The University of Edinburgh and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal .

Other requirements

General requirements.

  • A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a related subject.

Tuition Fee

International, living costs for edinburgh.

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Linguistics and English Language.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Read more about eligibility

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Linguistics and English Language PhD The University of Edinburgh

  • On campus - h Central area campus
  • Sep 1, 2023 Part-time - 6 years
  • Sep 1, 2023 Full-time - 3 years

Key Course Facts

Student Satisfaction 83%
Salary after 15 months £23000
Number of students 48 graduates / year
Unemployment Rate 5% unemployed Proportion of students of this particular course unemployed and not studying 15 months after their course ended. Source: Dec 20, 2022
Student Dropout Rate 0% Proportion of students of Linguistics and English Language PhD who are not continuing into their following year of study or have not been awarded a qualification in either of the two comparison years. Source: Unistats by Oct 10, 2023
Duration 6 years - Part-time
Campus On campus - Central area campus
Degree Doctor of Philosophy, PhD
Subject , ,
Student Satisfaction 83%
Salary after 15 months £23000
Number of students 48 graduates / year
Unemployment Rate 5% unemployed Proportion of students of this particular course unemployed and not studying 15 months after their course ended. Source: Dec 20, 2022
Student Dropout Rate 0% Proportion of students of Linguistics and English Language PhD who are not continuing into their following year of study or have not been awarded a qualification in either of the two comparison years. Source: Unistats by Oct 10, 2023
Duration 3 years - Full-time
Campus On campus - Central area campus
Degree Doctor of Philosophy, PhD
Subject , ,
  • Admission advice for international students

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 30 graduates of Linguistics and English Language PhD at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech.

  The University of Edinburgh, Linguistics and English Language PhD Average review score among all English Language courses in the UK
Explanations 82 93
Interesting courses 75 84
Intellectually stimulating 82 86
Challenged to do my best 82 84
Depth of concepts 82 85
Builds on previous learnings 75 86
Joined ideas from different topics 75 83
Balance directed/independent study 50 75
Applicability of course content 75 80
Clear criteria in markings 75 74
Fair assessment 82 84
Tests reflected your learning 71 81
Timely feedback 68 77
Helpful feedback 57 70
Approachability of teachers 71 89
Support from teachers 75 86
Organisation of courses 71 79
Communication of changes 82 78
IT facilities 93 84
Library 93 90
Course specific resources 89 86
Student feedback opportunities 71 82
Student feedback valued 75 76
Student's feedback acted upon 57 59
Work of student union 63 70
Mental wellbeing services 81 74
Overall satisfaction 83 77

Salary of Graduates in Accounting

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students .

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23000 £29500 £39500
25-75 percentile range £21000 - £30000 £23500 - £34000 £29500 - £48000

Salary of all UK Graduates of Accounting

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24406 £24662 £30689
25-75 percentile range £21389 - £28940 £19296 - £31978 £22604 - £41672

Course Description

Research profile

We have an outstanding international reputation in many areas of Linguistics and English Language research.

We can offer expert supervision across a wide range of topics, including:

Applied Linguistics

Developmental linguistics, including first and second language acquisition

Discourse and conversation analysis

Historical English linguistics, including the syntax, morphology, and phonology from the earliest periods to the present day

Language evolution

Linguistic fieldwork

Morphology, including word formation

Multilingualism

Phonetics and phonology, including diachronic phonology and the phonology of varieties of English, Scots and their history

Sociolinguistics

Speech technology

Syntax and semantics, including theoretical syntax, descriptive syntax of English, diachronic syntax and both lexical and formal semantics

Varieties of English, both British and international

Research groups

Our expertise clusters in a number of research groups and research centres:

Developmental Linguistics

English Language

Language Evolution & Computation (LEC)

Language in Context

Language Variation and Change (LVC)

Meaning and Grammar

Phonetics and Phonology

Centre for Language Evolution

Bilingualism Matters

Research in speech technology is carried out at the Centre for Speech Technology Research, a collaboration between the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences and Informatics:

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

What graduates are doing after 15 months

  Graduates of this course All UK graduates of undergraduate studies in Accounting
Total respondents 15 635
Unemployed 5% 3%
Studying 0% 14%
Working 55% 67%
Both studying and working 30% 11%
No information 5% 4%

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans, utilise skills from studies, work is meaningful.

  Agree or strongly agree Disagree
Job in line with future plans 80% 20%
Utilise skills from studies 65% 35%
Work is meaningful 95% 5%

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% skilled jobs.

  % Skilled jobs
Highly-skilled jobs 75%
Non highly-skilled jobs 25%
Skill level unknown or unclassified 0%

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Linguistics and English Language PhD at The University of Edinburgh

75% Media Professionals
25% Teaching Professionals

Grading & Study Time

Assessment methods, study time distribution.

  Coursework Percentage of assessment by practical exams Written exams
  Scheduled learning and teaching Guided independent study Placements
year 1 23% 77% 0%
year 2 22% 78% 0%
year 3 15% 85% 0%
year 4 10% 90% 0%

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Ucas tariff of accepted students for this course.

Tariff score % Students accepted for this course
<48 5
48-63 0
64-79 0
80-95 0
96-111 0
112-127 5
128-143 5
144-159 10
160-175 5
176-191 5
192-207 15
208-223 15
224-239 5
>240 30

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of the university of edinburgh in top uk and global rankings., rankings of the university of edinburgh in related subject specific rankings., languages & literature, about the university of edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

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Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) City
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Ranking publishers

The university league tables, cug the complete university guide - by subject  (published: 14 may, 2024).

view methodology

British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

Qs world university rankings by subject  (published: 10 april, 2024).

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university of edinburgh phd english

Edinburgh. Extraordinary futures await.

Study History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh - funding opportunities available

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Humanities Research Programme

Humanities Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Improving digital healthcare solutions with data interoperability and large language models (joint project with Roche)

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Electro-mechanical Modelling and Control of Wave Energy Converters using MEGA-PTO

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Mucosal inflammation, tissue damage and repair during Schistosoma mansoni infection

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Modular Power Electronics for MEGA-PTO

Vortex induced vibration analysis of floating offshore wind dynamic power cables, using computer simulations to model the separation of circulating tumour cells from blood cells as an early diagnostic tool for cancer, physics-based mathematical modelling of water electrolyser, design of superconducting electric machines for zero emission transport, tackling membrane (bio)fouling, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Elucidating molecular transport mechanisms through atomistic simulations

Awaiting funding decision/possible external funding.

This supervisor does not yet know if funding is available for this project, or they intend to apply for external funding once a suitable candidate is selected. Applications are welcome - please see project details for further information.

Fouling Control of Water Treatment Membranes through Optimal and Sustainable Cleaning Strategies

Metal-free, light-mediated decarboxylative reactions, high-resolution imaging of the human neuromuscular junction, self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Cell Free DNA (cfDNA) as a biomarker of early ovarian cancer

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The University of Edinburgh home

  • Schools & departments

English and Scottish Literature

Postgraduate study

Choose from a range of taught and research-led programmes, from one-year masters degrees to PhDs.

What's it like to study here?

As the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, based in one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, we are the ideal place for postgraduate study.

Two people reading books

Our interdisciplinary environment brings together specialists in all periods and genres of literature with experts in theatre, creative writing and playwriting.  Working with colleagues elsewhere in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, and across the wider University, we are able to support research which crosses boundaries between disciplines and/or languages.

You’ll be immersed in a world of learning, with lots of opportunities to participate in our postgraduate community beyond your own study. Events range from talks by visiting speakers and work-in-progress seminars, to reading groups, conferences, workshops, performances, online journals and forums, many of which are student-led. Highlights include annual industry event The Business, the publication of our Creative Writing students' work in From Arthur's Seat, and the judging of the James Tait Black Prizes, in which students play a key role.

Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff, who are experts in their field. Between LLC, the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development, you’ll find a range of programmes and resources to help you develop your postgraduate skills, as well as having access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.

What can I study?

Taught masters (msc) programmes.

A taught masters (MSc) programme is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your existing skills, develop new ones, and sharpen your focus on the aspects of your subject that interest you most. Usually completed over one year (if studying full-time), these programmes typically comprise a combination of core and optional courses taught by specialists in the field, training in research methods, coursework, and an independent dissertation.

Browse our range of taught postgraduate programmes

Masters by Research (MScR) programmes

Ideal if you have a clear idea of the independent research you wish to undertake, a Masters (MSc) by Research programme is usually completed over one year (if studying full-time). You'll attend taught classes and complete coursework, receiving training in research methods, and write a 15-000 word dissertation under expert supervision. We offer a range of specialisms within English and Scottish Literature.

Browse our Masters by Research programmes

PhD (doctoral) programmes

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in literature and related fields. Over the course of your PhD, you’ll be expected to complete an original body of work under the expert guidance of your supervisors leading to a dissertation of between 70,000 and 100,000 words (for a research-based project) or of an equivalent scale for work in creative writing.

Full-time, three years (all students) ꟾ part-time, six years (eligibility criteria apply)

Find out more about our PhDs in English Literature and Creative Writing

Not sure which programme is right for you?

We're happy to help you decide between taught and research-led programmes.

Email us about postgraduate study in English Literature 

Are you currently studying with us?

There’s lots more information for taught and postgraduate research students on our LLC Student Information Hub. You will need your student log in to access the site.

Take me to the LLC Student Information Hub

Where to next?

Postgraduate study in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

Funding for postgraduate study in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

The University of Edinburgh home

  • Schools & departments

university of edinburgh phd english

Research and Postgraduate Level Options

There are opportunities for visiting postgraduate level students and visiting research students to study here in Edinburgh. Available opportunities vary in each college/school.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS):

Option 1 - postgraduate taught exchange.

You can study with us here on exchange as a postgraduate level taught student.

This option is only possible for those students whose home institutions have an exchange agreement with the University of Edinburgh in the relevant field of postgraduate study. Successful applicants will be contacted and advised about the application process and course selection process. Please note our postgraduate taught exchange option is only available for a single semester.

Option 2 - Fee-paying postgraduate taught study

You may be able to study with us as a fee-paying postgraduate taught student (for example, if we do not hold any exchange agreement with your home institition for postgraduate level study). Please note that the fee-paying postgraduate taught study option is also only available for a single semester.

If you are interested in studying as a visiting postgraduate taught student within the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences then please see their website for more information:

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences

Option 3 - Fee-paying research study 

You may be able to undertake a short period of undergraduate or postgraduate level research in the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences.

First, you will need to develop a research proposal and identify an academic in an appropriate subject area who will supervise you as a visiting research student.

When you can confirm your supervisor and your research proposal has been accepted then the CAHSS Visiting Student Office will provide you with an application form.

Please see the following website for more information about research options in CAHSS:

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences -Research options

Option 4 – Erasmus traineeships

Undergraduate and postgraduate level students from Erasmus programme countries may also be interested in reading about our Erasmus traineeship opportunities.

Erasmus Traineeships

College of Science and Engineering(SCE/CSE):

This option is only possible for those students whose home institutions have an exchange agreement with the University of Edinburgh in the relevant field of postgraduate study. Successful applicants will be contacted and advised about the application process and course selection process. Please note that the postgraduate taught exchange option is only available for a single semester.

Unfortunately it is currently not possible to study postgraduate taught courses in the College of Science and Engineering without an existing exchange agreement.  

Option 3 - Fee-paying research study

You may be able to undertake a short period of research here in the College of Science and Engineering. Opportunities primarily exist for visiting postgraduate research students but undergraduate level research students are considered on a case-by-case basis.

When you can confirm your supervisor and your research proposal has been accepted then you will need to contact the relevant graduate school office in order to obtain the application form, which you will need to complete. (If you wish to study at undergraduate level, please make this clear to the relevant graduate school office staff.):

College of Science and Engineering - Postgraduate research

Please note that you would be required to provide a letter of confirmation from your supervisor at Edinburgh and also a supporting letter from your supervisor at your home institution, a copy of your passport and evidence of your english language proficiency.

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (CMVM):

For detailed information about the opportunities available in CMVM, please visit the College's website:

Visiting Students at CMVM

The cost of tuition fees is dependent on the duration of your stay in Edinburgh. The cost of your proposed course of study will be confirmed when you are made an unconditional offer.

Students coming on direct exchange agreements with the University of Edinburgh will not be charged tuition fees.

Entry requirements

Each school within the university has slightly different academic and English language entry requirements for visiting students. You will be advised of the relevant entry criteria for your School at the time of application. 

This article was published on 2024-06-24

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  22. Postgraduate study

    Choose from a range of taught and research-led programmes, from one-year masters degrees to PhDs. What's it like to study here? As the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, based in one of the largest and most diverse Schools in the University of Edinburgh, we are the ideal place for postgraduate study.

  23. Research and Postgraduate Level Options

    Option 3 - Fee-paying research study. You may be able to undertake a short period of research here in the College of Science and Engineering. Opportunities primarily exist for visiting postgraduate research students but undergraduate level research students are considered on a case-by-case basis.