Research degrees

Our department offers a broad range of research expertise and we welcome applications for doctoral study in all areas in which our academic staff are researching, within the general fields of creative writing, drama and theatre, film studies, journalism and literature.

Some of our current research student topics include the evolution of African-American oral poetry, memory and time in contemporary Art House cinema, contemporary feminist performance in the UK and its engagement with contemporary gender theory, and representations of political violence in contemporary Middle Eastern fiction.

We employ many of our research students as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA). These paid positions are valuable opportunities for professional development and give you experience of teaching and marking essays at undergraduate level, a significant advantage when it comes to applying for academic positions.

Our University's Proficio scheme helps to develop your skills and knowledge and increase your employability potential for careers in academia and industry by providing funding for specialist training across a range of areas, including researching and managing your PhD, presenting your work and getting published.

Reading texts in their original language can be a real advantage for postgraduate research. Our University’s Languages for All scheme allows you to study a language alongside your course at no extra cost.