Doctorate courses in English Literature for international students
A PhD in English literature is a three- to four-year research degree supervised by a specialist in your period or theme. It is the route into academia and a respected qualification in publishing, policy and cultural institutions. Funding exists but is competitive.
What a phd in english literature degree involves
Doctoral candidates produce an original thesis of around 80,000 words on a literary topic, from medieval manuscripts to contemporary world literature, digital humanities or creative-critical writing. UK PhDs are research-only; US PhDs include two years of coursework and teaching.
Why study phd in english literature abroad
- Work with leading scholars in your field
- Access to major archives and libraries
- Studentships and teaching assistantships available
- Three-year UK format is faster than the US
- Doctoral visas and Graduate Route of three years in the UK
Best countries for phd in english literature
| Country | Why | Typical annual tuition |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 3 to 4 years; AHRC and university studentships | £19,000 to £26,000 |
| United States | 5 to 7 years, usually fully funded | Funded |
| Ireland | Trinity, UCD; Irish Research Council funding | €10,000 to €18,000 |
| Canada | Toronto, McGill, UBC; funded packages | CA$8,000 to CA$25,000 |
| Australia | Sydney, Melbourne; RTP scholarships | A$35,000 to A$45,000 |
Universities to consider
Entry requirements
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | A master's in English or a related field with merit or distinction (or an exceptional first-class bachelor's), a research proposal of 1,500 to 2,500 words, writing sample, two academic references, IELTS 7.0 to 7.5. |
Careers
UK early-career lecturer salaries of roughly £38,000 to £48,000; funded PhD stipends of about £20,000 a year tax-free.
Scholarships and funding
Oasis does not award scholarships, but partner universities discount fees for strong applicants and several government schemes cover this subject. See the scholarship guide and our loan partners.
Fees and salaries are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
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Get my shortlistDoctorate courses in English Literature by country
United Kingdom
Study phd in english literature in the UK
United States
Study phd in english literature in the US
Ireland
Study phd in english literature in Ireland
Canada
Study phd in english literature in Canada
Australia
Study phd in english literature in Australia
PhD in English Literature: what students ask
Do I need a master's to start a PhD in English?
In the UK and Ireland, almost always. In the US, a bachelor's can lead directly into a PhD programme.
How do I find a supervisor?
Identify academics whose work matches your topic, email a short proposal, and apply once one agrees to supervise. We help you draft the approach.
Is funding available for international PhD students?
Yes but competitive: university studentships, AHRC doctoral partnerships, Commonwealth scholarships and country-specific awards.
How long does a UK PhD take?
Three to four years full time, up to seven part time.
Ready to study phd in english literature?
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