Research overview
We offer high-quality doctoral training to postgraduate students who wish to pursue an MPhil or PhD. As a research student, you’ll work closely with two allocated supervisors who will assist you in planning, executing and presenting your research. We encourage applications in any topic related to English studies.
The School of English offers research opportunities across a variety of topics related to English studies and draws on the resources of Nottingham’s renowned Centre for Research in Applied Linguistics. This is an interdisciplinary research centre devoted to describing and understanding language as it is acquired and used in the real world.
Why choose this programme?Â
You will cover the range of theoretical approaches making up the contemporary critical terminology of English and English studies. The course will also develop your awareness of practices in language use and their application to various contexts. The course will focus on developing your ability to engage in critical evaluations of current research along with developing your ability to problem-solve in respect of real-world projects and case studies.
Our global footprint allows you to draw on the supervisory expertise of over 80 staff specialising in numerous fields of English studies across our three campuses. Located in the UK, Malaysia and China, students are encouraged to spend a period of time at any or all of our campuses worldwide.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for an MRes/MPhil or PhD in the School of English, please email the Programme Director, Dr Shivani Sivagurunathan, to discuss your research proposal before making a formal application or visit our applications pages to find out how to apply.
Course content
Current areas of research
We encourage applications in any topic related to English. Our current research topics include:
- 19th-Century British and American Literature
- Creative Writing
- Discourse Analysis
- Fairy Tale
- Gender Studies
- Gothic
- Grammar
- Identity
- Language in the Classroom
- Malaysia Literature
- New literatures in English
- Stylistics
- World Englishes
Research training
The School also offers research training seminars and students also have access to training programmes offered by the graduate school. The University also has an early-career researchers’ network which provides peer-support for students.
Exceptional candidates working in areas of research deemed priority areas for the school may also be eligible to partial fee waiver scholarships at the discretion of the Programme Director.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Entry requirements
PhD
A good master’s degree (usually merit or higher), plus an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
OR
A first-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
MPhil
An upper second-class honours degree (2:1) (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and consider a wide range of qualifications. For certain programmes, prior qualifications must be in related fields. As part of the admissions process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview if further evaluation is deemed necessary.
Eligibility can only be confirmed upon submission of a complete application.
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic): |
7.0 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) |
TOEFL (iBT): |
100 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking) |
PTE (Academic): |
76 (with no less than 65 in each element) |
| MUET: | Band 5 |
- IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
- IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
- IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
- MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
