English PhD

The RHUL English Department has an international reputation for advanced research. We have an excellent record of PhD completion and a thriving postgraduate community. <br/><br/>Currently we have around 50 PhD students researching topics across the full range of English literary studies, Creative Writing, and Poetic Practice. <br/><br/>Royal Holloway has excellent research facilities, including electronic resources and the largest library in the University of London.<br/><br/>The English Department supports a significant body of postgraduate students developing Practice-based PhDs, in which a component part of the research involves producing a body of creative work.<br/><br/>We currently have students developing novels, poetry collections, plays and creative work involving experimental poetic practices across disciplines and through a wide range of media. This creative component is coupled with the submission of a written critical component.<br/><br/>The relationship between the creative and critical work varies depending on the specific project, but can involve writing a critical reflection on the creative work and process of generating it; critically engaging with the work of related writers or artists; forwarding practical and/or theoretical lines of inquiry initiated by the creative practice, and so forth. <br/><br/>The Department welcomes applications for Practice-based PhDs from persons interested in pursuing this mode of research. <br/><br/>Research interests include: 17th and 18th century literature and culture; 19th century literature; 20th and 21st century literature and theory; medieval studies; Shakespeare and renaissance; creative writing and practice-based research.