Comparative Literature - PhD

A PhD in Comparative Literature enables you to undertake a substantial piece of supervised research – up to 100’000 words – on a topic that makes an original contribution to knowledge and is worthy of publication. The University of Kent offers an intellectually rigorous programme that develops advanced skills in critical thinking, research design, and scholarly writing, preparing graduates for careers in academia as well as in cultural, literary, policy, and creative sectors. At its root, Comparative Literature is concerned with the intersections between different cultural, linguistic and literary traditions.

It encourages researchers to think beyond national canons, engaging comparatively with texts across languages, periods, media, and intellectual traditions. This approach fosters a deep understanding of how literature responds to, shapes, and is shaped by major historical, political, and ethical questions, making the discipline especially relevant to contemporary global challenges. The University of Kent’s Comparative Literature doctoral programme enjoys an international reputation for excellence.

Known for its strong international outlook and interdisciplinary ethos, Kent provides a vibrant and supportive research environment in which doctoral researchers are encouraged to pursue ambitious, innovative projects. You will benefit from close, personalised supervision by internationally recognised scholars, as well as from a strong culture of research seminars, conferences, and collaborative events that integrate postgraduate researchers fully into the intellectual life of the School. At the University of Kent, we offer expert supervision in a wide variety of topics, including: fascism and war in contemporary literature, the Holocaust and other genocides, post-Brexit fiction, biographical and life-writing, literature and sustainability, the medical humanities, and tropes of madness, mental health and neurodiversity.

These strengths reflect Kent’s commitment to socially engaged and ethically informed research, and its encouragement of work that speaks both to literary scholarship and to pressing cultural debates. Doctoral researchers in Comparative Literature at Kent also benefit from excellent training opportunities in research methods, teaching, and professional development, alongside access to outstanding library resources and archival collections. The University’s location, close to London and continental Europe, further enhances opportunities for research, networking, and international collaboration.

Throughout your programme, you are able to attend and contribute to research seminars, workshops, and research and transferable skills training courses. Together, these features make a PhD in Comparative Literature at the University of Kent a stimulating, supportive, and forward-looking choice for advanced literary study. You may be eligible for a fully-funded PhD scholarship to support your studies with us.

For the full list of scholarships available, please see our postgraduate funding page.