Loughborough University

Gender, Sexuality, Women’s Writing and Feminism in Literature, Film and Creative Writing

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

These PhD projects are for those interested in exploring how gender is represented and re-defined in literature, film and/or creative writing. Whether you are interested in women’s writing, the construction and performance of gender identities, LGBTQ+ literatures, or women’s bodies, care and health, we have the supervisory expertise to support your research project. In the English Department at Loughborough, we have published wide-ranging and internationally recognised research in areas relating to gender, women’s writing, sexuality and feminism, covering the span of literary periods (from early modern to contemporary) and across a variety of forms and genres.

The English Department is situated within the vibrant research culture of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Across the departments and research centres within the School there is internationally recognised expertise in social policy, feminist art history, gender, law and social justice, among other relevant areas. As a doctoral researcher, you will be encouraged to participate in wider School and University events, including research symposia, visiting talks and conferences, as well as benefiting from the training and development opportunities provided by the Doctoral College.

Invitations are invited from PhD candidates with ideas for projects relating to the theme of Gender, feminism, and literature. This could include projects relating to topics including: PhD researchers in these areas would be embedded and supported by a lively and diverse research culture, within the English department, the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the wider University. This PhD project is suited to applicants who are looking to apply for funding via the Loughborough University-China Scholarship Council or who are able to self-fund.

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Research gender, sexuality and feminism across literature, film or creative writing
  • Supervision spans early modern to contemporary periods and varied genres
  • Topics include LGBTQ+ literatures, gender identities and women's bodies, care and health
  • Interdisciplinary links with feminist art history, social policy, law and social justice
  • Research symposia, visiting talks and conferences across the School and University
  • Training and development opportunities provided by the Doctoral College

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees
  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000
  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000
  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • University lecturer
  • Postdoctoral researcher
  • Writer or author
  • Editor
  • Policy researcher in gender and equality
  • Arts and cultural sector manager

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £23,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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