University of Essex

PhD Literature

University of Essex

Course overview

PhD Literature at the University of Essex offers a research environment where students explore literature across different periods, genres, and global perspectives. The programme provides expert supervision in areas such as Early Modern Literature, Romanticism, Postcolonial Writing, Science Fiction, Eco-criticism, and Literature and Human Rights.

At the University of Essex, PhD Literature students benefit from one-to-one supervision with leading academics, access to a strong research community, and the opportunity to develop critical and creative responses to literary studies. Many graduates go on to successful careers in Academia, Publishing, Journalism, Arts, and Creative Writing. 

Whether you’re interested in full-time or part-time study, PhD Literature from the University of Essex offers the flexibility and support to help you pursue your research ambitions.

Entry requirements

  • You will typically be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.
  • A well-developed research proposal is also essential.

Grade Requirements

  • A good master's degree, or equivalent, in a related subject is required.

English Proficiency

  • For students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in Writing is required.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of PhD Literature at the University of Essex are eligible to be employed in the following roles: 

  • Creative Writer
  • University Lecturer
  • Publisher
  • Editor
  • Journalist 
  • Arts Administrator

Cost of study

The tuition fee to study PhD Literature at the University of Essex is £19,650 per year. It should be noted that fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Admission

To apply for this course, you have to go through UCAS. For further assistance on the application process, you can get in touch with any of our trained counsellors.

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