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30 Best PhD Programs in English

Quick Highlights:

• Our #1 ranked school for a PhD in English is  University at Buffalo , followed by  University of California, Berkeley .
• PhD English programs focus on comprehensive English language and literature knowledge . They require coursework, exams, and a dissertation.
• Specializations may be available in areas like rhetoric and digital humanities.
• Many programs emphasize practical experience, including teaching opportunities and involvement in academic communities .

With one of the 30 top English PhD programs, career opportunities are numerous, because let’s face it: researching, writing, teaching, learning, communicating, and critical thinking all translate into a highly sought-after knowledge and skill set.

This is not a trick question: What would we do if we could not communicate with each other, whether verbally or in writing (or texting)?

Seriously think about it: Without language, what do we have?

There are those who live and breathe:

• sentence structures

They can’t seem to get enough of learning about the dynamic subject we call English. If you love language, writing, research, learning, and continuously searching for that right word, a PhD in English may be the graduate program you’re looking for.

Check out our top English PhD program rankings and start preparing for your future!

• Top MFA in Creative Writing
• Best PhD in Communications

What Is a PhD in English?

A PhD in English is a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest you can get in any given subject. While concentrations and programs of study differ, three parts of an English PhD are certain:

• qualifying exams
• a dissertation

Coursework typically includes various literature classes to provide a strong breadth of English language and literature knowledge. Most top English PhD programs also require foreign language requirements. After the coursework is finished in around 2-3 years, English majors will take a comprehensive qualifying exam to achieve doctoral status. This exam covers all they have studied this far, and passing it will allow them to move on to their dissertation.

A dissertation is the final step to earning a PhD in English. Think of it as an independent research project that takes years to:

• compile information

The dissertation defense is the last step, where you present your project to a faculty panel.

Most top English PhD programs take five to seven years to complete, but of course, it depends on full-time or part-time status. It is also worth noting that many graduate schools, including the ones we have reviewed, provide full funding to the student earning a PhD.

You may also like: Doctorate vs PhD

What Are the Top English PhD Programs?

At CollegeRank , we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Average Net Price

While all of our rankings in this article are notable, The University of Buffalo ranks in the top 1% of not just the country but the world by the Center for World University Rankings. Founded in 1846, SUNY Buffalo is the largest campus in the 64-campus SUNY system. It offers one of the best English PhD programs. It just happens to be our #1 choice!

What sets SUNY Buffalo apart from others? As a student, you are a part of a vibrant, supportive community as an active participant in every part of the program. You are not just going to school, but you are a part of the process. This includes attending and voting in department meetings and joining the English Graduate Student Association (EGSA).

This top PhD in English requires 72 credits, which are satisfied through ten graduate seminar courses in fields such as:

• American and British literature
• poetics and critical theory

You will then take an oral qualifying exam and complete and defend a “book-length work of original scholarship,” otherwise known as a dissertation.

As a graduate program student, you are encouraged to publish during your time at SUNY Buffalo and equipped with a third-year workshop for this goal. This graduate program takes approximately five years and is fully in person. You can apply through the Graduate Enrollment Services.

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Globally ranked as the fourth-best university according to U.S. News & World Report rankings, University of California-Berkeley has been described as a “glorious place,” full of “commitment to excellence.” This is a top graduate program in the country. The PhD in comparative literature, is both “historical and theoretical”. It includes a “signature combination of teaching and research on literature, film, and other media.”

In this English PhD program , you will choose one literature from a historical and critical perspective and complete comparative work in three kinds of literature. You will then complete ten courses encompassing:

• comparative
• major types of literature
• minor types of literature

The University of California-Berkeley says this program takes approximately seven years to complete and includes a recommended timetable to stay on track.

The University of California-Berkeley offers a myriad of fellowships and financial aid to help with the cost of this PhD program. In addition, you have the opportunity to seek employment through the department in teaching and research assistantship programs. Alumni have won national awards from the Modern Language Association and the American Comparative Literature Association (ACLA).

University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland

The University of Maryland is devoted to social entrepreneurship. It is recognized as the nation’s first  “Do Good” university. Home to over 41,000 students and 388,000 alumni, UMD spans 12 schools and colleges. It offers 297 academic programs, including the nationally ranked PhD in English. This graduate program prepares students who plan to teach at the university level with:

• language courses

Along with You will study an in-depth range of topics such as:

• literary and cultural history,
• aesthetic, critical and cultural theory
• digital and media studies
• humanistic engagement with the sciences
• language, rhetoric and composition

You will complete a minimum of 12 courses, including a foreign language requirement, while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. 

UMD’s top English PhD program is highly competitive but well worth the competition if you are accepted because all students receive a five-year funding package. To apply, you need to submit:

• a statement of goals and research interests
• transcripts
• three letters of recommendation
• a sample of critical writing
• an academic CV

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas

UT Austin is not only known for its food (especially breakfast tacos!) and music, but it’s also our #4 ranking. It has:

• excellent academic programs
• extensive research
• shared values of “equity, excellence, innovation, and empowerment”

It is ranked #20 in Best Graduate Schools from U.S. News & World Report . UT Austin offers a PhD in English with a concentration in literature or rhetoric and digital literacies.

Whether you enter the program with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, you are required to complete 39 graduate seminar hours before the end of your third year. You must pass the third-year examination to achieve doctoral candidacy. The final milestone for the PhD in English is the dissertation defense. Graduate students have access to six years of funding from combined teaching assistantships.

UT Austin’s admission is highly competitive. Each year, this English PhD program accepts 12-14 students into the literature concentration and four in the rhetoric and digital literacies program. You can apply through ApplyTexas if you have a BA or MA plus at least 15 hours of upper-division English credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

A top-ranked university with 19 faculty and alumni Nobel Prize winners? Yes, please! Check out UW-Madison, awarded #13 in America’s Best Colleges from U.S. News & Report . UW Madison offers more than 9,000 courses across over 450 academic programs, including a PhD in English with the following specializations:

• Composition and rhetoric
• English language and linguistics
• Literature studies

This graduate program “combines a sharp focus on conceptual approaches to literary and cultural works with a commitment to broad coverage of the field of Anglophone literature.” As a student, you will tailor the program to your career goals through a required minor. You will also study interdisciplinary areas such as:

• literary theory and criticism
• gender studies
• race and ethnic studies

You will complete 51-63 coursework credits depending on which concentration you choose. Each concentration includes:

• major courses
• minor courses
• research/method/tools courses

While some of the best English PhD rankings offer online or hybrid formats, UW-Madison’s coursework is face-to-face. Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. English degrees are preferred but they are not required.

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

Texas Tech warded a “Very High Research Activity” category by Carnegie Classification of Institution of Higher Education. It is a comprehensive public research university that spans 13 colleges and schools and 200 degree programs. At Texas Tech, you can earn a PhD in English with a specialization in literature.

One of the best parts of Texas Tech’s PhD in English is vast areas of study. You can choose any of the following concentrations:

• Early British literature
• Later British literature
• English and American literature
• Comparative literature, globalization, and translation
• Creative writing
• Linguistics
• Book history and digital humanities
• Film and media studies
• Literature, social justice, and environment

No matter which concentration you choose, you will take courses such as:

• Research Methods
• Critical Methods
• Writing for Publication
• Teaching College Literature

Texas Tech employs a holistic assessment for applicants while looking for:

• critical analysis skills
• a focused academic purpose
• strong letters of recommendation

University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida

Located in the heart of Tampa Bay, the University of South Florida is one of the fastest-rising universities in the nation. U.S. News and World Report ranks it as the 46th best public university in the country. At UCF, you can earn a PhD in English with either a literature or rhetoric and composition concentration.

UCF’s top English PhD program requires at least 30 hours of coursework, including:

• Scholarly Research and Writing
• Teaching Practicum
• Studies in Criticism and Theory

After completing your coursework, you must create and submit a portfolio and fulfill a foreign language requirement before you are admitted to doctoral candidacy. Then, the real fun starts: writing your dissertation.

USF graduate students can also earn graduate certificates in:

• comparative literary studies
• creative writing
• digital humanities
• professional and technical communication

UCF’s program is pretty competitive. You need:

• a Master of Arts from an accredited university
• at least a 3.7 GPA
• “competitive” GRE verbal and analytical writing scores
• recommendation letters
• a scholarly writing sample
• a personal statement

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

“Step One: Imagine. Step Two: Do.”

The University of Utah is fondly known by students, faculty, and alumni as “The U,”. It features a simple yet profound motto that has inspired many graduates to go on and make their mark on the world. Notable alumni include writer Orson Scott Card and award-winning actor Stephen Covey, among many others.

You, too, can imagine what is possible and then take action by checking out the top PhD in English . It has concentrations in rhetoric and composition or literacy and cultural studies. The program entails:

• Ten seminar courses (including four concentration courses)
• Four additional English courses
• Two courses in writing and rhetoric studies
• A qualifying exam
• A successful dissertation

The Department of English features ample opportunities for publications, along with the graduate student reading series, Working Dog, where you can showcase your original work to not only other classmates, but the public.

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

The University of Arizona is a nationally ranked university in public research and best value. It features a rich Native American history. The first graduating class in 1895 included three students before Arizona was even a state!

Check out the PhD in rhetoric, composition, and teaching of English – perfect if you intend to teach at a four-year college or a writing program.  UA’s Department of English states that the graduates of this doctoral program are “distinguished for their public engagement and action-oriented research, published scholarship, and innovative teaching.” 

The University of Arizona has an outstanding 97% job placement. English PhD graduates find themselves as nationally recognized scholars teaching, researching, and writing all over the world.

In this top English PhD program, you will complete 66 credit units, which includes 18 dissertation credits. Courses include:

• Research Methods in Rhetoric and Composition
• Qualifying Portfolio Workshop

To apply, you need to submit:

• a CV, a statement of purpose
• unofficial transcripts
• a writing sample in rhetoric or composition

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

LSU is Louisiana’s flagship institution. Louisiana State University is known for its top-notch academics and impressive return on investments. Ninety-two percent of all students receive scholarships or financial aid. Two in three students graduate with absolutely no debt. LSU’s PhD in English arms graduate students with the knowledge and skills to become expert:

• researchers

Similar to most English PhD programs, this program is organized into three phases:

• dissertation

The coursework consists of 48 credit hours of literature that “range across periods, genres, and traditions,” and critical and theoretical methods. Students will then take their exams and progress into the dissertation phase.

Students typically write one chapter of their dissertation per semester while enrolled in the Dissertation Writing Workshop. A perk of this program is that you can apply if you have either a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Arts. If you already have a master’s degree, you can apply up to 24 credit hours toward this degree and finish the PhD in just four years.

Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

Arizona State University boasts several national recognitions. This includes #1 in the country for most innovative school and the best graduate schools from U.S. News & World Report. Among the half a million alumni include notable:

• politicians
• actors and actresses

ASU features a PhD in English literature that is worth checking out!

The PhD in English literature emphasizes literary texts not only from a cultural and historical perspective but also from the “production, distribution, and reception.” The “texts” are defined as “folklore, oral traditions, popular culture, and film and digital media in addition to traditional literature.” The graduate program includes 42-72 hours in coursework. It also includes 12 hours of dissertation work.

This doctoral program is highly flexible and allows you to take courses in your interest areas. Sample courses include:

• Methods and Issues in Teaching Composition
• Rhetorical Traditions

To apply you need:

• statement of purpose
• an academic writing sample of 10-25 pages

The deadline to apply is January 1, and the GRE is not required.

University of California – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Have you ever wondered which U.S. city features the most museums and theaters than any other city? Well, it’s Los Angeles!  UCLA is proud to be right in the center of the excitement. (And in case you’re wondering, LA is home to 105 museums and 225 theaters!) At UCLA-Los Angeles, you can join the current 15,724 graduate students and earn a comprehensive PhD in English literature.

UCLA structures its PhD in three stages. Stage one entails 14 graduate seminars in English literature, with various requirements to ensure a diverse depth of literature. Stage one also includes a first qualifying exam before you proceed to stage two for a second qualifying exam. Stage three is the research, writing, and completion of a dissertation. It begins in year five and typically takes two years to complete.

Component of UCLA’s PhD program include:

• dissertation project
• teacher training

Teaching assistantships are available and encouraged for graduate students. To apply you need to submit:

• a writing sample of 15-25 pages

Currently, the GRE exam requirement is waived because of Covid-19.

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was voted #1 for Best Small College Town in America and Best U.S. Public University ( QS World University Rankings and Wallethub ). It is globally recognized for its exceptional academic quality. U-M Ann Arbor features a stellar doctoral program in English language and literature for those who aim to:

• write in a collective community

This top English PhD program allows you to specialize in British, American, or anglophone literature. Also, to“explore a wide range of critical, theoretical, and cultural perspectives.” The program focuses on learning as a social process. This is one reason why English graduate students are guaranteed six years of program funding! A huge perk.

In your first year you will:

• complete two basic languages or one advanced language
• Introduction to Graduate Studies
• three upper-level seminars

Your second year will be devoted to the preliminary examination. In the third year, a third-year review, which will provide feedback and direction. Finally, you will devote your last few years to your dissertation.

University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

If you know what the Tiger Walk and Tiger Prowl are, you certainly are familiar with the University of Missouri. It is fondly known as Mizzou. With a long history of traditions, Mizzou’s pride is seen all over the world. You can earn a PhD in English in just five years, including 30 hours of coursework that provides “deep knowledge and methodological sophistication. with a concentration on creative writing or literature.

Sample courses include:

• Literacy Criticism
• The Theory and Practice of Teaching in English
• English Linguistics
• creative writing workshops if you choose the creative writing concentration

By the spring of your third year, you should begin writing your dissertation. This could be scholarly or creative, depending on your concentration. You will have two years to complete your dissertation before you defend it by the end of your fifth year.

Recent dissertation titles include:

• “Medieval Romance, Fanfiction, and the Erotics of Shame” 
• “Science Frictions: Science, Folklore, and ‘The Future ” 
• “Magical Safe Spaces: The Role of Literature in Medieval and Early Modern Magic” 

University of Virginia – Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia

The University of Virginia is one of the very best in the nation. Both U.S. News & World Report and Money Magazine rank UVA #2 and #4 as the best public university and the best value. UVA houses a PhD in English language, literature, and research that leads graduates to all types of careers in:

• education administration

This best English PhD program entails 72 credits, including courses like:

• Introduction to Literary Research
• Dissertation Seminar

During the second semester of the fourth year, students will give a 40-min talk about their dissertation. This is a great opportunity for students to share their work with a formal venue before they defend their dissertation later.

In addition to this degree, you can earn graduate certificates in:

• Comparative literature
• Gender and sexuality studies
• African studies
• Environmental humanities
• Digital humanities

Accepted students receive financial support and health insurance for at least five years of their duration in the program.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee

Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville is one of the oldest in the country. UT Knoxville spreads across 910 acres. The 294 buildings house 11 colleges and 900 programs of study! If you’re a teacher and want to continue your education studies, then UT’s PhD in literacy studies and education may be for you.

This program is not a standard PhD in English. It combines English and education and allows you to choose from a number of concentrations and specializations. You can choose between literacy studies and education. Then you can further choose an emphasis like:

• children’s and young adult literature
• ESL education
• literacy education

This program includes 48 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. This includes six credits in a cognate area and 24 hours of doctoral research and dissertation courses. Comprehensive exams should be completed in five years. The dissertation should be completed within eight years. To apply to this program, you need at least three years of teaching experience.

University of Louisiana

Lafayette, Louisiana

Smart. Spirited. Solution-Driven.

Those are words to describe the University of Louisiana at Lafayette It is the second-largest university in Louisiana, home to over 19,000 students. We also must mention that UL’s sports teams are THE Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns®! With a PhD in English from UL, you will receive a strong background in British and American language and literature. You can further customize your program to match your career goals.

UL now has over 100 students in its PhD program, which is a lot for a PhD in English! You can specialize in four areas (out of 21!) such as:

• critical theory
• Africana literature
• feminist theory and criticism

The degree requires 72 credit hours, which include 48 in coursework and 24 in dissertation research.

UL’s PhD program asks for application materials that “testify to solid academic preparation for advanced work.” These materials include:

• Transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• A Statement of purpose
• A CV with relevant academic/professional experience
• A critical (or creative) writing sample
• Optional GRE scores

To enter in the spring, submit your application by November 15.

New York University

New York City, New York

Imagine studying English in one of the most vibrant cities in the nation: New York City. New York University Steinhardt is a top university. It is ranked #10 among the Best Graduate Schools in Education ( U.S. News & World Report ). NYU Steinhardt offers a range of programs:

• doctoral programs

This includes the notable PhD in English education: secondary and college.

This doctoral program at New York University prepares graduates to become:

• university researchers
• English curriculum specialists
• post-secondary English language educators

You will enjoy small classes in one of the most diverse settings in the world: New York City! As a student, you will complete 48-60 credits, depending on the focus area and prior coursework.

Coursework includes:

• teaching and learning seminars
• two cognate courses
• foundation requirements
• research methodology classes

Before beginning your dissertation, you will complete a research experience course to prepare you. While many programs require full-time status, you can complete this PhD full-time or part-time. To apply, you need:

• A statement of purpose
• A writing sample (no more than 20 pages)
• Three recommendation letters

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin once said, “well-done is better than well-said.” This statement, by the school’s founder, serves as the cornerstone tradition of the University of Pennsylvania. Since the 1740s, Penn continues to evolve into a place of social activism, touching all of its programs. Penn’s PhD in English combines English and American literature to produce a comprehensive program with a range of specializations.

This “intellectually dynamic and rigorous” PhD program prepares students to be scholars and educators of English. You can specialize in one primary field. Or you can specialize in two additional fields such as:

• contemporary poetry

Penn recognizes that true learning comes when students become active participants in their academic and social community. The program’s emphasis is on the relationships between scholars and faculty.

In this top English PhD program , you will take courses such as Teaching of Literature and Composition. This is along with six literature courses spanning throughout various time periods. During your third year, you will choose a specialization as you start working on your dissertation. All PhD students receive the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship, which covers tuition and health insurance for five years.

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Have you ever wondered which academic institution is our nation’s oldest? Well, it’s Harvard University, established in 1636! With over 400,000 alumni all over the world including:

• 49 Nobel Laureates
• 32 heads of state
• 48 Pulitzer Prize winners

It’s no wonder Harvard University made our list of top English PhD rankings. After all, it’s Harvard! Check out Harvard University’s PhD in English that covers topics ranging from medieval literature to criticism and theory.

Harvard’s PhD in English provides a broad knowledge of English and teaches students to:

• research and write well
• teach effectively
• present their research at conferences and seminars

The first two years are devoted to coursework and preparing for the PhD qualifying exam, while the rest of the time is spent working on the dissertation.

Check out the many past doctoral theses and dissertations published on Harvard University’s website. Harvard states that this program typically takes between four and seven years. Most students finishing in five or six years. While GRE scores are not required for admission, past English classes, strong writing samples, and excellent letters of recommendation are.

Columbia University in the City of New York

A private Ivy League University, Columbia University has been a leader in higher education for over 250 years. Columbia University spans three undergraduate schools and 13 graduate schools. This includes the Teacher College, which opened in 1880. Columbia’s Teacher College features a PhD in English education for students who aim to become teachers and researchers in higher education.

This English PhD program includes 75 credits, and students may transfer up to 30 credits from previous graduate work. All PhD English education majors will take courses like:

• Research Paper: Teaching of English
• Professional Seminar: Foundational Texts

As a student, you stay on track through:

• milestones of coursework
• meeting with your dissertation committee

While most doctoral English PhD programs only admit students once a year, Columbia’s program allows entry in both the summer and fall. To apply you need:

• a master’s degree in English
• education or a related field
• at least 3-5 years of full-time teaching experience
• an academic writing sample

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university in Ithaca, NY. It is home to over 24,000 students. This top-ranked university includes 15 colleges and schools, including The College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University. You can earn a PhD in English and language literature. This English PhD program comes with a generous financial package for students.

Cornell’s PhD in English language and literature allows you to customize your plan of study to suit your interests. You will form a faculty committee that will work with you on selecting your courses and writing and revising your dissertation. You can choose from a myriad of areas such as:

• Romance studies
• Cultural studies

This graduate program also emphasizes teaching an essential part of this plan of study. As a student, you are required to teach writing-intensive courses for at least one year during your time at Cornell. As mentioned, Cornell University provides five years of funding that includes:

• full tuition
• health insurance

Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York

Syracuse University, a highly-ranked private research institution, states that “being orange is more than just a color, a place or degree. It embodies a lifelong connection to a global network of innovators, thinkers, and creative solution finders.” Join the “Orange Community” of 22,000 other students when you earn a top PhD in English from Syracuse University.

Syracuse’s Ph.D. in English includes “specialized professional training in criticism, theory, research, and the teaching of literary and filmic texts”. It prepares you to teach at the college and university level.  You can apply whether you have a BA or master’s degree, and you will take between 12-18 courses, depending on your past academic records.

This PhD program is pretty straightforward. You will take courses like:

• Introduction to Critical Theory
• focused graduate seminars
• a foreign language

You will also take two exams: the field exam and the qualifying exam. This will qualify you as a doctoral candidate to begin:

• researching
• defending your dissertation

Syracuse boasts an excellent job placement record for PhD in English graduates.

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri

Washington University was founded in 1853 in St. Luis. WashUis an independent university with more than 16,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. It offers many opportunities, including:

• customizable programs
• study abroad experiences
• impressive financial aid options

You won’t want to miss the PhD in English and American literature from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Washington University’s PhD in English and American literature is described as “innovative, collegial, competitive, and generously funded, offering one of the top financial packages in the nation”. The program is rooted in literary history. As a student, you can tailor your plan of study to incorporate areas of English that you want to explore.

During your time at WashU, you will serve as both a graduate assistant and instructor in undergraduate English and literature courses. During year four, you will submit a dissertation prospectus. The next two years you will spend working on your dissertation. By April of year six, you will be ready to defend your dissertation and become a Doctor of English!

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Ranked #9 in the U.S. News & World Report 2020 Best Colleges, Northwestern University is a comprehensive research university. It has more than 13,000 graduate students and an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University features a PhD in literature that emphasizes:

• literary history
• criticism, and theory
• interdisciplinary studies

This best English graduate program includes:

• lectures and workshops from global scholars
• student-organized colloquia
• reading groups, conferences
• many ways to learn from not only the faculty, but from peers

You will complete 20 graduate-level courses in diverse historical periods during your first three years. In addition, you will complete a foreign language requirement by the end of year one.

At Northwestern, you will:

• work as a graduate assistant
• teach at least one course
• work on your dissertation during years four and five

While this PhD program can be completed in five years, most students complete it in six. As a graduate student at Northwestern, you will receive:

• full financial aid
• travel grants
• pedagogical training
• job placement

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida

Established in 1925, the University of Miami is a private research academic institution with numerous national recognitions in academic and research success. Check out UM’s Pride Points and what it means to be part of the Hurricane family. While you’re at it, check out the PhD in English with concentrations in Caribbean studies or early modern literature. This is a degree full of diversity and opportunity.

UM’s PhD in English is nationally ranked by the National Research Council for student and faculty diversity. As a student at UM, you will enjoy diverse topics such as:

• Caribbean literature
• early modern literature
• cultural theory

The cohorts are only five to seven students, so you will be among a tight-knit community of English scholars.

UM admits incoming students with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in English, and your previous degree(s) will determine whether you need to take 54 or 36 credits of coursework. You will also receive:

• at least five years of tuition remissions

UM reports that over 90% of its PhD graduates have full-time employment within nine months of graduating.

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

The University of Chicago, a highly-ranked private research university, is known for its value of free and open inquiry. This has led to research breakthroughs such as:

• finding the cancer-genetics link
• discovering revolutionary economics links
• improving the graduation rates in urban cities

UChicago’s PhD in English language and literature involves intensive research for solutions, and open expression, staying true to UChicago’s values.

The University of Chicago’s PhD in English language and literature “prepares students for independent work as teachers, scholars, and critics by developing their abilities to pose and investigate problems in the advanced study of literature in English.” The four major elements of this program include:

• the dissertation.

Part of the appeal of this program are the dynamic courses like:

• The Print Revolution and New Readers: Women, Workers, Children
• Early Science Fiction
• Readings in Exile
• scanned transcripts
• 3-4 recommendation letters
• a 15-20 page writing sample
• a 1-3 page statement of purpose

Boston College

Newton, Massachusetts

“Education with a heart and soul – and the power to transform” is Boston College’s motto. Boston College is the first higher education institution in Boston. This private Jesuit research university is among one of the nation’s leaders. Boston College’s PhD in English gives graduate students the choice of a wide range of courses to tailor the program to their interests and career goals.

As a student, you are required to take just four PhD seminars along with courses in composition theory and pedagogy and research colloquium. The rest is up to you, and you will work with your advisor to build your program. Teaching is another component and starting with your second year, you will become a teaching assistant in a British or American literature class.

We’ll be honest: the very thing that we love about this program—the small classes—means that each year Boston College only admits 4-5 students. Applications for the fall semester are due by January 2. To apply you need:

• a critical writing statement

The Catholic University of America

Washington, D.C.

Right in the heart of our nation’s capital, you will find the Catholic University of America. It is the only national research academic institution found by the U.S. bishops. CatholicU is a great place to earn a  PhD in English language and literature offering:

• more than 250 academic programs
• 5,700 students
• 90,000+ alumni

And who wouldn’t want to study literature in Washington D.C.?

CatholicU’s English language and literature program includes 54 credit of coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. The comprehensive exam consists of three parts:

• literary theory
• the history of criticism

After you pass the exam, you will begin your dissertation, described by CatholicU as “a substantial piece of original research,” which “gives the doctoral program its capstone.”

CatholicU’s location allows you to become fully immersed in literary history since you are among some of the most reputable museums, research collections, and libraries. Classes are small, so you will get personalized attention, including pedagogical training. CatholicU offers funding for this English language and literature PhD program for up to seven years.

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters features a “flexible and dynamic” PhD in English that entails 42 credits of literary criticism courses, preparing you for:

• individualized reading courses
• independent study

Your written and oral exams in the third year will assess your knowledge and skills in your specialization, a secondary field, literary theory, and methodology.

You will then focus on researching for your dissertation, which you will defend in year five or six. 

Notre Dame also offers a 5+1 program that gives job incentives for students finishing this program in five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

PhD graduates can find rewarding careers in academia, journalism, media, and other communication fields. You can also become a content strategist or explore writing opportunities. Your expertise in language and literature opens doors to diverse fields of research and publishing.

Historical trends indicate PhDs in English graduates find jobs in academia, research, publishing, and related fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary teachers (which includes university professors) is projected to grow 8% through 2032. This should result in about 118,000 new job openings each year, over the next 10 years.

Pay varies for PhD in English graduates, based on factors such as experience, location, and employment sector. In academia, assistant professors with a PhD in English start with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $80,000, while more experienced professors earn higher salaries.

A PhD in English typically takes 5 to 7 years. It involves coursework, comprehensive exams, dissertation research, and writing. Some online PhD programs allow students to finish their degree in less time, but the average is 6 years.

Many PhD programs in English offer financial support to students, which can include tuition waivers, stipends, and teaching or research assistant positions. Students often receive compensation for their teaching or research contributions, helping to offset costs during their doctoral studies. Stipends and compensation for teaching or research assistantships can range from a few thousand dollars to more substantial amounts, depending on the university, location, and program.

Yes, earning a PhD in English grants you the title of “Doctor.” When you successfully complete a doctoral program, including a PhD in English, you’re awarded the academic title of “Doctor of Philosophy.” You can use the prefix “Dr.” before your name in professional and academic contexts.

Yes, it is possible to pursue a PhD in English without a master’s degree. Some doctoral programs accept students with a bachelor’s degree directly into their PhD programs, providing specific academic and admission requirements are met.

English PhD Stipends in the United States: Statistical Report

By Eric Weiskott

The stipend data were gathered by consulting program websites and, if no URL is cited, by canvassing departmental faculty and staff members responsible for administering English PhD programs, often holding the title “Director of Graduate Studies” (DGS). 1 In some cases, the standard stipend must be expressed as a dollar range rather than a fixed amount, for reasons specified in the notes.

All figures given in this report are gross pay, reflecting neither tax withholding schemes nor any mandatory student fees. All figures are rounded to the nearest dollar. All figures reflect the base or standard stipend offer, not including supplemental funding offered on a competitive basis at the department, college, or university level. All figures represent twelve-month pay, regardless of whether the program distinguishes between academic-year stipend and any summer stipend, provided both are guaranteed. While every effort was made to procure academic year 2021–22 or 2022–23 figures, in a few cases this was not possible. A limitation of the data therefore is that they mix current and recent stipend amounts. For some programs, the standard stipend increases or decreases during the course of the degree. Where the changes in pay occur in specific years, they are accordingly factored into the numbers given in the report, which represent a five-year average in these instances. However, where the changes depend on the unpredictable completion of program requirements, or reflect differential pay based on past degrees earned or not earned at the time of matriculation, I express the standard stipend as a range. Because programs with a stipend range are ranked and averaged according to the average of the low and high ends of the range, the report may slightly overstate or understate the total value of the stipend over the length of the degree depending how candidates tend to move through those programs, or depending on the academic background of the candidates who matriculate into them.

Cost-of-living comparisons were made using Nerdwallet ’s cost-of-living calculator (“Cost”), checked against the standardized cost-of-living rating on BestPlaces (“2022 Cost”).  Nerdwallet ’s calculator has the advantage of splitting up geography into medium-sized benchmark areas, often roughly corresponding to a commutable radius around a town or city, as opposed to the jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction comparisons of BestPlaces and other cost-of-living calculators, which would be more pertinent to real estate purchases. However, use of the Nerdwallet tool entails limitations, occasionally acute. Some university campuses are located closer to available Nerdwallet benchmarks than others. Certain rural and suburban campuses are located in jurisdictions with somewhat higher or lower cost of living than the closest available Nerdwallet benchmark, often a city. These limitations were corrected for in the more severe cases and to the extent possible by averaging multiple benchmarks selected for geographic proximity and comparable cost of living (as given on BestPlaces ) to the location of the campus, as noted in each case in table 2. The possibility of PhD candidates’ commuting to campus from a distance greater than the radius of a Nerdwallet benchmark, not to mention the possibility of their living farther afield when teaching remotely in the COVID-19 pandemic or dissertating, further complicates a direct benchmark-to-benchmark cost-of-living conversion.

It was particularly difficult to determine the cost of living for one campus, Rutgers University, New Brunswick. This is because Rutgers is within commuting distance of New York, the highest cost-of-living metropolitan area in the United States, coupled with the fact that the Nerdwallet benchmark to which the city of New Brunswick belongs, “Middlesex-Monmouth,” covers two New Jersey counties that include many towns as distant from New Brunswick to the south and west as Brooklyn and Manhattan are to the north and east. That is, New Brunswick is inadvantageously situated in its Nerdwallet benchmark for the purposes of stating an average cost of living that captures patterns of commuting to and from campus. Commutes from south and west of campus are included, while commutes from north and east are excluded. In the Midwest and West, where Nerdwallet tends to have fewer benchmark areas, suburban and smaller urban campuses within commuting distance of a large city often are benchmarked to that city—for example, the University of Colorado, Boulder, to the Denver benchmark and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, to the Detroit benchmark. It would therefore seem to be inconsistent to omit to factor New York into the cost-of-living-adjusted value of a stipend paid by Rutgers University, New Brunswick, particularly as the difference between the cost of living in New York and New Brunswick is so much greater than the difference between the cost of living in Detroit and Ann Arbor, or between Denver and Boulder. My solution, to average the average of the Nerdwallet results for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens together with the results for Middlesex-Monmouth, is an admittedly provisional one that risks overstating the cost of living of pursuing a PhD in English at Rutgers, which, after all, is not located in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens. In a private communication, the DGS reports that a little over one quarter of current Rutgers English graduate candidates reside in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or adjacent Jersey City, NJ. I consider this proportion large enough to confirm my initial expectation that the very high cost of living in New York should factor into an estimate of the cost of living associated with a Rutgers English PhD in some way. I have not systematically polled DGSs about where candidates live. If nothing else, I hope the difficult case of Rutgers illuminates the limitations of representing cost of living with a single standardized number in an age of urban agglomeration, rapid transport, and a prevailing tolerance for work commutes of up to one hour or so.

Endowment figures (figure 1) were drawn from the fiscal year 2020 statistical report on North American university endowments published by the National Association of College and University Business Officers ( U.S. and Canadian Institutions ).

This stipend report is not a substitute for a holistic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of an individual PhD program and is not intended to guide prospective PhD applicants toward or away from any given program. The report does not take account of such significant variables as relative strength of the program in the applicant’s area of specialty; any competitive fellowships and stipends available; exam requirements burden; teaching and service expectations; cultural life and nearby off-campus intellectual institutions; the number of years of full funding guaranteed past five, if any; or record of placing graduates into full-time academic employment. The report isolates the stipend as one important factor among several shaping the experience, opportunity cost, and financial, intellectual, and professional benefit of pursuing graduate study in English. Graduate candidates are workers as well as students, and the stipend is their salary. It is hoped that by understanding these data, program administrators, graduate administrators, department chairs, current PhDs, and prospective PhD applicants can form an evidence-based impression of what the English PhD pays around the country and in divergent institutional and regional settings.

For completeness, appendixes list the universities among the 135 that either offer the PhD in English but do not guarantee full funding for five or more years (appendix B) or do not offer the PhD in English (appendix C). Note

1 I thank Anna Chang for assistance gathering updated stipend amounts at a late stage of the project.

Works Cited

“Best National University Rankings.” U.S. News and World Report , 2022, www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities .

“Cost of Living Calculator.” Nerdwallet , 2022, www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator .

“2022 Cost of Living Calculator.” BestPlaces , 2022, www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/ .

U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 . National Association of College and University Business Officers , 2021, www.nacubo.org/-/media/Documents/Research/2020-NTSE-Public-Tables–Endowment-Market-Values–FINAL-FEBRUARY-19-2021.ashx.

Table 1. English PhD Standard Stipend Nationwide Comparison

Table 1 Average: $25,006

Table 1 Median: $25,000   

Table 1 Notes

1 The figure reflects a stipend of $30,800 for the first year and $36,570 thereafter, averaged over five years.

2 gfs.stanford.edu/salary/salary22/tal_all.pdf . I obtained this figure by tripling the standard arts and sciences per-quarter rate to reflect Stanford University’s three-quarter, nine-month academic year.

3 The figure reflects an academic-year stipend of $27,605 ($3,067 per month), plus a summer stipend that is the average of the 2020–21 summer stipend of $5,300 ($1,767 per month) and three months of the 2021–22 academic-year rate—namely, $7,251 ($2,417 per month). Brown University is phasing in a summer stipend to match the academic-year stipend over the next year.

4 www.tgs.northwestern.edu/funding/index.html .

5 gsas.yale.edu/resources-students/finances-fellowships/stipend-payments#:~:text=students%20receive%20a%20semi%2Dmonthly,2022%20academic%20year%20is%20%2433%2C600 .

6 The figure reflects an academic-year stipend of $28,654, plus a summer stipend of $6,037 for the first four years, averaged over five years.

7 today.duke.edu/2019/04/duke-makes-12-month-funding-commitment-phd-students#:~:text=students%20in%20their%20guaranteed%20funding,54%20programs%20across%20the%20university .

8 english.rutgers.edu/images/5_10_2021_-_Fall_2022_grad_website_updated_des_of_funding_for_prospectives.pdf . The figure reflects an academic-year stipend of $25,000 for the first year and $29,426 thereafter, plus a summer stipend of $5,000 the first summer and $2,500 each of the next two summers, averaged over five years.

9 The figure is anticipated for 2022–23 following an admissions pause in 2021–22.

10 The low figure is a teaching assistant offer; the high figure is a university fellowship. While funding in excess of the rate for teaching assistants is competitive, it is also de facto guaranteed: for 2021–22, all eight offers of admission exceeded the rate for teaching assistants.

11 policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1238 . The figure reflects a stipend of $25,000 with $1,000 in summer funding in year 3 and $4,500 in summer funding in years 4-5, averaged over five years.

12 The figures reflect a stipend range of $18,240–$25,000 for the first year and $23,835 thereafter, averaged over five years.

13 The figure reflects a stipend of $25,166 for the first year, $24,166 for the second through fourth years, and $19,000 for the fifth year, averaged over five years.

14 grad.ucdavis.edu/sites/default/files/upload/files/facstaff/salary_21-22_october_2021.pdf . I obtained this figure by halving the standard teaching assistant annual rate to reflect the rule that PhD candidates at the University of California, Davis, may work no more than half time.

15 Lehigh University guarantees full funding for five years for candidates classified as full-time. This includes all candidates except a few who are nontraditional students and bring an outside salary or other outside funding to the degree.

16 miamioh.edu/cas/academics/departments/english/admission/graduate-admission/graduate-funding/teaching-positions/index.html .

17 The figures reflect an academic-year stipend of $17,100, plus a summer stipend range of $2,500–$5,000.

18 The figures reflect a stipend of $23,688 for the first year and a range of $19,480–$20,250 thereafter, averaged over five years.

19 hr.uic.edu/hr-staff-managers/compensation/minima-for-graduate-appointments/ .

20 The University of Utah guarantees full funding for five years for those entering with a BA but four years for those entering with an MA.

21 Among the doctoral degrees offered by the English department at Purdue University, West Lafayette, the one in question is the PhD in literature, theory, and cultural studies.

22 The University of Florida guarantees full funding for six years for those entering with a BA but four years for those entering with an MA.

23 These figures reflect the range between FTE .40 at level I (BA holder, precandidacy) and FTE .49 at level II (MA holder, advanced to candidacy). See https://graduatestudies.uoregon.edu/funding/ge/salary-benefits for a schedule of salaries.

Table 2. English PhD Standard Stipend Nationwide Comparison, Adjusted for Cost of Living (Expressed in Boston-Area Dollars)

Table 2 Average: $33,060

Table 2 Median: $31,718

Table 2 Notes

1 I used the benchmark for Philadelphia, which, although geographically distant from State College / University Park, has a more comparable cost of living than other benchmarks for Pennsylvania.

2 For programs located in New York City—in this listing, Columbia University; New York University; Graduate Center, City University of New York; and Fordham University—I averaged the results for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

3 I averaged the results for Austin and Houston.

4 I averaged the New York City triborough average with the results for Middlesex-Monmouth, NJ. This reflects Rutgers’s liminal geographic location: it is much closer to New York City, without being in the city, than any other campus on this list, and a substantial minority of Rutgers PhD candidates commute to campus from the city.

5 I averaged the results for San Francisco and Oakland.

6 I averaged the results for Bakersfield and San Diego. While Los Angeles is closer geographically, it has a much higher cost of living than Riverside and is just outside of convenient commuting range.

7 I averaged the results for Boston and Pittsfield.

8 I averaged the results for Queens and Albany, a better approximation of the cost of living on eastern Long Island than averaging the cost of living in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

9 I averaged the results for Los Angeles and San Francisco.

10 I averaged the results for Washington, DC, and Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD.

Table 3a. English PhD Standard Stipend Nationwide Comparison: Private Universities

Table 3a Average: $28,653

Table 3a Median: $28,967

Table 3b. English PhD Standard Stipend Nationwide Comparison: Public Universities

Table 3b Average: $22,230

Table 3b Median: $21,500

Table 4a. English PhD Standard Stipend Comparison: West and Southwest

Table 4a Average: $25,661

Table 4a Median: $25,500

Table 4b. English PhD Standard Stipend Comparison: Midwest

Table 4b Average: $23,234

Table 4b Median: $21,966

Table 4c. English PhD Standard Stipend Comparison: Northeast

Table 4c Average: $26,741

Table 4c Median: $26,235

Table 4d. English PhD Standard Stipend Comparison: South

Table 4d Average: $22,438

Table 4d Median: $20,881

Appendix A. English PhD Programs Declining to Have Stipend Data Published

Appendix B. English PhD Programs Not Guaranteeing Full Funding for Five or More Years

Appendix B Notes

1 The department will “attempt to fully fund all students admitted to the PhD program for five years” ( english.columbian.gwu.edu/graduate-admissions-aid#phd ).

2 Guarantees full funding for four years.

3 “All admitted students receive a multi-year funding package” ( www.humanities.uci.edu/english/graduate/index.php ).

4 Guarantees full funding for four years.

Appendix C. Universities Not Offering the PhD in English

Appendix C Notes

* Offers a terminal MA in English.

1 Offers a terminal MA in literature, culture, and technology.

2 Offers a terminal MA in English literature and publishing.

3 Offers a PhD in rhetoric and professional communication.

4 Offers a PhD in communication, rhetoric, and digital media.

5 Offers a PhD in communication and rhetoric.

6 Offers a PhD in literature. The University of California, Davis, and the University of Kansas also offer a PhD in literature, yet, unlike the University of California, San Diego, or the University of California, Santa Cruz, the Davis and Kansas degrees are housed in English departments and retain an explicitly anglophone focus.

7 Offers a PhD in rhetoric and writing.

*Campus-specific endowment information is not available in the National Association of College and University Business Officers report.

Eric Weiskott is professor of English at Boston College, where he directs the English PhD program. His most recent book is  Meter and Modernity in English Verse, 1350–1650  (U of Pennsylvania P, 2021).

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Phd in english: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in english.

A PhD in English is a postgraduate degree that focuses on the study of English language, literature, and culture. The PhD in English program is typically intended to prepare students for careers in research and teaching in the field of English studies.

A PhD in English program often includes advanced study in literary theory, critical analysis, research technique, and linguistics. Furthermore, students are frequently required to complete a substantial research project or dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Some common areas of specialization within a PhD in English program include:

• American literature
• British literature
• Comparative literature
• Cultural studies
• Creative writing
• Linguistics
• Rhetoric and composition

How much money do people make with a PhD in English?

The pay of someone with a PhD in English can vary depending on criteria such as their area of specialization, region, and job type.

Academics, such as professors and researchers, can expect to earn between $70,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on their level of expertise, institution, and topic of study. However, compensation for adjunct or part-time faculty employment may be lower.

Working in sectors such as publishing, writing, or journalism may be further choices for someone with a PhD in English. Salaries in these sectors can range greatly, with some employment earning less than $50,000 per year and others receiving six figures.

What is expected job growth with PhD in English?

Individuals with a PhD in English may face varying job development prospects based on their area of concentration and the career route they pick.

However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that job growth for postsecondary teachers, including those in the subject of English, will be 9 percent from 2020 to 2030.

This expansion can be linked to rising demand for higher education, which includes courses in English and other liberal arts disciplines.

However, competition for tenure-track posts at colleges and universities can be fierce, and many PhD English graduates may find work in non-academic industries such as publishing, writing, or journalism.

What can you do with a PhD in English?

A PhD in English can lead to a wide range of professional prospects in academia and beyond. Here are a few examples of possible job paths:

1. College or university professor: One of the most typical job routes for those with a PhD in English is to become a college or university professor. Teaching English literature and language courses, conducting research, producing scholarly articles and books, and mentoring students are all part of the job.

2. Writing and editing: Individuals with a PhD in English may pursue employment in writing or editing. Positions in journalism, technical writing, grant writing, or working at publishing houses are examples of this.

3. Research and Analysis: Individuals with a PhD in English may engage in research and analysis professions such as market research or data analysis, as their strong research skills and ability to critically examine texts can be useful in a variety of sectors.

4. Arts and Culture: Some graduates may work in the arts and culture sector, such as museums, art galleries, or cultural organizations.

5. Government and Non-profit: Graduates with a PhD in English may also work in government or non-profit organizations in fields such as education, policy, or advocacy.

What are the requirements for a PhD in English?

The specific requirements for obtaining a PhD in English can vary depending on the institution and program, but generally, the following are common requirements:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Applicants to most PhD programs in English must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Although it is not usually required, certain schools may accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a related discipline.

2. Academic Transcripts: Applicants are usually expected to present certified transcripts of their undergraduate and graduate education, which demonstrate their academic performance and achievement.

3. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are typically expected to provide a personal statement or statement of purpose detailing their research interests, academic ambitions, and reason for pursuing a PhD in English.

4. Standardized Test Scores: Applicants to many PhD programs may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other related assessments.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants to PhD programs in English are frequently required to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources who may speak to the applicant’s academic talents, research potential, and eligibility for a PhD program.

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How long does it take to get a phd in english.

The length of time it takes to earn a PhD in English varies based on the school, the speed of the particular student, and other considerations. A PhD in English usually takes between 5-7 years to complete.

The first 2-3 years of a PhD program are often spent studying English literature, theory, and research methodologies. Students will often take comprehensive tests during this time to demonstrate their understanding in these topics.

After completing their coursework, students will typically spend the next 2-3 years working on their dissertation. Conducting original research, analyzing data, and writing a lengthy and detailed dissertation are all part of this process.

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Do you need a masters in english to get a phd in english.

A master’s degree in English is usually not required to apply for a PhD program in English. Many English PhD programs accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree in English or a related discipline, however others may demand extra coursework or research experience.

However, having a master’s degree in English may be advantageous for some individuals because it might demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and preparedness for the additional coursework and research necessary in a PhD program.

What are the Best PhD in English Degree programs?

1. harvard university 2. university of california, berkeley 3. university of chicago 4. stanford university 5. columbia university 6. yale university 7. princeton university 8. university of pennsylvania 9. university of michigan 10. university of california, los angeles (ucla), leave a comment cancel reply.

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The graduate program in English provides you with a broad knowledge in the discipline, including critical and cultural theory and literary history. This solid foundation enables you to choose your own path based on the wide variety of areas of concentration. Our flexible program allows you to take courses outside the department to further explore your chosen field(s). Our program emphasizes excellence in writing, innovative scholarship, and eloquent presentations—important skills you will need in your future profession. The program and its faculty are committed both to diversity in its student body and in the diversity of thought and scholarship.

Examples of student theses and dissertations include “The Write to Stay Home: Southern Black Literature from the Great Depression to Early Twenty-first Century,” “Profaning Theater: The Drama of Religion on the Modernists Stage,” and “Sentimental Borders: Genre and Geography in the Literature of Civil War and Reconstruction.”

Graduates have secured faculty positions at institutions such as Brown University, Columbia University, and University of California, Los Angeles. Others have begun their careers with leading organizations such as Google and McKinsey & Company.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of English , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Unspecified | Medieval | Renaissance/Early Modern | 18th Century/Enlightenment | 19th Century British/Romantics/Victorian | Early American (to 1900) | 20th Century British | 20th Century American | Criticism and Theory | The English Language | Transnational Anglophone/Postcolonial | African American Literature | Drama | Poetry

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of English .

Writing Sample

The writing samples (one primary and one secondary) are highly significant parts of the application. Applicants should submit 2 double-spaced, 15-page papers of no more than 5,000 words each, in 12-point type with 1-inch margins. The writing samples must be examples of critical writing (rather than creative writing) on subjects directly related to English. Applicants should not send longer papers with instructions to read an excerpt or excerpts but should edit the samples themselves so that they submit only 15 pages for each paper. Applicants who know the field in which they expect to specialize should, when possible, submit a primary writing sample related to that field.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is not a personal statement and should not be heavily weighted down with autobiographical anecdotes. It should be no longer than 1,000 words. It should give the admissions committee a clear sense of the applicant's individual interests and strengths. Applicants need not indicate a precise field of specialization if they do not know, but it is helpful to know something about a candidate’s professional aspirations and sense of their own skills, as well as how the Harvard Department of English might help in attaining their goals. Those who already have a research topic in mind should outline it in detail, giving a sense of how they plan their progress through the program. Those who do not have a research topic should at least attempt to define the questions and interests they foresee driving their work over the next few years.

Personal Statement

Standardized tests.

GRE General: Optional GRE Subject: Optional

While there are no specific prerequisites for admission, a strong language background helps to strengthen the application, and students who lack it should be aware that they will need to address these gaps during their first two years of graduate study.

While a candidate's overall GPA is important, it is more important to have an average of no lower than A- in literature (and related) courses. In addition, while we encourage applications from candidates in programs other than English, they must have both the requisite critical skills and a foundation in English literature for graduate work in English. Most of our successful candidates have some knowledge of all the major fields of English literary study and advanced knowledge of the field in which they intend to study.

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Ph.D. Requirements

We attempt to make each stage of the progress towards the doctoral degree less an obstacle race, with each stage a step to be got through before the "real work" can begin, than an integral and component part of the making of an intellectual.

Course Requirements

At Duke, the doctoral candidate must be enrolled for six semesters of full tuition. Students must successfully complete eleven graduate courses for credit in their first two years, but they may, of course, take more than the minimum number of courses, either as audits or for credit: typically students take between twelve and fourteen courses in their first three years of study. All courses at the 500-800 levels in both the English department and the Program in Literature may be counted toward the eleven-course requirement and courses in other departments for which students have an intellectual rationale can also be counted. At the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, up to three courses of the eleven normally required may be remitted for a student who has completed an MA degree at another university.

Foreign Language Requirement

Our program requires foreign language proficiency in at least one language. We ask that the student establish this proficiency within the first two years of the program, either by certifying a grade of "B" or better in a literature course conducted in the language at another college or university within two years of matriculating at Duke, or by successfully completing one of the departmentally approved modes of satisfying the requirement listed in the Handbook.

Areas of Concentration

Beginning in the second year of the program, the student selects one major and two minor fields of concentration that will form the basis of the preliminary examination on a major area of concentration. The student should also select a preliminary examining committee, consisting of a major-field faculty advisor and three other faculty members, by the end of the second year. A summer reading list is due to the Director of Graduate Study before the summer of the student's third year. For a helpful list of questions to ask as you assemble a committee and prepare for exams, please see the Graduate English Association Best Practices Sheet for Exams and Reading lists .  

Portfolio Review

At the end of the Fall semester of the second year, the student selects three papers that they have written for coursework to make a portfolio.  They write a brief reflective statement about the portfolio and select two faculty members—usually one of these the prospective committee chair and one a possible committee member—who, along with the DGS, read the three papers and discuss them with the student before the end of the Spring semester. 

Preliminary Examination

In the spring semester of the third year, the student takes two written examinations, one on the major and one on the two minor areas of concentration. These take the form of two take-home 12 hour exams. The written portion is followed within two weeks by an oral examination on the major as well as the two minor fields. Both the written and the oral examinations are administered by the preliminary examination committee (see above).

Dissertation

In the fourth and fifth years, the student will be expected to complete a book-length thesis of original scholarship. The Ph.D. degree is awarded upon completion and successful defense of the dissertation. The dissertation committee of four members (typically, though not invariably, the four members of the preliminary examining committee) is responsible for assisting as appropriate in the dissertation research and writing, deciding on the acceptability of the work, and administering the Final Doctoral Oral Examination.

Dissertation Chapter Meeting

A chapter consultation for the dissertation is scheduled within six months of the preliminary examination. At this meeting, the student submits a draft of the first chapter and a brief outline of the projected shape of the rest of the dissertation for discussion with the assembled dissertation committee. From this point forward, the director of the dissertation serves as the principal advisor, and the second and third reader are typically also asked to read work in progress. The fourth reader usually reads the dissertation in full only when it has reached its final form.

Time Limits and Deadlines

The dissertation should normally be submitted and accepted within two years of the preliminary examination; extensions may be granted, but only in extraordinary circumstances will they be granted for longer than two further years. Regulations  governing details such as the filing of the title  by a stipulated deadline, the format, and the deadline for submission of a final version before the scheduled examination, are all set by the Graduate School and should be carefully followed.

The Final Doctoral Oral Examination

All members of the dissertation committee must participate in this examination. Typically, the exam takes two hours, and it may involve questions not only about the content of the dissertation, but on the candidate's major field. Minor changes or corrections on the dissertation may be requested. Three committee members, including the dissertation director, must agree that the candidate will pass.

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Home  >  News & Articles  >  PhD in English: Courses, Fees, Syllabus, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Scope & Salary 2023

Abhishek Dogra

Updated on 18th August, 2023 , 10 min read

PhD in English: Courses, Fees, Syllabus, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Scope & Salary 2023

A PhD in English is a three to six-year doctorate program that focuses on technical writing in prose, poetry, theater, and fiction as well as translations, international literature, and ancient literature. There are several job prospects for English PhD candidates in India and overseas in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Graduates can begin their careers as a lecturer, professors, school teachers, private tutors, education consultants, vice principals, program managers, English teachers, language trainers, proofreaders, or customer support associates, among other positions.

PhD in English students must have earned their Masters's degrees in order to enroll in a PhD English course. Before applying for admission to a PhD in English, an M.A. in English or an M.Phil. is required. They should receive at least 50% of the possible points in their exams. Additionally, several colleges and universities accept job applications for English research positions. These roles are typically referred to as research fellows. This may serve as yet another entry point for a PhD English course. There are PhD entry exams at some universities.

PhD in English: Course Highlights

Why Pursue PhD in English?   

A PhD in English literature is a fantastic way to advance your abilities in critical thinking, cooperation, communication, independent research, and many other areas and discover more about your areas of interest, and get the skills you need to advance particular study topics significantly. 

Who should pursue PhD in English?

It's important to note that pursuing a PhD in English is a significant commitment, often requiring several years of research, academic writing, and critical analysis. Prospective PhD candidates should be passionate about their chosen area of study, dedicated to research, and have a strong desire to contribute to the academic and intellectual discourse within the field of English language and literature.

PhD in English: Duration

PhD in English is a three-year program. It deals to impart students with the required theoretical background and research skills where students research and comprehension of works published in the English language in various historical periods, from prehistoric times to the post-modern era.

PhD in English: Fees

Some of the top Colleges/Universities offering Ph.D , location, along with their fees are given below: 

PhD in English: Eligibility

The minimum eligibility for PhD English Literature is a master's degree in the English language with a minimum of 55% aggregate in the discipline passed from a recognized university.

PhD in English Admission Process

The completion of a Masters-level degree is the primary qualification for admission to PhD English programs. An M.A. in the arts or an M.Phil. Students who are taking final exams may also apply to take the entrance test. Such students should be ready for the State Level Eligibility Tests (SLETs), the CSIR-NET, or the GATE entrance exams.

It's critical to keep in mind that passing results on these tests are a criterion for admission. Additionally, keep in mind that SLET results are only important for the state. However, GATE and CSIR-NET exam results are accepted at all Indian universities. Only a few Indian universities accept GATE scores, but all Indian institutes accept CSIR-NET scores.

PhD in English Entrance Examinations

There are several routes for a deserving student to gain admission to a PhD in English. In addition to the admission tests mentioned above, the relevant universities also hold university-level exams. Merit-based admissions are used by several universities.

PhD English: Important dates of Entrance Exams

Written below are the important dates for PhD in English entrance exam :

PhD in English: Syllabus

Deep reflection and social awareness are key components of a PhD in English course. The following domains make up the learning experiences for PhD students, though the names of the subjects may vary from university to university.

A detailed syllabus for the PhD The English course is provided in the table below. The presentation is thorough in the syllabus. Depending on the situation, individual universities may add additional sections.

PhD in English: Colleges in India

PhD in English: Colleges in Delhi

Phd in english: college comparison.

PhD in English at Loyal College vs PhD in English at Chandigarh University

PhD in English: Salary

A PhD holder's pay will vary depending on their subject and job. PhD in English jobs in India are available in both the public and private sectors.  The typical pay for new hires is between INR 3.5 and 5 LPA. Depending on your qualifications and expertise, it might rise to INR 6–12 LPA. The work scope will expand with experience and expertise. Additionally, government universities will pay professors INR 6 LPA in salaries.

Given below are the PhD in English jobs along with their respective salaries:

PhD in English: Job 

After earning a PhD in English, jobs in the creative and educating industries are available. Schools and colleges are the first significant locations where PhD in English-qualified scholars may apply for jobs because they are where English is taught the most. They have the option of beginning as Teacher Assistants and moving up to Department Head. Critics may work in the creative field if they have a PhD in cinematography or broadcast media certification. Like articles moderators, and critics. Publisher houses that check and edit books before they are eventually published may also have critics.

The types of work profiles that research scholars completing Ph.Ds in English you obtain are listed below. At this point, it's crucial to keep in mind that a PhD graduate may begin at entry-level or even nominal levels. The prospect doesn't become qualified for higher positions until after a few years of work experience. However, compared to graduates and postgraduates with master's degrees, this frequently happens more quickly.

Listed below is a table that shows a few of the job profiles after completion of the PhD in English.

PhD in English: Future Scope

PhD English has very promising potential. Despite having a majority of Hindi speakers, English is used in nearly every industry. The most popular career options in India right now are working as a critic, penning publications, and reviewing books and movies.

1. PhD in Religious Studies

In this students probably read a few religious texts as an English major, and regardless of your affiliation (if any), you comprehend their significance. Actually, you don't have to be religious to pursue a PhD in religious studies. Studying religion entails studying ethics, convictions, societies, and individuals.

2. PhD in Linguistics

Language studies, also known as linguistics, cover all facets of language as well as the techniques used to study and model them. When reading a line of dialogue in literary fiction, did you notice how clear the dialect was

3.  PhD in History

Record, of course, is the study of the past. At the same, background helps us understand change and how the community we now live in came to be.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again".– Maya Angelou.

A component of being a student of history is gaining the ability to sort through varied, usually conflicting interpretations. Your bachelor's degree in English will set you up for success.

4.  PhD in Media Studies

The works of writers give us direct access to what it means to be human in all its complexity and mystery, just like all other forms of art do. If you discovered that your favorite aspect of majoring in English was the art and literature you encountered, you might want to think about pursuing a PhD in something like Media Studies.

5.  PhD in Political Science

Political science and English may at first seem like odd bedfellows. But during your undergraduate studies, you already developed a solid foundation in critical reading and thinking, approached literary analysis through a variety of lenses, and identified the influences of culture, politics, and social issues scattered throughout a work.

Many great works contain references to political, economic, and their interactions. Understanding the historical and philosophical roots of political values is possible through the study of political science.

6. PhD in English

Predictably, a significant in English greatly aids in your preparation for an English Ph.D

A PhD in English provides students with the in-depth understanding of literary criticism they need to meet faculties around the world, from the earliest poetic developments in Old English to the most recent creative work currently being published. You can research literature from the Middle Ages, African American literature, or literature written during the American Revolution, depending on your area of expertise.

Your English bachelor's degree provided you with a large overview, but your PhD will enable you to focus on one area of expertise and develop it further.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a doctorate in english entail.

After earning a PhD in English, there are numerous career options. Writing, training, authorship, and public relations officers can all pursue careers that allow them to interact with people.

What is the average salary for a PhD in English?

The average salary for a Ph. D in an English career in India for the doctorates is around INR 7LPA.

What is the eligibility for PhD in English from IGNOU?

Students must have finished their Master's Degree from a University recognized by UGC.

How useful is a PhD in English?

A PhD in English Literature offers a great opportunity to gain valuable skills in critical analysis, communication, independent research, collaboration, and many more.

Is a Doctorate entrance exam required?

Entrance exams are the main factor in determining PhD admittance in 2023, but some universities also accept merit-based applications.

Can someone do PhD without a Master's?

The chances of being accepted into a PhD program are slim to none if candidate don't have the appropriate educational background in the field.

What is the duration of PhD in english course?

The duration of PhD course is between 3 to 5 years.

Does IGNOU offer PhD in English?

Yes, IGNOU offers PhD in English.

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PhD English Literature Course, Admission, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Distance Learning, Colleges, Jobs, Scope 2024

Sushil Pandey

Senior Content Specialist

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature is a doctorate-level course spread over a span of minimum 3 years and maximum 5 years. This course is ideal for students who are interested in studying literature written in English language. The candidates who have completed their master’s degree in English language with a minimum 55% of marks are eligible to apply for this course.

Admission to PhD English Literature programme is generally entrance based followed by a personal interview. However, some colleges may accept admission on merit basis also.

The average fee charged by colleges or universities for this course varies from INR 30,000 to 1.3 Lakhs. The fee is subject to vary as per the type of the institution.

The average starting salary that a PhD English Literature degree holder can earn ranges between INR 4.5 to 6 Lakhs. The salary offered is directly proportional to the experience earned in the field. The salary increases with an increase in the experience in the field.

PhD English Literature professionals find jobs as a English Professor, English Teacher, Editor, Journalist, Critic Writer, Technical Writer, Public Relation Officer, Translator, etc. Some top recruiting areas for such professionals are Media Houses, Education Institutions, Publishing Houses, Translation Houses, etc.

Table of Content

PhD English Literature: Course Highlights

Phd english literature: what is it about.

2.1  Why Study?

PhD English Literature Admission Process

3.1  Eligibility Criteria

3.2  Entrance Exams

PhD English Literature Top Colleges

4.1   College Comparison

PhD English Literature Distance Education

Phd english literature syllabus.

6.1  Literature Books

Course Comparison

• PhD English Literature Job Prospects

8.1  Future Scope

PhD English Literature: FAQs

• PhD English Literature is a doctorate Level course. The course involves a high intellect and interest in English subject. The course involves the study of English language and literature from all the parts of the world, their origin, their analysis etc.
• The students have to go study about different areas of literature – british literature, roman literature, American literature etc.
• The students are required to attend classes and conduct research under professors.
• The students have to appear for examinations and present a thesis on their research work towards the end of the course.
• Students get to learn about different aspects of English language, their usage and a chance to add something of their own to the language.

Why study PhD English Literature?

• PhD English Literature is a desirable course for those who are interested in studying about the rich history of the language and want to learn about different types of English literature.
• The course also helps you in developing various skills- research skills, analytical skills, verbal and written communication skills.
• There are a number of job opportunities available for candidates in both government and private sectors such as in media houses, print agencies, educational institutions etc.
• Candidates can work as Professors in colleges, editor in various companies, content creators, write their own books or novels etc.

The admission to PhD in English Literature course is generally on the basis of entrance test which is followed by a personal interview round conducted at the university or the college. However, some colleges or universities may offer admission on a merit basis.

Some colleges also ask for M.Phil as a requirement for PhD admissions. In such cases, selected candidates will be required to appear for only a personal interview round.

Merit Based admission process

• Candidates need to apply at the official website of the college/university they want to take admission in.
• They need to fill the application form and submit the required documents.
• After successful registration, colleges release their merit list of selected candidates.
• In case of some colleges or universities, selected candidates may be required to go through a personal interview round.
• Selection in this case is done on the basis of performance in the personal interview round.

Entrance Based admission process

• It is advisable for candidates to visit the official website of the college or university they want to apply in to check whether they meet the eligibility criteria and what entrance test is required for admission.
• Then, candidates must register themselves for the entrance test on the official website of the conducting body.
• Those candidates who clear the cut off of entrance examination are then called for a personal interview round.
• Final selection is made on the basis of performance in the Personal Interview round.

PhD English Literature Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to apply for a PhD English Literature programme must meet the eligibility criteria mentioned below. The general eligibility criteria is:

• Candidates must have completed their Master’s degree in English language with minimum 55% marks from a recognised University.
• There may be a relaxation of 5% marks for reserved category students.
• Candidates need to have valid marks in the entrance examination as required by the college or university.
• In some colleges, M.Phil is a prerequisite for PhD English Literature admission. In Such cases, selected candidates will be required to appear only for a personal interview round.
• The eligibility criteria may vary from college to college.

PhD English Literature Entrance Exams

The widely accepted entrance exam for PhD English Literature admissions is the UGC NET exam. However, some universities or colleges may conduct their own entrance examinations for PHD admissions at their own level.

• UGC NET: National Eligibility Test (NET) is conducted by University Grants Commission of India (UGC). There are two sections in this examination consisting of 50 and 100 multiple choice questions respectively. The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes. It is conducted twice a year, once in June and once in December.
• GATE : GATE examination is jointly conducted by IISC and 7 IITs. A valid score in GATE is considered as a basis by IITs for PHD Admissions. It is a 180 minute examination that consists of MCQs and NAT.
• JNUEE : It is a national level entrance examination conducted by NTA for M.Phil / PhD admissions.

How to prepare for the entrance exams?

• The exam for PhD English Literature consists of syllabus of English only except for GATE. GATE consists of questions from the science section.
• Important areas of study are – romantic period, Victorian period, Modern period, Contemporary period, Modern British Literature, Indian writing in English, History of Indian language and all those topics that you have studied during graduation and post graduation.
• Divide the syllabus into your strong and weak areas.
• Prepare flowcharts, use different color pens to memorize stuff.
• Practice previous year question papers and revise.

How to get admission in a good college?

Given below are some tips to secure admission in a good PhD English Literature College.

• The first thing to keep in mind is to secure good marks in master’s degree.
• Next, candidates should be fully aware about the entrance examinations, their application procedure, important dates, syllabus, exam pattern etc.
• Prepare well for entrance examinations by practising and revising concepts. Also prepare by attempting previous year examination papers and mock tests.
• Be updated about current affairs and prepare well for the personal interview round.

Given below are details of some top colleges and universities offering PhD English Literature.

PhD English Literature College Comparison

Sometimes selecting between two colleges can be a daunting task. Hence to ease the process, a comparison between two of the  top colleges offering PhD English Literature is given below.

Several colleges and universities offer the option of distance learning and part-time PhD option for PhD English Literature courses. These options are suitable for those candidates who are either working professionals or are pursuing some other course of study.

• The eligibility for these courses are also similar- candidates are required to have a minimum of 55% marks in master degree in English language.
• Admission to these courses may be merit based or entrance based as per college or university norms.
• Some of the colleges offering PhD English Literature in distance mode or as part time courses are Kerala University , Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam , Mewar University , Amity University, etc.

Since PhD English Literature consists of theory, research work and writing theories, so there is no predefined syllabus. Some of the areas of interest around which the course may revolve are mentioned below in the table:

PhD English Literature Books

Some of the books which can be read by PhD English Literature students are given below in the table.

PhD English Literature vs PhD English

Also check Top PhD English colleges in India

PhD English Literature and PhD English are two similar looking courses. But their prospects are different. PhD English Literature deals with the literature written in english language while PhD English deals with the language itself. A detailed comparison between these two courses based on various parameters is given below. 

PhD English Literature Job Prospects and Career Options

• After completion of a PhD English Literature, candidates usually look for a job in educational institutions.
• However, there are several job roles available for candidates which they can pursue after completing their PhD.
• Job opportunities are available in numerous media houses, publishing houses, Translation houses, data centres, etc. Jobs in these workplaces are available in both government and private sectors.

Some of the job roles offered to PhD English Literature students are given below:

Given below is a graph representing various job roles offered to PHD in English Literature students and the average salary offered to them:

PhD English Literature Future Scope

• There are a lot of career opportunities available for candidates who wish to pursue PhD English Literature.
• Job opportunities are available for candidates in both government and private sectors They can work in media houses, publishing houses, educational institutions, print agencies etc.
• Job roles offered are of Editors, Journalists, critic writers, professor, school teachers, public relation officers etc. The starting salary offered to PhD English Literature lies between the range of INR 4.5 to 6 Lakhs. 
• Candidates can also write their own books, novels or stories or can write for museums or arts galleries. They can also work as lexicographers which means they will have an opportunity to write, compile or edit a dictionary. 
• They also have an option to work in the public sector in English speaking countries because they have excellent spoken and written communication skills and because of their ability to research and analyze.

Ques. What does PhD stand for in PhD English Literature?

Ans : PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy in PhD English Literature.

Ques. How long does it take to get a PhD English Literature?

Ans : It takes 3 to 5 years to complete PhD English Literature.

Ques. Does a PhD English Literature lead to an increase in Salary as an editor?

Ans : Yes, if you hold a PhD English Literature degree, it will definitely give you a higher salary than what you will be earning with a master's degree in English language.

Ques. What are the areas of study in PhD English Literature?

Ans : The areas of study of PhD English Literature are- American literature, colonial and post colonial literature, African-American Literature, Eighteenth century literature etc.

Ques. Do PhD English Literature students get a stipend?

Ans : Yes, generally the students studying PhD English Literature get stipend. The amount of stipend however, depends upon the institute or university they are pursuing it from.

Ques. What is the scope of PhD English Literature?

Ans : As a  PhD English Literature professional you can work as Professor in colleges or universities. Moreover, you can also work as an editor, critic, writer, literary agent, journalist etc.

Ques. What is the difference between M.Phil in English Literature and PhD English Literature?

Ans : In M.Phil in English Literature, candidates will be required to interpret and critically analyze and already completed research work while in PhD English Literature, candidates have to conduct their own research work and present a thesis on the same. Both of the courses have their own implications and it is upto your interest which of them you want to pursue.

Ques. Can I do a direct PhD English Literature after completing my MA?

Ans : To pursue PhD English Literature, you have to appear for the entrance examination after completing your MA. Entrance examination will be further followed by a personal interview, if selected.

Ques. Can I work as a Journalist after completing a PhD English Literature?

Ans : Yes, you can find a number of jobs as a Journalist after completing your PhD English Literature in various news and media agencies.

Ques. What minimum marks are required to pursue PhD English Literature?

Ans : Candidates aspiring to do PhD English Literature should have a minimum of 55% marks MA in English.

Ph.D. (English)

Ph.d. (economics), ph.d. (history), m.phil. (english), ph.d. (hindi), ph.d. (english literature) colleges in india.

PSGR Krishnammal College for Women

Sri Krishna Arts and Science College

Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar's Senthikumara Nadar College - [VHNSNC]

Mewar University - [MU]

Jagran Lakecity University - [JLU]

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University - [CSJMU]

Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya

OPJS University

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English Literature PhD University of Bristol

• On campus - Clifton Campus
• Part-time - 8 years
• Sep 1, 2023 Part-time - 8 years
• Sep 1, 2023 Full-time - 4 years
• Sep 1, 2023 Part-time - 2 years
• Jan 1, 2024 Full-time - 1 years
• Sep 1, 2023 Full-time - 1 years
• Jan 1, 2024 Part-time - 2 years
• Jan 1, 2024 Full-time - 4 years
• Jan 1, 2024 Part-time - 8 years

Key Course Facts

• View programme website
• Admission advice for international students

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 10 graduates of English Literature PhD at University of Bristol for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Anthropology.

Salary of Graduates in Sociology, Social Policy and Anthropology

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Anthropology at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students .

Salary of all UK Graduates of Sociology, Social Policy and Anthropology

Course Description

MPhil: a standalone, one-year (full-time) research degree. Students will undertake their own research project, concluding in the submission of a 25,000 word dissertation. Students may have the option to audit units from our taught master's programmes if they are relevant to their research.

PhD: a research project undertaken across three years (full-time, plus a writing up period), culminating in an 80,000 word thesis. As well as having the option to audit taught units, there may be the potential for PhD students to teach units themselves from their second year of study onwards.

Research in the Department of English brings the core values of our discipline - textual scholarship, critical and theoretical analysis, and contextual knowledge - to the dynamic and changing field of English literary studies. We cover the full chronological range, from the medieval to the contemporary period, with many colleagues engaged in interdisciplinary research.

We are proud of our expertise in medieval and early-modern literature, in Romantic and Victorian literature, in modernism, and in contemporary writing in English. The department is notable for its breadth of research in English poetry across the periods, and our range of specialist interests includes literary theory, the history of book, literature and science, literature and medicine, literature and the environment, digital humanities, women’s writing and gender studies, queer writing, postcolonial literature, Black British writing, 20th-century American literature, the Gothic tradition, and Welsh and Anglo-Welsh writing.

In these and other areas we foster doctoral research both within the department and in collaboration with other departments at Bristol and beyond, including in art history, medical sciences, philosophy, history, politics, drama, classics, theology and modern languages.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

What graduates are doing after 15 months

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans, utilise skills from studies, work is meaningful.

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% skilled jobs.

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of English Literature PhD at University of Bristol

Assessment Methods

Entry requirements / admissions, ucas tariff of accepted students for this course.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

• Graduate Degrees
• Graduate Degrees Law, Econ, Medicine, English
• Undergraduate Degrees
• Undergraduate Degrees Law, Econ, Medicine, English

UCAS International Information

Tuition fees english literature phd.

Average student cost of living in the UK

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of university of bristol in top uk and global rankings., rankings of university of bristol in related subject specific rankings., languages & literature, about university of bristol.

The University of Bristol is a traditional red brick research university located in Bristol, England. This university does not have a campus that it designates as its main campus, but instead has a group of buildings in the city centre which is referred to as the “University precinct”. With six different faculties and 29 distinct schools, there is sure to be something of interest for almost any student at Bristol.

List of 408 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Bristol - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Bristol

Where is this programme taught.

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Ask a Question to University of Bristol

Request course information or send a question directly to university of bristol, ranking publishers, the university league tables, cug the complete university guide - by subject  (published: 14 may, 2024).

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), English Literature Degree

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PhD English Literature: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

PhD English Literature is a full-time research degree that deals to impart students with the required theoretical background and research skills. After completion of the PhD in English Literature in India, the graduates can work as Writers, Academic Librarians, Advertising Account Executive, Advertising Copywriter, Arts Administrator, Information Officer etc.

PhD English Literature Course Details

About PhD English Literature

This course is ideal for students who are interested in studying literature written in the English language. The course falls under the umbrella of PhD.

According to Wikipedia, " Literature written in the English language includes many countries such as the United Kingdom and its crown dependencies, Republic of Ireland, the United States, and the countries of the former British Empire. The English language has developed over the course of more than 1,400 years.”

Table of Contents

• PhD English Literature Eligibility Criteria
• PhD English Literature Admission Process
• Popular PhD English Literature Entrance Exams
• Top PhD English Literature Colleges
• Fees Structure for PhD English Literature

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD English Literature

• Why Choose a PhD English Literature?

Preparation Tips for PhD English Literature

• PhD English Literature Salary

Career Options After PhD English Literature

• Skills to Excel

Eligibility Criteria for PhD English Literature

The minimum eligibility for PhD English Literature is a master's degree in the English language with a minimum of 55% aggregate in the discipline passed from a recognized university. In some colleges, M.Phil is a prerequisite for PhD English Literature admission. Selection of the candidates for admission in PhD is done on the basis of entrance examination or merit. There is no age limit for the course.

How To Get Admission in a PhD English Literature?

To get admitted into the best universities for PhD English Literature, students must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility criteria. The admission to PhD in an English Literature course is generally on the basis of an entrance exam which is followed by a personal interview round conducted at the university or the college. Mentioned below are the general guidelines for the admission process:

How to Apply?

PhD English Literature eligibility information for admission can be found on the college's official websites, where the students should apply. Candidates can either reach the official website of the institute or can reach out to the office of the institute to fill out the application form. Candidates need to fill out the application form and upload all the necessary documents which are asked in the form.

Selection Process

Admission is strictly offered to only those candidates who clear the minimum cut-off. After completion of the process of application, go for the counselling round and attend the personal interview round to get your desired college. And the interview decides whether the candidate is allotted a seat or not.

Who Should Pursue a PhD English Literature?

The PhD in English Literature should be pursued by aspirants who are interested in pursuing the field of literature and history of the English language. since it is a doctorate course, it is vital for the students to be interested in the field of research. 

When To Do PhD English Literature?

Ideally, students should pursue a PhD in English Literature upon the completion of their Master's/M.Phil in English. Students with work experience in the field of research and writing would have an advantage over their peers. Students must also ensure that they give the required entrance exam when pursuing this course.

Types of PhD English Literature

Given below are the types of PhD English Literature programs that the students can enrol in:

Full-Time PhD English Literature

A full-time PhD English Literature course lasts between three to six years. In this course, the students are expected to go to the universities and attend the classes in person. This type of curiculum provides students with a lot of exposure and experience.

Part-Time PhD English Literature

A part-time PhD English Literature course is designed for students who can't attend full-time classes. These classes are often conducted on weekends or later in the evenings to accommodate these students. The benefit of this form of class is that the students get time to invest time in gaining work experience and their personal endeavours. 

Distance PhD English Literature

The Distance PhD English Literature course is designed for students who can't even attend part-time classes due to reasons such as location or work. In this format, most of the classes are conducted online and students are only expected to come on-site during exams.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD English Literature

The applicants need to qualify for the entrance examination conducted by UGC or state to secure a seat in top PhD English Literature colleges in India. Some of the top entrance exams applicable for M.Phil programs are:

A Quick Glance at the PhD English Literature Entrance Exams

To get into the top PhD English Literature college in India, a candidate should clear the test. To prepare for the entrance exams, the candidates should know the course details, the syllabus, and the question pattern, and should prepare according to them. The exam for PhD English Literature consists of a syllabus of English only except for GATE.

• The exam pattern is divided into objective and subjective type questions with a total of 100 marks and total time duration of 2 to 3 hours.
• The questions are asked from topics related to the Victorian period, Modern period, Contemporary period, Modern British Literature etc.
• The examination is subjective in nature and is designed to assess a candidate’s analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Top 10 PhD English Literature Colleges in India

Students can opt for the top government colleges for PhD English Literature in India or most premium colleges in India depending upon their ranking. Here is the list of top 10 colleges for PhD English Literature in India for aspirants' reference:

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in New Delhi

India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for PhD English Literature in India. Check the table below for the top PhD English Literature colleges in New Delhi:

Read More: PhD Colleges in Delhi

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in Pune

Pune also has some of the best institutions for PhD English Literature in India. Check the table below for the top PhD English Literature colleges in Pune:

Read More: PhD Colleges in Pune

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in Chennai

Tamil Nadu’s capital city is home to some of the premier institutions for PhD English Literature in India. Check the table below for the best PhD English Literature colleges in Chennai:

Read More: PhD Colleges in Chennai

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in Bangalore

The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top PhD English Literature programmes. Check the table below for the best PhD English Literature colleges in India:

Read More: PhD Colleges in Bangalore

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in Kolkata

West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of the best colleges for PhD English Literature courses in India. Check the table below for the best PhD English Literature colleges in Kolkata:

Read More: PhD Colleges in Kolkata

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in Hyderabad

The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for PhD English Literature courses in India. Check the table below for the top PhD English Literature colleges in Hyderabad:

Read More: PhD Colleges in Hyderabad

Top PhD English Literature Government Colleges

There are several top Government Colleges offering quality PhD English Literature programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top PhD English Literature government colleges in India:

Top PhD English Literature Private Colleges

India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PhD English Literature private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top PhD English Literature private colleges in India:

Study PhD English Literature Abroad

There are many colleges abroad that provide students with an opportunity to study PhD English Literature. Given below are the top colleges according to the country.

Top PhD English Literature Colleges Abroad

The table below contains the list of some of the best colleges abroad for PhD English Literature:

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in USA

The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PhD English Literature programmes in the world. The table below contains the list of top PhD English Literature colleges in the USA:

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in the UK

The UK has institutions that date back to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a PhD English Literature. The table below shows the top colleges in the UK for PhD English Literature:

Top PhD English Literature Colleges in Canada

Known as the ‘Great White North’, Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for PhD English Literature programmes in the world:

Fee Structure for PhD English Literature

The average PhD English Literature fee is around INR 10,000 to INR 2 LPA depending on the colleges or the universities offering PhD English Literature in India. The fees may vary according to the college or university based on the type of institute, location, infrastructure, faculties, and facilities available. Listed below is an average annual fee for some colleges:

The PhD English Literature is a full-time research degree and may be awarded after three to four years of supervised independent research on the basis of a thesis not exceeding 50,000 words exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter.

PhD English Literature duration of three to five years. The course involves the study of the English language and Literature from all parts of the world, their origin, their analysis etc. Some of the compulsory subjects are:

• Modes of Writing
• Critical Essays
• Victorian Literature
• American Literature
• Women’s Writings
• Creative Writing
• English Poetry

Read More: PhD English Literature Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose PhD English Literature?

Students often wonder about PhD English Literature details before choosing the course. Before deciding on a career, students come across queries like, "What is PhD English Literature course?" and "Why choose PhD English Literature?”. To clearly understand the answers to these questions, we have framed the following three pointers:

What is PhD English Literature All About?

PhD English Literature courses in India is a three years full-time doctorate programme within the field of English. This course includes various types of writing, including novels, non-fiction, poetry, and plays. It also includes texts like poetry, drama, prose fiction etc.

What Does a PhD English Literature Graduate Do?

English is a vast and exciting area that is chosen by a large number of students. Yet after graduation, the career path is rather unclear, largely because there is so much to do with a literature degree. Although, it makes one eligible for Lecturers in private universities, and colleges across India.

Professor: A Professor teaches students studying at UG or PG level and ensures that they learn the language properly. They can teach English or drama to students. Many of the teachers conduct research alongside teaching the students.

Reasons Why PhD English Literature Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

The completion of a PhD English Literature degree program is a notable achievement and is valued very highly both inside and outside of academia.

Career Scope and Options: Students after the successful completion of a PhD program have a large opportunity to explore various areas of professional life. They can work in Media Houses, Publishing Houses, Educational Institutions, Print Agencies etc. Candidates can also write their own books, novels or stories or can write for museums or art galleries. They can also work as Lexicographers which means they will have an opportunity to write, compile or edit a dictionary.

Read More: PhD English Literature Jobs & Scope

PhD English Literature Course Comparison

PhD English Literature stands for Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature and is typically catered to students interested in and inclined towards humanities and social sciences. Below is a comparison of the PhD English Literature course with other courses:

PhD English Literature vs M.Phil English

The table below showcases the differences between PhD English Literature and M.Phil English:

Having a PhD English Literature degree opens thriving career opportunities. Some tips for entrance exams are:

Get To Know The Syllabus: The syllabus of the course is something that a student should know, this helps the student to know how to perform at the time of the examination.

Study The Current Affairs: Updating Current affairs regularly also helps in preparing for some of the subjects of the course.

Practice Makes Perfect: Go through  all the subjects and the modules that are taught during the duration of the course.

Salary of a PhD English Literature Graduate

The salary of a PhD holder will differ with field and position. As a fresher, the average salary ranges around INR 2 - 4.5 LPA. It will increase up to INR 5 - 12 LPA [Source: Glassdoor], depending upon your skills and experience. Experience and skills will increase the job scope. And for a Professor, government colleges will provide a salary of INR 5.8 LPA [Source: Glassdoor].

Read More: PhD English Literature Salary

There are a lot of career opportunities available for candidates who wish to pursue PhD English Literature. After completing of PhD English Literature, the graduates can work as Assistant professors in different universities. Here are some job positions available after graduating in literature:

• Academic Librarians
• Advertising Account Executive
• Advertising Copywriter
• Arts Administrator
• Information Officer
• Journalists

Skills That Make You The Best PhD English Literature Graduate

It is a doctorate-level course and deals with research in English literature from all around the world. The main objective of the course includes researching Literature written in the English language. Must-have skills are:

• Analytical Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Good Management Skills
• Good Organizational Skills
• Research and Problem Solving Skills
• Strategic Communication Skills

Detailed information

Work location : Tokai district - Aichi

Date of publication : 2024/09/13

Recruitment for Associate Professor, Graduate School of Humanities (English Literature, Anglophone Literature)

Nagoya University

Research field : Humanities & Social Sciences - English literature and literature in the English language

Associate Professor : Regular employee - Nontenured - Non-tenure track - Probationary period absent

Job description

Background of the recruitment and description of the project

Work content and job description

Job description (duties, teaching, etc.) At the time of commencing employment ・To teach courses in Comparative Literature, Comparative Culture, and Literary Theory in the Graduate School of Humanities, Department of Humanities, Global 30 Linguistics and Cultural Studies Program. ・To teach courses in English as a Foreign Language for the Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences. ・To participate in Nagoya University’s research and educational projects. ・To cooperate with other activities including those related to entrance examinations, administration, and contributing to society. Scope of possible changes to job description ・As may be specified by the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System.

Assigned department

Existing departments

Graduate School of Humanities

• Associate Professor

Research field

• Humanities & Social Sciences - English literature and literature in the English language

Annual Salary : 5 million yen ~ 9 million yen

Salary will be based on the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS) Nagoya University Pay Rules for Faculty Members Covered Under the Annual Salary System. Starting salary will be determined based on experience.

Working hours

Working hours :08:30-17:15

Holidays : Holidays are every Saturday and Sunday, national holidays, and the New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd). However, employees may be asked to work on holidays due to classes, entrance exams, etc.

Overtime and other explanations : A daily commitment of 7 hours and 45 minutes, governed by the Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work. Holidays include annual paid leave, sick leave, and special leave.

Application requirements

Qualifications

Education and Degree Requirements

Ph.D. / Doctor

Work experience

Details of the specific qualifications, requirements (including degrees, etc.) and expertise required ・A PhD degree. ・Research expertise in English Literature or Cultural Studies (in particular, Comparative Literature, Comparative Culture, Critical Theory or a related field). ・At least one year’s experience (including as a Teaching Assistant) in teaching English at a higher education institution. ・Ability to teach courses in Comparative Literature, Comparative Culture and Critical Theory. ・Have English as a first language.

Employment Type

Regular employee

Contract period

Nontenured - Non-tenure track

5 years (renewable once for a further 5 years)

Probationary period absent

Work location

• 464-8601 Aichi , Nagoya City, Chikusa Ward, Furo-cho,

Compensation

Various systems

Pay increase system : available

Retirement allowances : available

Transportation expenses : available

Retirement age : available

Employees' Health Insurance : The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Mutual Aid Association

Employees' Pension Insurance : available

Worker's accident insurance : available

Employment insurance : available

Supplementary explanation of compensation

Conditions and benefits are determined by the employment and payroll regulations of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS).

Application Considerations

Considerations for conducting interviews (e.g., those who live far away, such as overseas)

For applicants from outside Japan, the second stage of selection may be conducted online.

Number of hired

1 person(s)

Hiring date : 2025/04/01

Starting date : 2025/04/01

Application period

2024/09/13~2024/10/31 Deadline for receipt

Application method

Attached documents

Other online application forms (1) List of educational achievements (for both specialized education and English language education courses, please include the subject name, content, and duration of the course. Please use A4-size paper when creating this document.) (2) Certificate of final degree (copy of degree certificate, etc.) (1 copy) (3) Three major publications/papers (reprints/copies are acceptable). For papers, please attach an abstract of about 100 words in English. For doctoral dissertations or books, please attach an abstract of about 200 words in English. (4) Outline of your aspirations for your graduate school teaching (A4-size, approximately 500 words in English). (5) Outline of your aspirations for your English teaching in the Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences (A4-size, approximately 500 words in English). (6) Outline of your aspirations for your future research (A4-size, approximately 500 words in English). (7) The name, affiliation, job title, telephone number, and email address of two recommenders. Please submit a letter of recommendation from one of your two recommenders with your application. •Please merge documents Curriculum vitae, List of research achievements and (1) - (7) in the given order into a single PDF file and submit it on the JREC-IN website. You can access the download page by clicking on the red button "Online Submission" ("Web応募する"). •If the file size exceeds the download limit, please inquire at the address provided below.

Return of application documents

We will dispose of all application documents responsibly.

URL of this job posting

• https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/employment/upload_images/20240913_hum_en.pdf

Selection / Notification of result

1 The first stage of selection will involve a document screening of the above application documents. 2 In the second stage, those who pass the first stage will be asked to teach a mock lesson, give a presentation on their research, and have an interview with the selection committee. 3 Applicants will be contacted via email or phone regarding the second stage of the selection process. 4 Travel expenses for the second stage of selection will be borne by the applicant. For applicants from outside Japan, the second stage of selection may be conducted online. 5 Nagoya University will actively recruit female candidates if their performance (including research, education, social contributions, and human resources) is deemed equal. https://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/about-nu/declaration/positiveaction/index.html (in Japanese)

Notification of result

We will contact you by email.

Contact details

Professor Edward Haig

[email protected]

When making an inquiry, please write "Inquiry regarding Associate Professor recruitment" in the subject line of your email.

・The submitted documents will not be used for any purpose other than this selection process. ・In principle, application documents will not be returned, but they will be used solely for the purpose of this application, and personal information will not be disclosed, transferred, or lent to a third party without a legitimate reason. ・Additional information about your achievements may be requested during the selection process. ・For applicants with disabilities who may require particular consideration for their employment, please submit evidence of your disability, if possible.

Year Established

Capital stock, number of employees, institution (organization) overview, external link.

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