English Research Programmes

Summary

The English subject at Ulster University forms part of the School of Arts and Humanities. It is a vibrant and diverse centre for the study of English literature and creative writing, hosting an active and thriving body of postgraduate researchers.

Individual scholars within the department are engaged in an extensive range of research fields which maintain and enhance the broader scholarly practice of English Studies across the globe and applicants are encouraged to submit research proposals across all aspects of English Studies: from Early Modern, Eighteenth Century and Victorian literature and culture, through to Modern, Contemporary, and Creative Writing, as well as Critical Theory.

Several of the researchers working in these areas also distinctively contribute to a significant focus on the study of Irish and Ulster-Scots Literature, which is also strongly and widely represented in the department’s teaching practice with the base for the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies and the Ulster Centre for Literary Biography residing at Ulster.

A clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology of your project should be submitted alongside  a comprehensive and articulate personal statement.

Postgraduate supervision in English is available from all staff in the department and within individual members’ specialist areas of interest. Researchers embarking on a PhD in English will be allocated a supervisory team of at least two supervisors for the duration of their studies. As part of their course of study, PhD Researchers will also partake in a range of development courses run through the Doctoral College. These are designed to provide an excellent grounding in developing the skills and capabilities needed for the successful completion of the doctorate and preparation for professional life beyond the degree.

Other opportunities:

In addition to research training, all postgraduate researchers will be offered teaching experience in the second year (full-time) or fourth year (part-time) of their course of study. Those who take up this opportunity will be allocated paid teaching hours on modules run by the department. Much of this teaching experience comprises seminar tutoring on introductory first year modules, or second year modules which closely match the PhD Researcher's own research area.

The department of English also runs an English Research Seminar Series throughout semesters 1 and 2. Postgraduate researchers are invited to join staff at these seminars in order to further familiarise themselves with the range of research interests within the department, as well as engage in informal scholarly debate and dialogue with scholars from both within and without Ulster University. Postgraduate researchers will also have the opportunity of formally presenting their work at these seminars.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.