Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £8,865 per year -
How long will I study?
7 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
October 2025
February 2026
May 2026
Course summary
- Complete an original doctoral research project on a PhD programme with outstanding student satisfaction ratings.
- Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become an independent and effective researcher.
- Benefit from specialist performance, recording and editing facilities.
- Study as part of the English or Performance Group in the exciting, interdisciplinary research environment of the Humanities Research Centre.
Develop and implement a programme of research guided by experienced supervisors and practitioners. We offer research opportunities in Creative Writing; English Language including social structure and stylistics; eighteenth-century and romantic literature; the Renaissance; contemporary and modern literature; performativity, theatre studies and practices.
How you learn
77% of our research in English Language & Literature was assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
You will work with a supervisory team with expertise in your chosen research area who will help you to define and plan your research programme, agree associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as an independent researcher. You will join a dynamic community of postgraduate researchers and have opportunities to share your work at SHU and beyond.
You learn through
- independent study
- project supervision
- active research and/or creative practice (as appropriate)
- researcher development training events
- presenting your research at conferences and seminars
- participation in lively debate and discussion with your peers
- writing and defending a doctoral thesis
You will receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher. You will explore how to disseminate your research and establish an academic profile. You will present at the Culture & Creativity Research Institute (CCRI) interdisciplinary conferences on the themes of research METHOD and research IMPACT, which provide a platform for focussed discussion on research process and practice and questions of application, audience, and impact.
Your learning is supported by access to
- a dedicated Postgraduate Research Tutor for Humanities and PGR administration team
- a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
- SHU Academic Skills Centre with sessions specifically for doctoral researchers
- the University English Scheme for international students
- a programme of support for doctoral student wellbeing
Course leaders and tutors
Ana Maria Sanchez-Arce
Reader in EnglishAna develops, leads and teaches on Literature and Creative Writing modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level and conducts research on 20th and 21st century lit … Read more
Applied learning
Throughout your course you will have opportunities to interact with academics and specialists in your field. Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences and we will encourage you to submit papers and seek opportunities to publish and engage different audiences with your research. All our doctoral students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.
The Humanities Research Centre hosts a stimulating seminar series featuring established academics and practitioners in the field.
SHU doctoral students are supported to enter the national ‘3-minute thesis’ competition.
Future careers
A research degree is an essential qualification for academic careers such as teaching English in higher education. The rigorous analytical thinking necessary for research degrees is attractive to employers. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable in related areas such as museums, archives, libraries, university administration, the media, and beyond.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You will have access to excellent facilities and learning resources as well as a dedicated postdoctoral office space which promotes vibrant discussion and collaboration.
You will be able to work with a wide range of databases and other electronic resources available through our library.
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities in the last five years across our campuses, to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Entry requirements
All students
Applicants will need to provide evidence of:
- A relevant undergraduate degree qualification (2.1 or above)
- A relevant masters level qualification (Merit or above) with strong performance (60%+) in research related modules and dissertation. Note that studentship applicants must have all degree results in hand before applying
To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:
- A 1,500-word research proposal
- Degree certificates
- Module transcripts
- Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study
- Sponsorship letter (if applicable)
All suitable candidates are invited to an interview and asked to give a short presentation about their proposed research. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study. You are encouraged to find out more about our areas of research interest and expertise before applying. Potential supervisors can be identified through the research centre website linked above or by contacting the Postgraduate Research Tutor for advice.
International Students (additional information)
If you are an International student (including non-UK European) see International Entry Requirements for guidance on entry requirements for your country.
All international applicants are required to show evidence (current within the last two years) of English language ability before embarking on a PhD. For this course, it must be at a minimum level of IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in all skill components (or equivalent). For more information about the different English language qualifications we accept see English Language Qualifications. We also accept successful completion (within the last two years) of a UK degree course taught in English.
If evidence of English Language ability is not supplied at application, an offer of PhD study would be conditional on provision of such evidence.
Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £8,865 per year. (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa).
Doctoral student loans
Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 153.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
