Course summary

A PhD is the highest academic award for which a student can be registered. This programme allows you to pursue a research project that combines the creative and the critical, and which shows evidence of an original contribution to knowledge. A full-time PhD is a three-year programme of research and culminates in the production of a large-scale piece of written work in the form of a research thesis that should not normally exceed 80,000 words. A PhD is an exciting opportunity to develop an independent creative idea and situate this within a critical and/or contextual framework, all with the support of well-qualified staff who are published authors themselves. You'll be expected to work to an approved programme of research which you will develop in conjunction with your supervisor within the first few months of starting your studies. Your main supervisor will normally head a supervisory team which will comprise up to three members. The research supervisor will take the lead in advising you and supporting you as you work on your project. Whilst undertaking the research project you will develop your research skills by taking part in postgraduate skills workshops and attending research seminars and other events. You will also have the opportunity to present your research to your peers, including at the subject area’s postgraduate conference. You’ll be part of an active and exciting research community in English Literature and Creative Writing at Huddersfield and, increasingly as your studies progress, become a member of a wider, external community of scholars/writers in your field.