Job Description
Overview
We’re committed to reading literature in ways that extend beyond single languages and cultures. When you study our Comparative Literature PhD, you’ll benefit from cross-departmental expertise and supervision that spans various language areas and methodologies.
Introduction
With specialists across the range of languages taught in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film, we provide varied supervision in the areas of comparative and world literature so you can undertake groundbreaking research. Our postgraduate researchers have played a pioneering role in work on postcolonial and translingual writing and have contributed to major research programmes and projects, including Translating Cultures and Transnationalising Modern Languages.
Collaboration between schools means that postgraduate researchers from the Department of English make a full contribution to our comparative literature pathway, extending the range of comparison to literatures throughout the Anglophone world. This ensures that our students have full access to the Centre for New and International Writing.
Additionally, our researchers contribute to the wider field of translation studies and include practicing translators committed to researching multilingually, extending theoretical bases beyond conventional understandings of the field.
Research topics
Our Comparative Literature PhD covers a broad range of potential topics for investigation. We welcome research proposals in topics including:
- Translingual and exophonic writing
- Postcolonial literature
- Digital humanities
- Multilingualism
- Translation studies.
Research culture
Our staff have demonstrated international excellence in emerging areas such as digital media. We offer specialisms across a range of genres, including the novel, short story, travel writing and graphic fiction. Supervisors have an interest in canonical literatures and emerging voices and offer expertise across a range of theoretical approaches.
Additionally, our research groups provide a forum for the exchange of new concepts and knowledge produced by staff and postgraduate researchers. This gives you the opportunity to present your research, develop your research profile, and interact with other leading figures in your field of study.
Research groups include:
How to apply
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1. Identify potential supervisors
If you need help identifying a supervisor, please contact our Postgraduate Support team: hlc-pgr@liverpool.ac.uk.
Co-supervision is also available with the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology and the Institute of Irish Studies.
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2. Prepare your application documents
You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- Passport details (international applicants only)
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details for two proposed supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees.
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3. Apply
Finally, register and apply online. You’ll receive an email acknowledgment once you’ve submitted your application. We’ll be in touch with further details about what happens next.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year – £5,006
International fees
Full-time place, per year – £24,600
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this degree, as well as general student living costs.
Funding your PhD
If you’re a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.
There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.
Duncan Norman Research Scholarship
If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
