Postgraduate research in English Literature

Embarking on postgraduate studies in English literature at Glasgow means joining a thriving, dynamic, and internationally-renowned research community, one which regularly attracts students from around the U.K. and beyond to work with our prestigious faculty. In the 2008 RAE, 70% of our research was rated as either “world-leading” (35%) or “Internationally excellent” (35%). We have the largest body of postgraduate researchers in the School of Critical Studies, with over 80 students currently enrolled and undertaking projects in a wide range of areas, including Romanticism, Victorian studies, Modernist and Post-Modern Writing, American Literature, Critical Theory, and Renaissance Studies.

Beyond their individual dissertation projects, students are fully engaged in the rich intellectual life of the School, organizing reading groups and conferences, participating in colloquia, and, in the latter stages of their doctoral studies, contributing to undergraduate teaching. A competitive research and travel grant programme available through the College of Arts & Humanities allows students to take their work beyond Glasgow, presenting papers at national and international conferences. The value of this rich training experience is evident in the considerable professional achievements of our students after graduation, with some moving into academic positions at post-secondary institutions in the U.K., Europe, North and South America, and Asia, and others pursuing successful careers in creative writing, editing, journalism, translation, web design, and administration