American Literature PhD

UK

What will I learn?

American literature is a huge field intersecting with other global literatures, cultures, and nations, reaching from the colonial period to its current, enormously powerful position.

Areas of Study

Our research strengths range from the American Renaissance to modern and contemporary poetry, culture, and fiction, and (through the CHASE Consortium for the Humanities and the Arts South-East England) American art. We welcome applications in all these fields, and we particularly encourage an interdisciplinary approach.

You’ll also be able to take advantage of the cutting-edge research in American history conducted in the Sussex Centre for American Studies. You’ll have access to expertise in the history of slavery, the Civil War, the Cold War, American foreign policy, and the long history of civil rights and Black Lives Matter – all of which have profound resonance in American literary culture.

Which department am I in?

American Studies

Study options

Full Time (4 years)

Tuition fees
£21,500.00 (23,42,558) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

April 2025

Venue

University of Sussex

Sussex House,

Brighton,

Brighton & Hove,

BN1 9RH, SOUTHERN ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

Degree requirements: You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a master’s degree. Subject-specific requirements: Your qualification should be in a field related to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. English Language Requirements: IELTS (Academic) Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component); TOEFL (iBT) - 95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About University of Sussex

In the vibrant coastal city of Brighton, Sussex offers a world-class education, real-world employability and an unforgettable student experience.

  • Ranked 26th in the UK (Times Higher Education 2024)
  • Outstanding research reputation & excellent job prospects
  • Continual investment in facilities & the student experience
  • Beautiful campus with a welcoming global community