What will I learn?

We offer a rich and warm postgraduate culture in English and creative writing at the University of Plymouth, based in fellowship and scholarly interaction with the other departments in the Faculty, especially history and the history of art. We offer full or part-time PhD and ResM independent study supervision.

English and creative writing staff have published widely, and the subject had outstanding results in the last Research Assessment Exercise (over 70% was ranked at 3* or 4*, internationally excellent and/or world leading, making our outputs per staff amongst the best in the UK).

In addition to completing the online application form (which includes space for a personal statement), you must also upload a research project proposal of no more than 1000 words in total. Your research proposal should outline your general topic, your key aims and the research question/problem you are addressing, your proposed methodology, key definitions/thinkers/discourses/practitioners you are drawing upon and an explanation of why this topic is significant or important.

Your personal statement should briefly explain why you have chosen to apply to our programme and what you feel you can offer our research community.

You will also need to submit a sample of your critical writing (3000 words maximum) and, if relevant, evidence of your ability to undertake the practice-led research you are proposing (e.g. a DVD, portfolio, links to website, reviews, catalogue, etc.). It should take no longer than 30 minutes to view all the visual material that you provide.

Which department am I in?

School of Society and Culture

Study options

Full Time (2 years)

Tuition fees

£18,030.00 (US$ 23,284) per year

This is a fixed fee

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

Start date

April 2025

Venue

Plymouth University

Drake Circus,

Plymouth,

PL4 8AA, SOUTHERN ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

Students should have Masters degree or equivalent from a UK higher education institution in a relevant subject. Applicants normally have to supply a research proposal, personal statement, and occasionally evidence that they are prepared to undertake the proposed project. This may include a portfolio, or a sample of critical writing, depending on their area of study. Other UK or overseas qualifications may also be accepted – with academic reference. Students need to have an IELTS 6.5 Overall; 5.5 in all four components (listening,reading,speaking and writing); The TOEFL Score would be 90 and Component scores of listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 18.

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