Research Degrees in

Creative Writing and English Literature

in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Overview

Do you want to advance or change your career, deepen your expertise in a topic, or expand your research and practical skills?

With a PhD or other postgraduate research degree in the areas of Creative Writing and English Literature you will:

  • Work with renowned experts in the field. We are a leading centre for creative and theoretical literary analysis. In the latest national evaluation of research, 78% of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2014). We are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for our English research impact (Times Higher Education).
  • Choose from our flexible study pathways. We offer practice-led and theoretical research degrees which can be pursued full or part time. We offer a distance learning programme for students with professional or personal commitments that prevent campus-based study.
  • Be part of the Manchester Writing School. The Manchester Writing School is one of the most successful literary centres in the UK. We can supervise creative projects, and offer various PhD routes suitable for established or aspiring writers.
  • Join a thriving intellectual community. We are a metropolitan centre for literary research and practice in a UNESCO City of Literature, with a large number of postgraduate and early career researchers. Our Centre for Creative Writing, English Literature and Linguistics brings together a range of cultural approaches to deliver innovative and impactful research.
  • Engage in innovative public engagement programmes. Through the work of both our Centre for Creative Writing, English Literature and Linguistics and our Writing School, participate in innovative public engagement activities such as lectures, seminars, performances and film screenings.
  • Undertake tailored personal and professional development training. The Postgraduate Arts and Humanities Centre provides a comprehensive development programme for research students.

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Areas of supervisory expertise

We can supervise a wide range of Creative Writing and Literature projects. We can cover periods from the Renaissance through to the 21st century, and all genres. Particular thematic specialisms include:

  • Gothic studies
  • Place writing and literary geography
  • Medical humanities
  • Trauma and memory
  • Writing for Children and Young Adults
  • Contemporary critical theory and culture
  • Faith
  • Food
  • Film, Media and Screen Studies
  • Queer/LGBTI cultures
  • Theatre studies
  • Women’s writing

Within creative writing, we can supervise projects on:

  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Place writing
  • Writing for Children and Young Adults
  • Script writing.

Find out more about our staff's expertise

Research culture

We are a leading centre for the study of literature and culture. We host a large and vibrant community of renowned critics and writers.

More about our research culture

We are also home to:

We have exciting plans for the future, including a brand new building to house the Manchester Poetry Library.

Our postgraduate researchers are a key part of our social and intellectual environment. You will be a member of our Postgraduate Arts and Humanities Centre (PAHC). PAHC is a dedicated forum for postgraduate students in the Arts and Humanities. It provides:

  • A thorough research development programme
  • A space for cross-disciplinary discussion, support and experimentation
  • Hive, an academic e-journal, edited by current students

Courses offered, duration, and start dates

Programmes offered

  • PhD (3 years full time, 6 years part time)

Find out more about the different research degrees we offer

Start dates

The majority of our students enrol in October. We offer further enrolment points in January and April.

Distance learning

Research degrees are available to study on-campus or through distance learning.

Career prospects

A research degree equips you with advanced skills in research, critical thinking, communications, and project management. These skills, as well as your subject matter expertise, will open up senior careers in a wide range of sectors.

Course structure

This course is research based. You will independently conduct research into your own topic or a topic that we advertise. Your supervisory team will offer expert guidance throughout your studies and review work in progress.

Each year, you will follow a programme of training and development to enhance your research methods, subject-matter expertise and professional skills.

Fees and funding

Find out more

Postgraduate Research Degrees Fees

Please refer to our Fees page for more information on tuition fees.

Loans for research degrees

Many of our PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes are eligible for the government's Doctoral Loan Scheme. MPhil and MA/MSc by Research degrees are eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.

Find out more about tuition fees and financial support

Scholarships

Occasionally, scholarships may be offered, and these will be advertised on our site.

Sign up to be notified when relevant scholarships are advertised

North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership

We are a member of the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership which allows us to offer fully funded scholarships in the Arts and Humanities. Contact us for more information.

Entry requirements

Find out more

You should, as a minimum, have a first or 2.1 honours degree or an equivalent qualification.

International students must demonstrate a sufficiently high standard of English language ability. In order to enter most postgraduate courses the English requirements are IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 575, and TOEFL computer-based 230.

We welcome interest from applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We will take subject knowledge, professional experience, publications, or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment into consideration.

See more about our standard entry requirements.

Enquiries

Before applying for a research degree, you should have a preliminary discussion with a member of staff about your project and ideas. To arrange this, please email Dr Andrew Moor, a.moor@mmu.ac.uk, the Research Degrees Co-ordinator for Creative Writing and English Literature.

For further information on the application process, contact PGR Admissions at pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply for this degree, please select one of the study options below to begin your application.

Before you apply, you should discuss your project with a member of academic staff. You should also complete the postgraduate research degree thesis proposal form, which you will need to upload as part of your application. The document can be attached at the final checklist section after you’ve submitted your application.


Postgraduate Study