Comparative Literature, PhD, University of Kent

the United Kingdom

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
PhD	Full-time, Part-time	3 - 4 years	September, January, May	0	find out

About Comparative Literature, PhD - at University of Kent

A PhD in Comparative Literature enables you to undertake a substantial piece of supervised research on a topic that makes an original contribution to knowledge and is worthy of publication.

A PhD, also known as a doctorate, is a requirement for a career as an academic or as a researcher. In addition, it has become a qualification valued by many employers who recognise the skills and commitment a PhD requires. Employers also recognise that a PhD indicates excellent research and critical thinking capabilities, discipline and outstanding writing skills.

Over the duration of the PhD, you produce an original piece of research of up to 100,000 words. Previous doctoral theses have included 'Logos, Bios and Madness in Nietzsche, Bataille, Foucault and Derrida', 'Representation and Depiction of Intimate Suffering in the Narratives of Esther Tusquets, Elsa Morante and Alberto Asor Rosa', 'Poetics of the Face: Textual Portraiture in Modern English, Polish and Russian Literature', 'Samuel Beckett and the Writers of Port-Royal', and 'The Monster and the Maiden: Literary Affinities in the Writings of Iris Murdoch and Elias Canetti'.

The Department of Comparative Literature offers supervision from world-class academics with expertise in a wide range of disciplines, able to support and guide you through your research. Your progress is carefully monitored to ensure that you are on track to produce a thesis to be valued by the academic community. Throughout your programme, you are able to attend and contribute to research seminars, workshops, and research and transferable skills training courses.

You may be eligible for a fully-funded PhD scholarship to support your studies with us. The PhD in Comparative Literature at Kent can be funded through the Consortium for the Humanities and the Arts South-East England (CHASE) collaborative doctoral partnerships. Please indicate in your application if you want to be considered, and explain your eligibility. For the full list of scholarships available, please see our postgraduate funding page.

Course location:

Canterbury

Learn more about Comparative Literature, PhD - at University of Kent

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Entry requirements

Contact University of Kent to find course entry requirements.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Kent

Kent offers a range of funding opportunities, including full awards to support doctoral researchers and students undertaking a taught Master’s at our locations in the UK and Europe. We also offer several scholarships to support our international students including GREAT British Council and Chevening Scholarship awards. Our Research Council doctoral training partnerships give you access to a range of funding and research networks. Check out our bursaries and scholarships and see if you’re eligible.

For students starting a postgraduate taught course in  January 2025 or September 2025  at one of our UK campuses, we have several scholarships available. Check if you are eligible to apply and get more information on our scholarship’s webpages

Student reviews of University of Kent

Find out what students say about University of Kent

Inspirational teaching - Patrique Tanque from Brazil is studying for a BSc in Forensic Chemistry.

“Choosing Kent was an easy decision. The forensic programmes are ranked among the best in the UK and have a high graduate employment rate.

“The teachers bring fresh ideas and up-to-date materials from real cases to enrich the lectures. They are keen to help out and always make sure we are getting plenty of support.

“I was very fortunate to be awarded an International Scholarship, which meant I could dedicate myself to my studies.”

Academic excellence - Stephanie Bourgeois from France is studying for a BSc in Biochemistry.

“I like the approach to teaching here; academics are happy to answer questions and to interact with students. I find the lectures very motivational, they pique your curiosity and for me the exciting bit is going to the library and pursuing the things you are interested in.

“The lecturers at Kent are excellent. You get to know them well and, as you move through the course, they are able to guide you towards projects, ideas or career paths that they think you will like.”

Specialist research - Sally Gao from China is studying for a PhD in Electronic Engineering.

“I have been very lucky with my supervisor, Professor Yong Yan, who is a world-class expert and the first IEEE Fellow in the UK in instrumentation and measurement.

“Professor Yong Yan has helped me to become a better researcher. I am inspired by his novel ideas and constructive suggestions. Under his supervision, my confidence has grown through such milestones as my first set of experiments, writing my first research paper and attending my first conference.”