English

The School of English offers excellent supervision for postgraduate research in an array of subjects in English Literature, English Language and Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Literary-Linguistics, Creative Writing, and Theatre and Performance.

The School has over forty staff, each of them internationally renowned in their field of expertise and with many years of experience in research supervision.

As well as being given the opportunity to develop teaching skills and acquire teaching experience, postgraduate researchers in the School of English also participate in the Doctoral Development Programme in order to refine and build on their research skills and subject-specific knowledge. In consultation with their supervisors, students formulate a programme of research training and support which is tailor-made to their needs.

Our graduates go into higher education, teaching, management and consultancy, advertising, writing, and all branches of the arts – especially theatre, film and publishing. We will equip you with the necessary analytic, evaluative, and presentation skills to succeed in your chosen field.

A PhD is a piece of original research, which makes significant contributions to scholarly debates. What our research degrees offer, in other words, is a truly exciting opportunity for you to push forward the boundaries of knowledge, and to become an authority in your chosen field.

The PhD is usually examined by a thesis of around 75,000 words, the research and writing of which usually takes a minimum of three years (six years part-time), and an oral examination (a viva) on this work. Some of our PhD programmes, such as those in the area of Theatre and Performance, also offer the possibility of a practice component to the PhD examination.

As a research student in the School of English, you will be assigned two supervisors (one primary and the other secondary) to guide you through your project. In addition, you can expect regular meetings co-ordinated by the Director of Graduate Studies to help you assess your progress and to see what the School can do to help make your research more productive. All postgraduate research students are eligible to apply for financial assistance to help them attend conferences and carry out other research-related activities outside the University.

Requirements

• We normally expect that an applicant for our PhD programmes has passed, or is currently completing, an MA or equivalent.
• Our standard English language requirements for all PhD applicants are set at the University’s Advanced level tariff: an overall IELTS grade of 7.5 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component. 
• Draft your PhD research project proposal
• Proof of your previous qualifications.
• Academic references (Two).
• English language certificate (EU and Overseas applicants).
• A supporting statement.
• Curriculum vitae/Resume.

The University of Sheffield offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies in the Finance program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various sources of funding to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs associated with university life. The university provides detailed information on scholarships, bursaries, and awards that are available specifically for finance students, including undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Students can apply for merit-based scholarships which recognize academic excellence, as well as need-based bursaries designed to assist those with financial hardship. Additionally, the university offers a range of international scholarships for incoming international students, which can cover partial or full tuition fees depending on the award criteria. It is also possible for students to secure external funding through government grants, such as student loans, or private sector sponsorships, depending on their country of residence and personal circumstances.

The University of Sheffield participates in the UK student loan system, allowing eligible students to access government funding to help with tuition fees and maintenance costs. Postgraduate students may also consider part-time work opportunities on or near campus, which are often available to finance daily expenses while gaining valuable professional experience. The university’s careers service provides guidance on employment options, CV writing, and interview preparation, facilitating students’ ability to fund their studies independently.

For international students, specific financial planning is recommended, including the consideration of currency fluctuations, visa requirements related to funding, and international banking options. The university’s international office offers support and advice to ensure students understand the financial implications of studying abroad.

Students are advised to start their financial planning early, review all available options, and consult the university’s financial aid office for personalized advice. The university also recommends applying for scholarships and funding opportunities well in advance of the course start date, as application deadlines can vary and competition for awards may be high.

Overall, the University of Sheffield strives to make higher education accessible and affordable by providing comprehensive support and information about financing studies in the field of Finance. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all available resources to manage their educational expenses effectively and make the most of their academic experience at the university.

The University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive and innovative degree program in English Studies, designed to develop students' understanding of the English language, literature, and cultural contexts. This program encompasses a range of modules that explore the history, development, and functions of the English language, as well as detailed analyses of literary texts from different periods, genres, and regions. Students have the opportunity to engage critically with classic and contemporary works, developing their analytical, interpretative, and communication skills. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests in areas such as linguistics, creative writing, or English literature. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, including opportunities for creative projects, research, and internships. Students benefit from the expertise of experienced academics and a vibrant academic community that encourages intellectual inquiry and debate. The university also provides excellent resources, including extensive libraries, digital archives, and writing support services. Collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, preparing graduates for diverse careers in education, publishing, media, public relations, and beyond. The program often includes opportunities for international exchanges or study abroad, enriching students’ global perspective. Overall, the English Studies program at the University of Sheffield aims to cultivate critical thinking, literary appreciation, and effective communication, equipping students with skills highly valued in numerous professional fields.