Research degrees
The School aims to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment for postgraduate research. We are privileged to include many academics of the highest national and international research reputation, encompassing a wide range of fields from French, German and Russian Studies, Iberian and Latin American Studies, Linguistics and Film Studies to Literary and Cultural Studies, Modern Critical Theory and Cultural Theory, History of Ideas and Modern Continental Philosophy. Our pages on research clusters include information on how departments of the School performed in the last Research Assessment Exercise and links to departmental staff and their research interests.
We receive financial support for projects from sources including AHRC, the ESRC and the Leverhulme Trust, and a number of staff members are fellows of the Royal Society of Arts, the AHRC Peer Review College, the British Academy and the Association of Art Historians respectively. Our postgraduate students enjoy the use of the facilities provided by the Arts Research Centre, and the Lock-keeper's Cottage Graduate Centre.
Prospective research students are welcome to approach the School at any time in the academic year. You are strongly advised to consult a potential supervisor with a draft research proposal, or the appropriate Graduate Studies Convenor for your chosen subject area within the School, before making a formal application. We are happy to discuss research proposals and to provide advice both on academic matters and on possible sources of funding. We are open to proposals for research within individual departments and also to proposals requiring co-supervision, either within the School or involving other Schools in the Faculty.
Research degree programmes available thoughout Queen Mary are listed on the College website. Information shown for each programme will contain a link to the online application form specific to that programme.
Research training
The School of Languages, Linguistics and Film delivers a research training programme compulsory for students on all MA programmes in the School, dealing with time management, IT and the choice of essay and dissertation topics. Research students are also encouraged to attend these sessions.
The Learning Institute at Queen Mary delivers research training and development opportunities to all research students in such areas as dissertation management (i.e., how to finish on time), academic publishing, research ethics, knowledge transfer, funding your research, and developing an academic career.
How to apply
Application process
You may apply at any time of the year. However, if you intend to begin your PhD at the start of the academic year in September, which we recommend, you should aim to submit your application before August, (unless you are also applying for funding when you may need to apply much earlier).
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Application Checklist Application Form: our preferred method is via the online application process. Reference Letters: you will need to provide two reference letters, at least one of which must be an academic reference. References must be on headed paper and signed. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain two references to support your application. These should either be submitted with your application or sent to the address on the application form. Degree Transcripts/Certificates: you should include those that you have already obtained. If you need to post these, please provide copies, not the original documents. If these documents are in a language other than English, a certified translation must also be provided. English Language Proficiency: overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries should provide evidence of proficiency in English. Research proposal: (1,500 words) which should begin with a provisional title for your project. Writing sample in English: (flexible word length, but maximum 10,000 words). Personal statement in which we recommend that you include:
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English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. The College's preferred test is the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) and the School will normally require a score of at least 7.0, plus 7.0 in the writing element. Further details and a table showing how the IELTS compares with scores of other tests which are accepted by the College for entry can be found on the College website for English Language Requirements.
Enrolment
Once you are in receipt of an offer, have accepted your place online and met any conditions set, joining instructions will be sent to you. These will normally be sent to you from August if you are due to start your PhD in September, which will also be expected if you are successful in obtaining College funding.
If you intend to begin your PhD at any other time of the year, you will be sent joining instructions in time for one of the next available Enrolment Points which are set at the beginning of each month.
Further information
For information about admissions, accommodation, fees, funding and international students, or to order the Queen Mary Postgraduate Prospectus, please visit the College website.
For more information about postgraduate study in the School, please contact:
Postgraduate Studies
Tel: +44 20 7882 8332
Email: sllf-pg@qmul.ac.uk
