PhD Comparative Literatures and Cultures 48 months PHD Programme By University of Bristol |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# =79QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

48 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

21,300 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

25 Jul, 2025Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Modern Languages

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.

Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.

Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.

Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.

Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Modern Languages

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.

Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.

Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.

Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.

Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
67+
88+
3.3+
A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.

25 Jul 2025
4 Years
Jan
Sep

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fees

Domestic
4,850 GBP
International
21,300 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

MA Law arrows

MA Law Programme

Go to Programme ::type_cta_button::

Videos & media

Videos & media

media_view_gallery View Gallery
PHD Programmes 69