The PhD in Literature, Culture and Thought supports interdisciplinary projects that by virtue of their design clearly transcend or stand outside any one Section in the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics. Existing alongside PhD pathways in French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Slavonic Studies, and Spanish and Portuguese, this doctoral degree offers an opportunity for students to pursue research projects that at their core traverse conventional disciplinary or linguistic boundaries, but to do so inside the rigorous and supportive environment of MMLL. Our academic community consists of scholars who produce highly specialised research in a variety of literary, intellectual, and cultural traditions, but who also drive such broader fields as critical theory, translation studies, philosophy, visual studies, intellectual history, postcolonial studies, and comparative literature. Students drawn to this PhD will have projects centred in such fields with relevant proposed supervisors, allowing for research in cultural texts and trends across a wide range of language areas beyond English, at least one of which they will be required to study in the original language.
The course aims to train students to be excellent researchers, writers, and scholars. The degree will prepare them to engage primary texts and secondary scholarship with critical dexterity, to synthesise research, and to expand the research horizons of their defined specialist area. The PhD also offers the opportunity for students to hone--to an advanced professional level--their presentation and public speaking skills. Students with an interest in pursuing careers in higher education will also be offered teaching opportunities and relevant pedagogical training. Students will graduate with the ability to produce publishable research of an excellent standard.
Learning outcomes
expert knowledge of a defined area of specialist research
knowledge of the methodology or methodologies appropriate to their field
a set of research skills appropriate to their field
the ability to produce scholarly writing in English of a sufficiently high standard
an appropriate set of transferable skills, such as work planning and time management
Continuing
For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Advanced Study to a PhD, the minimum academic requirement is an overall Distinction in the MPhil.
For Cambridge students applying to continue from the MPhil by Thesis to a PhD, the usual academic requirement is a Pass in the MPhil.
All applications are judged on their own merits, and students must demonstrate their suitability to undertake doctoral-level research.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options.
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.
For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.