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MA by Research / PhD

English Literature, American Studies & Creative Writing

Duration
1 - 3 years
Start
September 2025
Delivery
In-person

On our MA by Research or PhD in English Literature, American Studies & Creative Writing you'll research your chosen topic in depth, guided by an experienced team of expert supervisors.

Why study with us

  • You’ll be joining a team of established research and published authors and have the opportunity to work with internationally and nationally recognised scholars and writers who are specialists in their field.
  • We have an extremely active research environment: our staff run and are members of significant national Research Centres such as Institute for Black Atlantic Research (IBAR) and the UCLan Research Centre for Migration, Diaspora and Exile (MIDEX).
  • We will go the extra mile to make sure that you receive the best supervision and support possible.
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What you'll do

  • You’ll work with staff to refine your individual project: to research your primary material effectively, successfully reach your milestones and submit your dissertation/thesis in time.
  • You’ll attend regular supervision sessions where you can discuss your work and ideas and receive regular and detailed feedback and guidance.
  • You’ll present your work at UCLan and academic conferences, receive support with publishing, and share your creative work at our Open Mic Nights in the Live Literature Room.

How to apply for postgraduate research

Interested in studying postgraduate research? The application process can vary but we have some helpful tips.

Find out how to apply

Academic expertise

English literature

Dr Helen Day
Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Creative Writing
Dr Robert Duggan
Senior Lecturer in Modern and Contemporary Literature
RH
Dr Raphael Hoermann
Senior Research Fellow
Professor Will Kaufman
Emeritus Professor of American Cultural History
Dr Yvonne Reddick
Reader in English Literature and Creative Writing

Academic expertise

Creative writing

Dr Philip Braithwaite
Lecturer in Creative Writing
Dr Helen Day
Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Creative Writing
Dr Naomi Krüger
Lecturer in Literature and Creative Writing
Dr Yvonne Reddick
Reader in English Literature and Creative Writing

Industry links

We have links with publishing outlets including Magma Poetry Magazine and Comma Press (an independent Northern publisher of short fiction). We work with literary consultants who have links with charities, such as Booktrust, and literary prizes, such as the Yoto Carnegie Medal.

Future careers

Our MRes/PhD in English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing will provide you with the opportunity to develop excellent research and writing skills, and a wide range of subject specific and generic skills, knowledge and experience.

Entry requirements

MRes

A first class or high 2:1 honours degree in English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing or related subject.

We may also accept a sample of writing for the creative writing option.

PhD

A taught or research MA in English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing or related subject.

Or, in some cases: a first class honours degree in English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing or related subject.

We may also accept a substantial sample of writing for the creative writing option

  • MA by Research: A first class or high 2:1 honours degree in English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing or related subject.
  • We may also accept a sample of writing for the creative writing option.
  • PhD: A taught or research MA in English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing or related subject.
  • Or, in some cases: A first class honours degree in English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing or related subject.
  • We may also accept a substantial sample of writing for the creative writing option.

Not got the grades?

Our courses with a foundation year could be exactly what you're looking for. They provide an alternative route to study for this degree.

Find out more about our courses with a foundation year.
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This course is delivered by the School of Psychology and Humanities

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page