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MPhil/PhD

MPhil/PhD in Languages and Cultures

ILCS supports research in the integrated study of languages, cultures, and societies. In addition to offering a PhD programme in Languages and Cultures, the Institute is also able to offer PhD study in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Though its strengths reside primarily within the fields of French and Francophone, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American/ Caribbean studies, the Institute supports the transnational study of languages and cultures while seeking to advance connections with organisations that focus on cultural and linguistic experience in other global contexts. Its staff’s expertise bridges literary, historical, ethnographic, and digital research, with a particular emphasis on postcolonial and migration studies, and the environmental humanities. ILCS is an integral part of the School of Advanced Study which, through the collective work of its eight Institutes, promotes interdisciplinary research.

The Institute enables researchers to collaborate in a wide range of national and international networks and activities, to engage in innovative research, and to demonstrate research value to the wider public. It offers research degrees and is the leading national provider of doctoral training for languages and cultures.

ILCS, and its six research centres, run and contribute to national and international cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural research seminars, lectures, workshops, colloquia and conferences. ILCS also hosts a thriving publications series, a conference support scheme, and a fellowships programme. In close collaboration with the University Council For Languages (UCFL), the British Academy and language area subject associations, ILCS plays a leading role in debates that concern the shape of the disciplinary area and its engagement with issues of high topical concern. It aims to ensure that the social, cultural and economic benefits of research in the integrated study of languages, cultures, and societies research are widely recognised.

Studying at the Institute

Undertaking doctoral research allows you to develop in-depth knowledge, while making a meaningful contribution to your chosen field. With guidance from our expert supervisors, you’ll carry out extensive independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words.

These degrees present the opportunity to gain expertise in your area of interest while also honing a range of transferable skills. On completing your degree, you’ll be well prepared for specialist career paths both within academia and beyond.

Read 'Five Minutes with ...' interview with recent graduate.

MPhil/PhD in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

CLACS offers specialist doctoral supervision across the humanities and social sciences, covering Latin America and the Caribbean. An internationally recognised centre of excellence, CLACS is home to a close-knit team of Latin Americanists with expertise in colonial and post-colonial history, political anthropology, human geography, environmental humanities, cultural studies, multilingualism and digital humanities.

Graduates are awarded a University of London degree.

MPhil/PhD in Languages and Cultures

ILCS provides first-class PhD supervision and guidance from academics who are leaders in their field, in collaboration with specialists at other institutions where appropriate.

Students have access to networks associated with the Centres for German & Austrian Exile Studies, Contemporary Women’s Writing, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Austrian Literature & Culture.

More broadly, the School of Advanced Study draws on its expertise in research and teaching to provide programmes of varied and challenging research and skills training. These programmes help support our students and graduate researchers in their wider preparation for careers, in academia or elsewhere.

Graduates are awarded a University of London degree.

 

Programme Structure

The degree can be taken full time over three years (or a maximum of four) or part time over five years (or a maximum of six), with entry in October and January. You will initially be registered for our MPhil and, providing your progress has been satisfactory, will then be upgraded to our PhD programme.

The primary activity of the PhD programme is the writing of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. There is no formal coursework, but you are encouraged to participate in the regular seminars held at the Institute during the academic year. An extensive research training programme is on offer, with sessions provided from leading scholars and practitioners. After submission of the thesis, you will attend an oral examination conducted by an internal examiner from the University of London, and an external examiner, normally from another university in the UK.

Distance Learning

The School of Advanced Study offers students with an appropriate topic and level of local resource the opportunity to undertake a PhD by distance learning. These students will study at their own location and may be able to undertake formal examination remotely, such as upgrade and the viva (oral) examination.

This option is available to UK and international students on the same basis as our on-campus PhD programmes (three years full time, six years part-time). Fees are the same as for our on-campus PhD programmes.

Areas of Research

The Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies offers doctoral research supervision in the following broad areas:

  • Borders
  • Cities and cultures
  • Comparative/world literature
  • Digital Humanities
  • Exile writing
  • Film and cultural studies
  • French and Francophone studies
  • Gender and sexuality
  • German philosophy
  • German studies
  • German-Jewish writing
  • Iberian, Latin American and Caribbean studies
  • Italian Studies
  • Memory studies
  • Multilingualism
  • Translation studies
  • Women’s writing

Enquiries about research supervision should be addressed to the Director, Professor Charles Burdett, sending a CV and a research proposal.