Scottish Literature PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes
The University of Glasgow hosts the only academic unit in the UK exclusively dedicated to the teaching and research of Scottish Literature.
- PhD: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time; Thesis of 70,000-100,000 words
- MLitt (Research): 2 years full-time; 3 years part-time; Thesis of 40,000-70,000 words
- MPhil (Research): 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time; Thesis of 30,000-40,000 words
- MRes: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time; Thesis of 20,000-30,000 words
Overview
Scottish literature fulfils a unique role at the University of Glasgow where it has been a fully-fledged independent subject since the early 1970s. As a relatively ‘new’ subject in the academic context there is a great deal of research work still to be undertaken in Scottish literary studies. Glasgow is supremely well placed to support exciting postgraduate and postdoctoral research.
Scottish literature at Glasgow is well connected to a number of key archives of Scottish material held by our own Special Collections and the Mitchell Library in the city. Moreover we have strong connections with Edinburgh’s National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Poetry Library, both of which house a wealth of materials relating to Scottish writers and literature of all periods.
Our students have had much success in the last ten years with funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland. And we offer smaller student bursaries for specifically Scottish projects.
Topics in which we would welcome postgraduate research include:
- Scottish literature of the 16th and 17th century Renaissance’
- 18th-century literary tradition
- Robert Burns studies
- Scottish Romanticism
- 20th-century Scottish modernism
- contemporary Scottish literature.
Research groups
Contact: Professor Alan Riach, PG Convener, Scottish Literature
Study options
PhD
- Duration: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time
- Thesis length: 70,000-100,000 words, including references, bibliography and appendices (other than documentary appendices).
A Doctor of Philosophy may be awarded to a student whose thesis is an original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in, or understanding of, a field of study and normally containing material worthy of publication.
MLitt (Research)
- Duration: 2 years full-time; 3 years part-time
- Thesis length: 40,000-70,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices).
Our Degree of Master of Letters (Research) requires you to undertake a postgraduate course of special study and research that represents a distinct contribution to knowledge.
MPhil (Research)
- Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
- Thesis length: 30,000-40,000 words (including references and bibliography).
A Master of Philosophy (Research) requires you to undertake a postgraduate course of special study and research that represents a distinct contribution to knowledge.
MRes
- Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
- Thesis length: 20,000-30,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices).
Our Master of Research includes both taught and research elements. You will be required to undertake 60 to 80 credits worth of taught courses as well as independent study which represents some contribution to knowledge.
Distance Learning
It may be possible to undertake a postgraduate research degree (with the exception of MRes) in the College of Arts and Humanities by distance learning. If you wish to explore this option, you should discuss it initially with your proposed supervisor.
Entry requirements
Our regular standard of admission is at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2:1), although candidates will usually also have completed or be undertaking a Masters qualification.
Research outline
Candidates are required to provide an outline of the proposed research subject in about 1000 words. This need not be your final thesis proposal but should include:
- a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
- the question that your research will address
- an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
- an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent study in the subject
- a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take
- a discussion of the primary sources that your research will draw upon, including printed books, manuscripts, archives, libraries, or museums
- an indicative bibliography of secondary sources that you have already consulted and/or are planning to consult
Your application, including your references and research proposal, will be passed to members of staff whose expertise and research interests most closely match the area of your proposed study.
English language requirements
Fees and funding
Fees
2025/26
- UK: £5,005
- International & EU: £26,580
Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.
Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.
Alumni discount
We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.
Possible additional fees
- Re-submission by a research student £540
- Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
- Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790
Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.
- College of Arts & Humanities Graduate School funding opportunities
Support
Teaching and research in the Arts and Humanities is supported by the outstanding resources of our University Library with its special collections and our on-campus Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery.
Our close links and partnerships with Glasgow Life, and the city’s many museums, art galleries, performing arts and music venues, international festivals and creative industry organisations make the University of Glasgow the ideal place for postgraduate study of the arts.
Graduate School
Our Graduate School creates a productive and interdisciplinary collegiate environment for all of our research students. We offer a range of services, courses and skills development opportunities for research students.
The College of Arts & Humanities is home to a vibrant and diverse community of students enrolled on taught masters and research programmes within a stimulating intellectual and cultural environment. Across every school and subject area the college is home to world-leading and agenda-setting research.
Find out more about what is happening in the community by following us on social media.
You will also be part of the wider Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities, the world's first national graduate school in the Arts & Humanities. Membership includes 16 Scottish universities, four art schools & the national conservatoire, with support from the arts, culture, creative & heritage sectors.
