Research Degrees

Currently the School provides supervision for the research degrees of MPhil, PhD and DLang across the exceptionally broad range of academic expertise the School has to offer.

The MPhil is a combination of coursework and research: two semesters of full-time taught courses or equivalent part-time study and assessment(s) are followed by a thesis (40,000 words maximum) prepared during the summer and the following year and submitted by the end of the second academic session. Candidates for the PhD undertake at least three years of study and submit a thesis of not more than 80,000 words. Like the more familiar PhD, the DLang is a degree of full doctoral status, involving three years' advanced postgraduate study and a major research thesis. The different title, of Doctor of Language, underlines its distinctive character, and in particular the fact that it contains as an integral element a broadly based but rigorous training in the theory and practice of language. The possibility exists for doctoral theses to be submitted in either English or the language of study.

Our programmes are highly flexible, and we welcome exploring with you the possibility of conversion to the PhD from any programme with a taught first year.

Co-tutelle Arrangements (PhD)

Enquiries are invited for PhD programmes in French which include joint study and supervision arrangements with a partner university (currently Paris III and Clermont-Ferrand, but others can be envisaged) resulting in the award of a jointly recognised PhD. Participating students may apply for Stevenson Scholarships for study abroad. Approaches are welcome from candidates wishing to discuss possible partnerships with other universities, including those outside France.