research proposal sample in english literature

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research proposal sample in english literature

Writing a research proposal for the PhD in English Literature

You apply for the PhD in English Literature through the University’s online Degree Finder. Here is our guidance on how to write an effective application.

The two elements of an application that are most useful to us when we consider a candidate for the PhD in English Literature are the sample of written work and the research proposal.

You will probably choose your sample of written work from an already-completed undergraduate or masters-level dissertation or term-paper.

Your research proposal will be something new. It will describe the project that you want to complete for your PhD.

Your research proposal

Take your time in composing your research proposal, carefully considering the requirements outlined below. Your proposal should not be more than 2,000 words .

PhD degrees are awarded on the basis of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. The ‘Summary of roles and responsibilities’ in the University’s Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students stipulates what a research thesis must do.

Take me to the Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students

It is in the nature of research that, when you begin, you don’t know what you’ll find. This means that your project is bound to change over the time that you spend on it.

In submitting your research proposal, you are not committing yourself absolutely to completing exactly the project it describes in the event that you are accepted. Nevertheless, with the above points in mind, your research proposal should include the following elements, though not necessarily in this order:

1. An account of the body of primary texts that your thesis will examine. This may be work by one author, or several, or many, depending on the nature of the project. It is very unlikely to consist of a single text, however, unless that text is unusually compendious (The Canterbury Tales) or unusually demanding (Finnegans Wake). Unless your range of texts consists in the complete oeuvre of a single writer, you should explain why these texts are the ones that need to be examined in order to make your particular argument.

2. An identification of the existing field or fields of criticism and scholarship of which you will need to gain an ‘adequate knowledge’ in order to complete your thesis. This must include work in existing literary criticism, broadly understood. Usually this will consist of criticism or scholarship on the works or author(s) in question. In the case of very recent writing, or writing marginal to the established literary canon, on which there may be little or no existing critical work, it might include literary criticism written on other works or authors in the same period, or related work in the same mode or genre, or some other exercise of literary criticism that can serve as a reference point for your engagement with this new material.

The areas of scholarship on which you draw are also likely to include work in other disciplines, however. Most usually, these will be arguments in philosophy or critical theory that have informed, or could inform, the critical debate around your primary texts, or may have informed the texts themselves; and/or the historiography of the period in which your texts were written or received. But we are ready to consider the possible relevance of any other body of knowledge to literary criticism, as long as it is one with which you are sufficiently familiar, or could become sufficiently familiar within the period of your degree, for it to serve a meaningful role in your argument.

3. The questions or problems that the argument of your thesis will address; the methods you will adopt to answer those questions or explain those problems; and some explanation of why this particular methodology is the appropriate means of doing so. The problem could take many forms: a simple gap in the existing scholarship that you will fill; a misleading approach to the primary material that you will correct; or a difficulty in the relation of the existing scholarship to theoretical/philosophical, historiographical, or other disciplinary contexts, for example. But in any case, your thesis must engage critically with the scholarship of others by mounting an original argument in relation to the existing work in your field or fields. In this way your project must go beyond the summarising of already-existing knowledge.

4. Finally, your proposal should include a provisional timetable , describing the stages through which you hope your research will move over the course of your degree. It is crucial that, on the one hand, your chosen topic should be substantial enough to require around 80,000 words for its full exploration; and, on the other hand, that it has clear limits which would allow it to be completed in three years.

When drawing up this timetable, keep in mind that these word limits, and these time constraints, will require you to complete 25–30,000 words of your thesis in each of the years of your degree. If you intend to undertake your degree on a part-time basis, the amount of time available simply doubles.

In composing your research proposal you are already beginning the work that could lead, if you are accepted, to the award of a PhD degree. Regard it, then, as a chance to refine and focus your ideas, so that you can set immediately to work in an efficient manner on entry to university. But it bears repeating that that your project is bound to evolve beyond the project described in your proposal in ways that you cannot at this stage predict. No-one can know, when they begin any research work, where exactly it will take them. That provides much of the pleasure of research, for the most distinguished professor as much as for the first-year PhD student. If you are accepted as a candidate in this department, you will be joining a community of scholars still motivated by the thrill of finding and saying something new.

Ready to apply?

If you have read the guidance above and are ready to apply for your PhD in English Literature, you can do so online through the University of Edinburgh's Degree Finder.

Applications to start your PhD in September 2025 are now open.

Take me to the Degree Finder entry for the PhD in English Literature

If you've got any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Aaron Kelly by email in the first instance.

Email Dr Aaron Kelly

This article was published on 2024-08-13

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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

Highlight how it is original or significant
Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
Identify the importance of your research
Show why you are the right person to do this research
Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

Subject specific guidance

Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
Writing a Creative Writing PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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research proposal for PhD

A Guide on How to Write a Research Proposal for PhD in English Literature

Figuring out how to write a research proposal for a PhD in English Literature may seem tricky, but we’ll make it easier for you. A Research Proposal for a PhD in English Literature is crucial as it outlines the study’s scope, objectives, and methodology. It demonstrates the candidate’s research readiness, ensures alignment with academic standards, and allows for feedback. A well-crafted proposal is pivotal for securing approval and guiding the successful completion of the doctoral research.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of PhD research proposals and want a process of writing PhD research proposal in English literature that speaks your language, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started on making your English Literature PhD dreams a reality with our guidelines for writing PhD research proposal in English literature.

Process of Writing PhD Research Proposal in English Literature

The process of writing a PhD research proposal in English Literature involves several key steps to ensure a strong and well-structured document. Begin by choosing a specific and compelling research topic within English Literature that aligns with your interests and the existing scholarly conversation. Next, conduct a thorough literature review to understand the current state of research in your chosen area.

After identifying a gap or a unique angle for your study, clearly define your research questions and objectives. Outline the methodology you plan to use for your investigation, whether it involves textual analysis, surveys, or other research methods. Clearly present the significance of your research and how it contributes to the broader field of English Literature.

Lastly, pay careful attention to the structure, language, and formatting of your proposal. Seek feedback from mentors or colleagues to refine your work. This comprehensive process ensures a compelling and well-organized PhD research proposal in English Literature.

Now, let’s dive into 3 most important steps regarding how to write a research proposal for PhD in English literature, which you haven’t even heard about before.

Step 1: Deeply Engage with Existing Literature

– Unique Perspective and Contribution: Engaging deeply with existing literature offers PhD researchers the opportunity to identify gaps or overlooked aspects within the academic discourse. By exploring less-explored works, researchers can uncover unique perspectives that contribute to the richness of their research proposal.

– Demonstrating Scholarly Rigor: In-depth engagement demonstrates scholarly rigor and a comprehensive understanding of the subject. By going beyond mainstream sources, researchers showcase their dedication to thorough scholarship, which is a crucial aspect of the guidelines for writing PhD research proposals in English Literature.

– Building a Comprehensive Literature Review: Deep engagement helps in building a comprehensive literature review. It allows researchers to contextualize their study within the broader field, highlighting the evolution of thought and providing a strong foundation for their proposed research. A well-constructed literature review, in line with the guidelines for writing PhD research proposals in English Literature, establishes the significance of the study and justifies its necessity.

Step 2: Interdisciplinary Connections

– Creating interdisciplinary connections enriches the context of the research proposal, making it more relevant and impactful. By incorporating insights from diverse fields, researchers enhance the depth and breadth of their study, aligning with the process of writing a PhD research proposal in English Literature.

– Integrating elements from other disciplines broadens the analytical framework. This approach allows researchers to adopt varied perspectives and methodologies, fostering a more holistic understanding of their research topic. It aligns with the guidelines for writing PhD research proposals in English Literature, encouraging a multidimensional exploration.

– Interdisciplinary connections showcase innovation and creativity, demonstrating a willingness to explore beyond the traditional boundaries of English Literature research. This not only adds a layer of uniqueness to the proposal but also aligns with the evolving nature of academic inquiry, adhering to the guidelines for writing a PhD research proposal in English Literature that encourage innovative approaches.

Step 3: Innovative Methodological Framework

– Crafting an innovative methodological framework showcases the researcher’s ability to think outside conventional boundaries. This aligns with the guidelines for writing PhD research proposals in English Literature, emphasizing a commitment to advancing research methodologies within the field.

– Developing innovative methods demonstrates adaptability and open-mindedness, crucial qualities in academic research. By exploring unconventional approaches, researchers signal a willingness to embrace new ideas, fitting well within the guidelines for writing PhD research proposals in English Literature.

– An innovative methodological framework contributes to the advancement of the field. It shows that the proposed research is not only addressing specific literary questions but is also pushing the boundaries of traditional research practices. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the guidelines for writing PhD research proposals in English Literature, emphasizing the proposal’s potential impact on the broader academic landscape.

This guide has illuminated the path on how to write a research proposal for PhD in English Literature, simplifying a seemingly complex process. By adhering to the guidelines for writing PhD research proposals in English Literature and also the process of writing PhD research proposal in English literature, aspiring researchers can confidently embark on their academic journey.

Remember, a well-crafted proposal is more than a document; it’s a roadmap that communicates your passion, dedication, and unique contribution to the realm of English Literature. We explored the importance of deep engagement with existing literature, discovering hidden gems that enrich your narrative. Additionally, we highlighted the guidelines for writing PhD research proposal in English literature, showcasing your adaptability and commitment to pushing academic boundaries.

Armed with this guide, you are equipped to navigate the intricacies of crafting a compelling research proposal that not only meets the guidelines for writing a PhD research proposal in English Literature but also sets the stage for an impactful scholarly pursuit. Best of luck on your academic journey!

PhDTutor.in is a website that provides research assistance to PhD scholars. They offer a wide range of guidelines for writing PhD research proposal in English literature, including research proposal writing, thesis writing, and statistical analysis. Their research proposal writing service is designed to help scholars develop a well-organized proposal that clearly conveys the significance of their research. The proposal is written by expert academic writers who can justify the relevance of the research question and the scholar as a potential researcher. The proposal consists of a good literature review, appropriate methodology, and a comprehensive explanation of the research proposed.

PhDTutor.in also offers PhD project guidance in Chennai, which aims to make the PhD research journey smoother for scholars from across the world. They have a team of academic professionals who not only have research expertise but also have subject expertise in varied academic fields. Their timely and high-quality research support services and PhD project help can definitely guide you in the right direction and make your work unique and comprehensive

FAQ Questions

1. what are the areas of research in english literature.

Areas of research in English literature include literary analysis, cultural studies, historical perspectives, and interdisciplinary approaches.

2. What are the key elements in writing a PhD research proposal in English literature?

Key elements in writing a PhD research proposal in English literature involve defining research questions, conducting a thorough literature review, outlining methodology, and emphasizing the significance of the study.

3. What are the requirements for PhD in English Literature?

Requirements for a PhD in English Literature typically include a master’s degree in a related field, strong academic records, letters of recommendation, a compelling research proposal, and, in some cases, language proficiency.

4. What is the structure of PhD research proposal in English literature?

The structure of a PhD research proposal in English literature usually includes sections for introduction, literature review, research questions, methodology, significance of the study, and a preliminary bibliography.