Research degrees in Arts and Humanities PhD
About this course
The School of Social Sciences offers opportunities for postgraduate study leading to a PhD, by both full-time and part time study, across a wide range of disciplines.
Undertaking an PhD
Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for a PhD by research in all its academic schools. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study, and can sometimes be provided by distance learning.
Our research community will advance, expand and support your research in disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts in English, History, Communications, Cultural and Media Studies, Museum and Heritage Development and Critical and Creative Writing.
Supporting your studies
Carrying out research for a PhD or ProfD requires different skills from undergraduate or taught postgraduate study. You will mostly work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team.
The team consists of a director of studies (who will usually have expertise in your subject area) and at least one other supervisor selected for their complementary expertise such as relevant research methods.
The Doctoral School Team will support you from your initial enquiry, through the application process and the various stages of your degree, until your viva voce examination and subsequent graduation. Once you begin your studies, you will have induction sessions to introduce you to the University, help you settle in and meet other researchers.
Funding
Visit the Doctoral School website for scholarship and bursary information. In addition, you can read about AHRC funding for Arts and Humanities doctoral candidates.
Researcher training
In addition to studying for a research degree, doctoral candidates undertaking traditional route PhDs will participate in researcher training. This combines general research training with specific topics associated with your discipline. The training focuses on the requirements of external research funding bodies and government requirements.
We also provide a structured programme of transferable skills training and career development. This is informed by the work of Vitae, the national organisation which support researchers throughout their careers.
Re:searchers re:vealed
Here at NTU, our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds and they all have a powerful story to tell. Find out about our researchers and the impact their work is making.
What you’ll study
Conducting research for a PhD degree requires different skills from undergraduate study. You will work independently and in-depth on an original project under the guidance of your supervisory team.
The team is led by a Director of Studies, who will usually have expertise in the specific subject area relevant to your research, and who will take primary responsibility for supervising your work and monitoring your progress. You will also be supported by one or two other supervisors, who will adopt complementary roles and responsibilities. Before applying, you are strongly encouraged to consult the staff profiles on the School website in order to acquaint yourself with the research activity and expertise in the School.
All of our research degrees incorporate a well-chosen programme of study and research training to help you acquire and develop competency in the appropriate methodologies and techniques to support your work.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Careers and employability
Your career development
Nottingham Trent University prides itself on the real-world relevance of its courses, and places particular emphasis on helping doctoral candidates to develop the academic and practical know-how that encourages initiative, innovation and academic excellence.
All our research degrees incorporate a programme of supporting studies designed to develop knowledge and skills of all aspects of the research process, including the funding and dissemination of research. This will ensure that you have the necessary expertise to successfully complete your doctoral programme and lay sound foundations for your future career.
Participation in academic conferences, seminars and external networks will cultivate contacts, skills and knowledge essential for successful research practice. These abilities are also transferable to a wide range of other careers. Researchers are also invited to take part in our own Research Conferences giving you the opportunity to present your work and discuss with other researchers at NTU.
There are some opportunities for doctoral candidates to prepare for an academic career by teaching undergraduate students or supervising laboratory work. doctoral candidates may also take part in the Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education training programme.
Whether you want to work in academia or industry, the university will support you with free, personalised training, expert careers advice and more. As well regular workshops, you can book one-to-one appointments with our specialist Doctoral Careers Consultant and access tailored doctoral employability resources
Although formal placements are not a requirement of PhDs, the University has strong links with professionals in business and industry.
Entry requirements
UK students
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International students
Unfortunately, this course is not open to international students
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
