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
- a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
- If you don’t hold the above, we can accept a lower second class honours degree with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
- A period of pre-PhD study is required for some subjects before entry to a PhD
- And / or evidence of motivation and ability to conduct research at higher degree level
- an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking).
You should normally hold:
English language qualifications
If English isn't your first language, you will need:
Find out more about the English language requirements for undertaking research at NTU.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Fees and funding
Fees
Our tuition fees are set and reviewed on an annual basis. Find out the current fees for a PhD.
Doctoral loans
Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales provide a non-means-tested Doctoral loan to help with course fees and living costs for a postgraduate research course. Use the links to check to see if you are eligible.
Studentships
Every year we provide fully-funded PhD studentships, with opportunities across all our academic disciplines. These are open to UK and International doctoral candidates and applications usually open in October.
Sign up for emails and we’ll let you know when the next NTU studentships are released.
Funded projects
We advertise funded PhD projects throughout the year. See what is currently available.
Find out more
Find out how much a research degree will cost and explore different types of research funding.
Fees
See our fees and funding page for details.
Funding
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international doctoral candidates holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
How to apply
You can apply for one of our advertised projects or submit your own proposal. Find out about our PhD opportunities and how to begin your research journey.
If you have any application queries, email doctoralschool@ntu.ac.uk
