Lancaster is home to a vibrant community of researchers exploring the languages, literatures and cultures that shape our interconnected world. Our internationally recognised research examines how ideas, identities and cultures circulate across linguistic, national and disciplinary boundaries. You will study in the School of Global Affairs, where interdisciplinary collaboration is at the heart of our research culture.
Why study for a PhD in Languages and Cultures at Lancaster?
- Benefit from expert supervision and support
- Access specialist research training modules
- Study on campus in the University Library’s bespoke postgraduate study space
- Join in guest lectures and seminars
- Participate in the activities of the School of Global Affairs different research groups and centres
What research specialisms in Languages and Cultures are offered at Lancaster?
We warmly welcome enquiries from appropriately qualified applicants who are keen to register for doctoral research in any of the areas covered by our staff expertise. These include:
You may pursue a topic based entirely within one or in several languages, but we are also interested in projects which are comparative or transcultural in the scope of European and Global Studies.
How will my PhD in International Relations be structured?
Our doctoral programmes are designed to support you at every stage of your research journey. During the initial phase of your studies, you will develop the theoretical, methodological and professional skills needed to undertake independent, high-quality research in Languages and Cultures.
Drawing on Lancaster’s multilingual and globally oriented research environment, you will be encouraged to engage critically with languages, literatures and cultures across linguistic, cultural and disciplinary boundaries. Working closely with your supervisors, you will refine your research project, engage critically with relevant scholarship, and develop a strong foundation for your thesis. You will become part of a vibrant research community that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual exchange with researchers working across languages, literatures, cultures and global contexts.
Following successful progression, you will undertake original research that contributes new knowledge and perspectives to your chosen field, culminating in an MPhil thesis or a longer PhD thesis. Advice and guidance will be given by your supervisor as to the specific format of your award.
Join our vibrant research culture
At Lancaster, you will be encouraged to participate in a vibrant multilingual research culture through research seminars, reading groups, workshops, conferences and Faculty training programmes. These activities provide opportunities to share your research, receive constructive feedback, and engage with scholars working across languages, literatures, cultures and related disciplines. You will also benefit from the School of Global Affairs' collaborative and interdisciplinary ethos, with opportunities to connect with researchers across the arts, humanities and social sciences.
We are committed to supporting the next generation of scholars, researchers and practitioners. Whether your ambition is an academic career or a role in publishing, education, cultural institutions, international organisations, the creative industries, heritage, language services or research consultancy, a doctoral degree in Languages and Cultures at Lancaster will equip you with the advanced research expertise, critical perspectives and intercultural understanding to make a meaningful contribution in your chosen field.
If you are interested in exploring the languages, literatures and cultures that shape our interconnected world, and want to pursue innovative research in a supportive and internationally connected environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Find the Right Supervisor
Find out more about our research specialisms and the wide range of research projects in which staff in the department are engaged. Where there is a good match with your proposed area of research, feel free to contact a potential supervisor informally in the first instance.
It is also possible to receive joint supervision by the School of Global Affairs and another department in the university. Collaborations with English, History, Linguistics, Politics, Philosophy and Religion, or Sociology are quite frequent and provide for strong, interdisciplinary research.
You may also wish to access guidance for writing your research proposal and find out how to apply.
