PhD Comparative Literature in London United Kingdom | Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary fosters a vibrant research environment where scholars collaborate across disciplines to advance the evolving domain of comparative literature. Launched in 2012, the Comparative Literature PhD Programme now offers supervision expertise spanning European, Chinese, and South Asian literatures, alongside world literature, postcolonial studies, cosmopolitanism, and transnationalism. Recognized as a premier hub for comparative literary research in London, the Department maintains strong partnerships with University of London institutions including UCL, King's College London, Goldsmiths, and SOAS. The Department also runs a successful MA in Comparative Literature and organizes the distinguished annual George Steiner Lecture, featuring recent speakers like David Damrosch (Harvard), Susan Bassnett (Warwick), Haun Saussy (UChicago), and Emily Apter (NYU).The PhD cohort in Comparative Literature represents a global community, with research funded through competitive UK and international fellowships. Faculty members have spearheaded significant international conferences and play active roles in organizations such as the BCLA, ICLA, and ACLA. Many also contribute as advisors to comparative literature journals and publication series worldwide.PhD candidates engage dynamically within Queen Mary's Comparative Literature network and the broader academic community, presenting their research at departmental seminars and LINKS events. They are encouraged to enrich the research culture by organizing lectures and inviting guest speakers.Housed in a contemporary building at Mile End campus, the School of Languages, Linguistics and Film provides access to Queen Mary's extensive library resources, including comprehensive collections of English and foreign language materials. Students benefit from access to University of London libraries and other collegiate collections.Prospective applicants should contact postgraduate selector Dr. Adhira Mangalagiri regarding potential supervision before submitting proposals. The Department welcomes PhD applications across diverse specializations, with particular expertise in:Research Focus AreasCosmopolitan and transnational studiesDiaspora and exileTranslation and global literatureContemporary literary theoryIntersections of literature with visual media and material cultureChildhood in literaturePhilosophical approaches to literatureLiterature and scientific discourseInterdisciplinary arts studies (including iconography and ekphrasis)Representations of sexuality in literatureDigital-era canon formationComparative Asian literary studiesPostcolonial and Global South scholarshipEcocriticism and environmental humanities