PhD The Contemporary Novel - Practice as Research in Canterbury United Kingdom | University of Kent

This program offers a unique opportunity to craft a complete literary novel spanning 90,000 to 150,000 words, blending creativity with academic rigor.

Program Highlights
Like traditional humanities PhDs, this program requires original contributions to knowledge and exploration of contemporary research questions—but primarily through your novel. Instead of a lengthy critical dissertation, you'll write a concise 3-5,000 word introductory essay that contextualizes your work within literary traditions and demonstrates your thematic awareness, accompanied by a comprehensive bibliography.

UK academic institutions and research councils now recognize literary novels as valid research outputs that offer unique insights. Works like Art Spiegelman's MAUS reveal truths about war beyond historical analysis, while authors like Borges demonstrate philosophical exploration through fiction—approaches we've championed at Kent for years.

This PhD reflects modern academic engagement with creative writing. You'll undertake substantial critical analysis, research, and reading before transforming these insights into contemporary fiction. A dedicated supervisory team will guide your creative process, offering support with narrative structure, character development, pacing, dialogue, and more.

Regular meetings with your supervisor complement participation in dynamic reading groups and research seminars featuring students, faculty, and guest speakers. Spring term brings specialized research skills workshops, allowing you to learn from departmental experts and postdoctoral researchers.

The program also includes essential research methods training to strengthen your scholarly foundation.