In this innovative and exciting programme you focus on writing a full-length, literary novel of between 90,000 and 150,000 words.
The aims and objectives remain the same as on any other PhD programme in the humanities, for example, you are expected to contribute new knowledge and explore original, contemporary research questions, you are expected to achieve almost all of this in the novel itself.
There is no long critical piece attached to this PhD programme. Instead, you produce a 3-5,000-word essay that works like a preface to your project, linking your concerns with others’, demonstrating your awareness of theme and locating your work within/without one or more traditions etc.
You meet regularly with your supervisor and have the opportunity to take part in informal reading groups and research seminars to which students, staff and visiting speakers contribute papers. You also benefit from a series of research skills seminars that run in the spring term, which gives you a chance to share the research expertise of staff and postdoctoral members of the department.
