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PhD/MA by Research Italian Studies

Researchers in Italian Studies at University of Birmingham have the opportunity to explore how the study of languages, discourses, and cultures challenges how we understand and experience the world.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (MA by Research)
3 years (PhD)
Starting in: January, September
Tuition Fee: £20,820 full-time
£10,410 per year part-time (distance learning only)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom / Online

Research interests range from Medieval to Contemporary Italy and include expertise in literary studies, history of art, translation studies, sexuality and gender studies, and cultural studies.

The Italian Studies at University of Birmingham is part of the Department of Modern Languages, which boasts a vibrant and diverse postgraduate community and provides a range of support for its research students.

We offer two postgraduate research-only programmes, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or pursue your research at Masters level. Find out more about what to expect from a PhD and MA by Research.

Research Areas:

  • Colonial and Postcolonial Studies
  • Exile and Migration
  • Memory Studies
  • Digital Humanities in Modern Languages
  • Linguistics
  • Medieval Studies
  • Music
  • Nineteenth Century Studies

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Why study this course?

  • World-leading research: In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, 75% of research at the University of Birmingham for Modern Languages and Linguistics was judged to be ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
  • Excellent facilities: Postgraduate students in Modern Languages are fully supported to achieve their goals. They have access to excellent training facilities and opportunities to participate in research seminars and other activities as a means of developing a broad range skills and knowledge.
  • Employability skills: Birmingham’s Modern Languages postgraduates develop excellent communication skills, whilst cultural awareness and foreign language skills are highly sought after by employers. Postgraduates in Modern Languages also have a range of transferable skills including the ability to gather and interpret information, organisational skills and the ability to work well with others.
  • Leopardi Centre: The Department is home to the Leopardi Centre, one of only three centres world-wide set up by the Centro Nazionale di Studi Leopardiani in the year of Leopardi’s bicentenary to promote the study and knowledge of Leopardi and facilitate research on Leopardi and related topics.

Requirements

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

  • For MRes and MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
  • Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

Learn more