PhD study

PhD study is offered in each of the Sections: French, German, Italian, Slavonic Studies, Spanish & Portuguese, Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, and at Cambridge Film and Screen.  The PhD in Literature, Culture and Thought is also offered by the Faculty.

A PhD (formally known as Doctor of Philosophy) is a substantial piece of original scholarship, for which the research and writing-up can be reasonably expected to be completed in three to four years (or for part-time students, where this is offered, five to seven years).  In MMLL the maximum word limit is 80,000 words. For the purposes of a PhD, the notion of originality means that the thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning, through the discovery of new knowledge, or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of new theory, or the revision of older views, or some combination of these different criteria.

During the period of research, students will  work closely with a Supervisor who is a specialist in their research area. Students are additionally assigned an Advisor who acts as a second point of contact for academic advice. In addition to providing specialist supervision, the Faculty runs a programme of professional training for the benefit of all research students.

Please refer to the central prospectus for the exact requirements (you will need to search for the particular PhD course you are interested in).​  Language skills in a particular area may be required depending on the specific nature of your research proposal.

You can apply online via the Postgraduate Admissions website.  The site also provides detail on course structure and content, fee rates, information on the College system, and information regarding the application process.

There is further information regarding applications and funding on our Applying and Funding page.

Information about supporting documents can be found on the Postgraduate Admissions website.

If you are applying to the Section of Spanish and Portuguese and wish to work on any topic within Latin American literary, visual, or cultural studies, you may wish to read about the Consortium in Latin American Cultural Studies.