In this programme, we offer PhD supervision in English, interdisciplinary studies (via the research centres) and creative writing. Our postgraduate students are an essential part of the English and Humanities research community at Southampton. The programme is also available via distance learning, which is designed for people who wish to study without travelling to Southampton. As a research student, you will have access to a whole range of facilities to provide you with the wisdom and capabilities to complete your research to make you an expert in your specialised area. We offer supervision from world leading researchers across the range of English literature from the medieval period to the present day. As a research student at Southampton you will benefit from the expertise of a dedicated supervisory team as well as having access to a wide range of training opportunities which will help you to develop your academic and transferable skills. The goal of an PhD is a final thesis of 75,000 words which will be examined by an internal and external examiner at an oral examination. Formative feedback on your progress at postgraduate research level takes the form of regular reading of your work and detailed feedback on it from your supervisory team. You will meet with your supervisor approximately once a month to discuss your progress and the direction of your research, and you will also receive feedback from your advisor. Formal formative assessments take place after the first nine and eighteen months of your studies respectively. After the first nine months of your studies, you will deliver a presentation to postgraduate students and academic staff and receive feedback At eighteen months - or earlier if your supervisory team considers you ready. A PhD is an excellent preparation not only for an academic career but for a range of professions including arts administration, journalism and the civil service. Your research will develop to a high level the key skills employers seek such as problem solving; team work; deadline and project management; cultural awareness; working independently; using your initiative; relationship-building; critical thinking and research analysis. Above all, you will learn to communicate your ideas and enthusiasm to a wide range of audiences.