Overview

Our department offers a wide-ranging Ph.D. program, engaging in all historical periods and across several key areas of critical study. We also cater to research interests in both literature and film.

Features

The English and Comparative Literature graduate program at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill trains students to become specialists in fields of their own making by guiding them through the various stages of the program, and by offering rigorous coaching when they enter the academic job market.

Our renowned faculty work across a range of fields, engaging in interdisciplinary scholarship and showcasing a diverse set of critical approaches within the discipline.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Graduate students in our program take courses, pass qualifying examinations in their areas of concentration, and write dissertations.

But our graduate students are also vital to department life, taking leadership roles in our Critical Speaker Series, participating actively in the lectures and seminars held here—and attending the many social events that enhance our intellectual life.

All students are fully funded in our program; some with research fellowships, most with teaching fellowships. All students teach in our undergraduate program, usually starting in the second year, but many in their first year of study.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Chapel Hill, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Literature View 128 other PhDs in Literature in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Writing samples must be examples of analytical writing (rather than creative writing) directly related to literature. Double-spaced, 15-20 page paper of no more than 5,500 words, in 12-point font and with 1-inch margins. The Critical Writing Sample should be uploaded in the Supplemental Document-Required section on the Program Supplement page of the online application.

The Statement of Purpose should be intellectual rather than autobiographical, aimed at giving the admissions committee a strong account of the applicant’s scholarly interests. No longer than 1,000 words, in 12-point font and leaving 1-inch margins.

Three Letters of Recommendation.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29422 USD / year

≈ 29422 USD / year
Out-of-State

29422 USD / year

≈ 29422 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10764 USD / year

≈ 10764 USD / year

Living costs

Chapel Hill

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for English and Comparative Literature.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Chapel Hill

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners