Overview

We specialise particularly in writings of and from South Africa and Africa and work closely with prospective students to develop a thesis topic that reflects their interests and allows them to make a substantive and innovative contribution to their research area.

Features

Once accepted, students are assigned one (sometimes two) supervisor(s) who will offer them consistent intellectual support and guidance.

In addition English Literary Studies students at University of Cape Town are encouraged to take part in the intellectual life of the department and are given opportunities to attend workshops and seminars as well as teach and present on their own research.

On occasion (in keeping with our increasingly interdisciplinary approach) we offer co-supervision with another department.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

We appreciate that a PhD is an extremely serious undertaking and as such we read all applications closely and consult with colleagues to ensure that we have adequate supervisory capacity for your project.

We encourage all applicants to read our staff’s research profiles in order to gauge the interface between their research interests and the specialisations of our teaching staff.

Many of our graduates have gone on to be leading researchers in their fields, teaching and holding senior management positions at major universities both locally and globally.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Students can apply to the PhDs throughout the year.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

88

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Disciplines

Literature View 8 other PhDs in Literature in South Africa

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Academic requirements

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

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Masters degree or equivalent qualification.

Admission through the recognition of prior learning is possible in appropriate circumstances.

Such admission is processed and decided in terms of the RPL policy and must be supported by the HOD and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Cape Town and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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

27170 ZAR / year

≈ 27170 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

27170 ZAR / year

≈ 27170 ZAR / year

Living costs

Cape Town

South Africa

9088 - 15529 ZAR / 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.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for English Literary Studies.

Available Scholarships

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

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