Ph.D. and Other Research Students

Supervised Research Degrees in the School of English:

There are typically around seventy research students in the School of English who work on a wide range of topics and employ diverse critical and theoretical methodologies. Areas in which the School's intellectual community is particularly strong include: Irish literature in English; American poetry and prose; contemporary poetry; 18th Century poetry and prose; Drama; Print Culture; Popular Literature and Film; 19th Century prose; Cultural Studies; Renaissance and Early Modern Literature; Folklore; Post-Colonial Literatures; Medieval Literature.

You can undertake research either for a Master's Degree (M. Litt), or for the Ph. D. Both involve a minimum period of research working closely with a supervisor, and the writing of a thesis. At entry all postgraduates in English are registered as M. Litt students. Those intending to transfer to the Ph. D. register will, after a suitable period of research, present materials to be considered by a committee in the English Department who will decide on the transfer. The degree is awarded after the thesis has been successfully examined; the Ph. D. will require an oral examination.

The Department has a strong commitment to postgraduates teaching Freshman tutorials, and this is seen as important for those who plan an academic career. Usually research students do not teach in their first year of registration.

If you are interested in applying to do research here, go to http://www.tcd.ie/courses for general details on how to apply for this postgraduate study at Trinity College.You do not apply directly to the Department. You should, though, consult the list of staff research interests and contact the member of staff whose interests seem most relevant to your proposed area of research. Acceptance depends on several criteria; your undergraduate degree (normally at least a II.1 honors degree is required), the viability and originality of your research proposal, and the references. Note that the demand for research places in English is very high, and that sometimes very good candidates have to be turned down because of the unavailability of staff to supervise in that area.

Go to http://www.tcd.ie/courses for general details on how to apply for this course at Trinity College.

Representation for Research Students and Postgraduates:

The current TA (Teaching Assistant) representatives, Alex Runchman and Alison Lacivita, represent the interests of teaching assistants and postgraduates. They attend school committee meetings where they raise and respond to issues concerning TAs and postgraduates. They also liaise with individual TAs and postgraduates, host TA meetings, and maintain the TA office in room 316, 3-4 Foster Place. Most importantly, they strive to maintain a strong, supportive and cohesive postgraduate and TA community. Alex and Alison can be contacted directly at runchmaa@tcd.ie or lacivita@tcd.ie.

Staff-Student Seminar Series:

Staff and reseach students present papers at seminars held once a week during term time. More information will be posted here when term begins.