PhD German Studies: The University of Manchester

Course description

Manchester is one of the leading research centres for German Studies in the UK. 55% of its research was deemed 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' by the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, and, in the volume and quality of its research, the Department was rated third out of 29 in the country.

Staff research interests range from modern German history, film and cultural studies, to Goethe, Romanticism, and modern German literature. A lively research culture is maintained through regular research seminars and academic conferences such as `Literary Value and Canon Formation in the German Tradition after Postmodernism' (2004), `Municipalism - Regionalism - Nationalism' (2006), and `Creolising Europe' (2007). German staff members have also used the new synergies provided by the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and UMIST to embed their research in fresh interdisciplinary research clusters: a) cultural identities, with an organisational focus in CULTMEP (the Centre for the Study of Cultural Forms of Modern European Politics); b) linguistics, with an organisational focus in CTIS (the Centre for Translation and Intercultural Studies); and c) migrations and diaspora, with an organisational focus in MDCSN (the Migrations and Diasporas Cultural Studies Network).

Career opportunities

Many of the PhD graduates in German Studies have embarked on successful University careers (at Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Glasgow, etc.). Some have moved into publishing, others have taken up posts in international research projects or dictionary projects.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: Successful completion of a Masters course, or its overseas equivalent, with an element of research training, is a prerequisite for entry to a PhD. A research proposal must be included with the formal application materials.

English language: Students whose first language is not English require an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with 7.0 in the writing component or a TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (internet-based test).