PhD in German PhD/MPhil

Tuition fees are 25,900 GBP per year.

Research Overview

Could your passion for German language, culture and history help us better understand the world in which we live in today? Follow your intercultural research interests to a deeper level in a department ranked 6th nationally in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Having completed a masters degree and agreed your research topic with a supervisor, you will continue your research with a German PhD exploring themes from our wide field of specialisms:

• Linguistics and medieval studies
• History of language teaching
• Constructions of national identity from the 18th century to the present day
• Myth in German literature from the 18th century to the present day
• Romanticism
• 19th century narrative
• Novels and novellas
• Culture and politics in the Weimar Republic
• Modernism and Postmodernism
• Critical and cultural theory
• Gender studies
• Memory and exile studies
• Postcolonialism and cross-cultural studies
• German cinema
• Media studies
• Autobiography in East Germany
• Intellectuals since the Wende
• Culture of the New Right in contemporary Germany
• Contemporary German historiography
• Memory, time and temporality in German literature and culture

We have a very active and dynamic research community where students and academics work on projects across many disciplines. This interdisciplinary environment offers students the opportunity to communicate and exchange ideas which can be very inspiring.

The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive Russell Group university known for its global outlook and vibrant campus life in the historic city of Nottingham. Founded in 1881, the university combines a broad academic portfolio with strong research centres across faculties, offering students access to high-quality teaching and a wide range of disciplines. Its University Park campus provides extensive facilities and a lively students' union supporting societies, volunteering and entrepreneurial activities.

Students benefit from comprehensive careers support, placement opportunities and an environment that encourages innovation and employability. With large international cohorts and partnerships worldwide, Nottingham fosters collaborative research and multicultural learning experiences. Academic staff are active researchers, and many courses include practical projects, industry links and options for study abroad or global placements.

The city of Nottingham adds cultural depth with theatres, sports venues and green spaces, while affordable student living and strong transport links make it an attractive base for study. International students receive tailored support services covering visas, accommodation and wellbeing. For those seeking a research-led institution with broad course choices, strong career services and a dynamic student community, the University of Nottingham offers an engaging and internationally minded experience.