Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Language, Literature and Culture

Undertake a PhD in Language, Literature and Culture

Gain expertise in a specialised area of language, literature and culture

Pursue an advanced research project in English literary studies, philosophy, communications, or applied linguistics, and expand our understanding of the cultural and social forces that shape and steer the world today.

Domestic

I am an
International Student

I am not a citizen of
Australia or New Zealand.

Switch to International

I am a
Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

Master of Arts (Research)

Duration: 2 years

Delivery mode:
In person

Location:
Bedford Park

CRICOS code: 106282D

Annual fees:
2025: $38,100

Further information on fees listed

Doctor of Philosophy (Humanities)

Duration: 4 years

Delivery mode:
In Person

Location:
Bedford Park

CRICOS code: 106266D

Annual fees:
2025: $38,100

Further information on fees listed

Research supervisors

How to apply

Enquire

Why undertake a PhD in Language, Literature and Culture

Gain expertise in a specialised area. You will become an international expert in your topic
Make a difference to the world. Your research has the potential to improve people’s lives by understanding how our culture, and how we communicate, enables us to express ourselves, create new things, connect with each other, and make sense of our surroundings
Explore a fascinating research question that no one has answered before. You will have the opportunity to fill a gap in current knowledge or answer a previously unresolved issue in your field

Discover more about research at the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Your career

A PhD gained in an area of Language, Literature and Culture at Flinders provides a wide range of skills valued in all types of organisations and careers. It will enhance your creative practice, analytical and communication skills, provide you with skills to quickly learn new concepts and adapt to change, and enhance your time management, organisation and resilience skills.

A PhD is a stepping stone to a career as a professional researcher in the public sector, think tanks, charities, universities, and private corporations. Individuals with PhDs in languages, literature and culture are highly sought after for various professions in public and private organisations and have found roles in writing, the law, public service, consulting, advising, teaching and publishing.

Potential occupations include:

Academic
Writer
Consultant or adviser
Professional researcher

Potential employers include:

Universities
Think tanks
Public sector
Charities
Private corporations

Potential research supervisors

Flinders Language, Literature and Culture academic staff are recognised as leaders in their fields both in Australia and globally. Our academic supervisors draw on their extensive knowledge and exciting research covering topics related to Gothic and Romantic literature, graphic texts, Continental philosophy and English as a global language.

Learn what to prepare before approaching a potential research supervisor.

Ready to find the perfect supervisor for your research journey?

Explore Research @ Flinders.

Language, Linguistics & TESOL

Literature

Philosophy

Get inspired

How academic friendship transformed our PhD experience

While both completing a Life Writing PhD at Flinders, Edith Hill and Marina Deller reflect on how their friendship has supported their research.

Learn more

Best before date - Ingrained ageism in literary fiction

A middle-aged women herself, HDR student Rebecca Carpenter-Mews is researching exactly how older women are depicted in contemporary fiction as part of her English literature PhD.

Learn more

How to apply

Review the course rule

Check your eligibility

Find a research supervisor

Find out about scholarships and fees

Prepare your application

Apply now

Enquire now

Review answers to regularly asked questions about applying for a higher degree by research (FAQs).

After reviewing the Study HDR web pages and FAQs above, if you still have questions that have not been answered, complete the form. You must provide details about the Reason for your enquiry in the text box 'Ask a question here’.

For queries relating specifically to a project, direct your enquiry to the College where you plan to study.