The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English Language Studies is a research-focused degree designed to develop advanced scholarship in the structure, use, and teaching of the English language. The programme provides rigorous training in linguistic analysis, language pedagogy, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics, enabling candidates to carry out original and impactful research. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to academic scholarship, language policy, and professional practice in multilingual and multicultural contexts.
The PhD in English Language Studies aims to:
Advance knowledge and critical understanding of the English language, its structure, variation, and use.
Develop advanced research skills for independent, high-quality studies in English linguistics and applied language studies.
Promote evidence-based approaches to English language teaching, learning, and assessment.
Foster awareness of the social, cultural, and political dimensions of English in local and global contexts.
Prepare graduates for academic, leadership, and research roles in higher education and professional fields.
Support ethical, culturally responsive, and socially responsible research practices.
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
Demonstrate advanced mastery of theories and methods in English language studies.
Design and conduct original research addressing key issues in English language learning, teaching, or use.
Critically analyze English language phenomena in diverse sociocultural and educational contexts.
Develop and evaluate innovative approaches to English language pedagogy and policy.
Communicate complex research findings clearly and effectively to academic and professional audiences.
Publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and present at relevant conferences.
Contribute to curriculum development, mentorship, and academic leadership in language education and applied linguistics.
Candidates in the PhD in English Language Studies may choose to focus their research on topics such as:
English grammar, phonology, and semantics
Pragmatics and discourse analysis in English
Sociolinguistics of English in multilingual societies
English language teaching methods and curriculum development
Language assessment and testing
Second language acquisition and bilingualism
World Englishes and varieties of English
English for specific purposes (ESP)
English in media and digital communication
Language policy and planning relating to English
Critical applied linguistics
Corpus linguistics and computational approaches to English
English for academic purposes (EAP)
The supervision framework for the PhD in English Language Studies is designed to provide strong, consistent, and professional guidance:
Supervisory Panel: Each candidate will have a principal supervisor and at least one co-supervisor with expertise aligned to their area of research.
Regular Meetings: Candidates will meet with supervisors regularly (typically monthly) to discuss progress, challenges, and planning.
Progress Reviews: Annual reviews will assess milestones, provide feedback, and support candidates toward timely completion.
Research Support: Candidates will have access to seminars, colloquia, and workshops on research design, academic writing, data analysis, and publication skills.
Ethical Oversight: All research proposals will undergo ethical review to ensure compliance with institutional and professional standards.
Professional Development: Supervisors will encourage candidates to engage in teaching, attend conferences, and build collaborative networks.
Feedback and Communication: Clear frameworks for communication and conflict resolution will be maintained to ensure a supportive supervisory experience.
Graduates of the PhD in English Language Studies will have diverse and rewarding career opportunities, such as:
University lecturer, researcher, or departmental leader in English language or applied linguistics
Language policy advisor for educational or governmental institutions
English language curriculum developer or programme coordinator
Assessment specialist for language testing bodies
Consultant in English language teaching and teacher training
Linguistic researcher in think tanks, NGOs, or international organizations
Editor, writer, or communication consultant
Academic journal reviewer or editorial board member
Public intellectual contributing to debates about language and society
The PhD in English Language Studies equips graduates with advanced knowledge, critical skills, and research leadership capabilities to make a significant impact in academia, language education, and beyond.