MPhil/PhD in French Studies

Find out more about our French Studies research MPhil/PhD degree at Warwick

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MPhil/PhD

3-4 years full-time;
Up to 7 years part-time

6 October 2025

Modern Languages and Cultures

University of Warwick

Warwick's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers an MPhil/PhD in French Studies with guidance from internationally-leading experts. The department promotes an interdisciplinary approach to the French language and francophone culture.

Research and write an 80,000-word thesis on a topic of your choice under the supervision of one or more of our internationally leading experts. Suitable for students with an excellent academic record who already have considerable research skills and a clear idea of their own area of interest for further research.

Before you arrive, you will be matched to one or more of our expert supervisors. During the course, you will meet with them frequently for guidance on the conceptualisation, research and writing of your Dissertation. This will include reading and discussion of draft material, and advice on appropriate skills and career development opportunities.

You will also be expected to participate in the research culture of the School, for example by attending research seminars, and will receive advice on appropriate skills and career development opportunities.

If you intend to apply for competitive funding, early enquiries are advised. Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies via the School Office at SMLCOffice@warwick.ac.uk

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is one of the UK's leading sites of research in French, German, Hispanic, Italian and Translation and Transcultural Studies, and our expertise ranges from the Early Modern period to the present. 82% of our research outputs and 100% of our research environment in the REF2021 exercise were judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent. We welcome applications from prospective PGR students wishing to work in the following areas:

• The literary and visual culture of any of our four principal language areas, including post-colonial areas and perspectives
• The history, politics, theory or philosophy of our four principal language areas
• The study and practice of translation between English and any one of French, German, Spanish, Portugese, Italian, Chinese and Arabic
• Translation technologies

Please note that we do not accept proposals from students wishing to work on second language acquisition or language learning.

Full details of our research interestsLink opens in a new window are listed on the School of Modern Languages and Cultures website.

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our School of Modern Languages and Cultures Research Directory where you will be able to filter by your chronological, geographical, linguistic and disciplinary interests.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and preferably a Master’s in a related subject.

• Band B
• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course. You will be required to submit a sample of written work and may be invited to an interview.