MPhil/PhD in German Studies (2025 Entry)
Find out more about our German Studies MPhil/PhD degree at Warwick
Study MPhil/PhD in German Studies under the supervision of internationally-leading experts. Warwick's School of Modern Languages and Cultures invites you to study amongst a vibrant research community while engaging with the diversity of German-language culture.
Course overview
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 and 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.
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.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and preferably a Master's in a related subject.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- 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.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Our research
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 a supervisor
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.
Research proposals
It is up to applicants to identify an area of possible study which interests them and which is achievable within three full-time or five part-time years of MPhil/PhD study (or one full-time / two-part-time years of study for the MA by research).
Students should submit a statement of around 500 words outlining their proposed area of study. This should situate a topic within a particular thematic or chronological area, and should make specific references to authors, texts, events, regions, intellectual configurations, or cultural practices(whichever are most relevant).
We recognise, of course, that all projects change and evolve during the actual processes of researching and writing up, and that it is difficult to define a project in advance of carrying it out. However, it is very important, when assessing applications, for us to have a clear idea of your project, not least to enable us to ensure that a suitable supervisor is available.
See our tips on writing a PhD proposalLink opens in a new window.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Find your research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Modern Languages and Cultures at Warwick
The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is a close-knit community with an excellent reputation for innovative teaching and world-leading research. The School comprises five major sections – French, German, Italian, Hispanic Studies (all broadly conceived) and Translation and Transcultural Studies – and a Language Centre offering linguistic training in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Get to know us a bit better by exploring our department websiteLink opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
Our Postgraduate Research courses
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2025 will open on 2 October 2024.
For research courses that start in September and October 2025 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2025. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.
How to apply for a postgraduate research course
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Explore ways to connect with us
We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:
- Warwick hosted events
- Postgraduate Fairs
- Live chats
- Talk and Tours
- Department events