Gender, Sexuality, Women’s Writing and Feminism in Literature, Film and Creative Writing

These PhD projects are for those interested in exploring how gender is represented and re-defined in literature, film and/or creative writing. Whether you are interested in women’s writing, the construction and performance of gender identities, LGBTQ+ literatures, or women’s bodies, care and health, we have the supervisory expertise to support your research project. In the English Department at Loughborough, we have published wide-ranging and internationally recognised research in areas relating to gender, women’s writing, sexuality and feminism, covering the span of literary periods (from early modern to contemporary) and across a variety of forms and genres. The English Department is situated within the vibrant research culture of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Across the departments and research centres within the School there is internationally recognised expertise in social policy, feminist art history, gender, law and social justice, among other relevant areas. As a doctoral researcher, you will be encouraged to participate in wider School and University events, including research symposia, visiting talks and conferences, as well as benefiting from the training and development opportunities provided by the Doctoral College. Invitations are invited from PhD candidates with ideas for projects relating to the theme of Gender, feminism, and literature. This could include projects relating to topics including: PhD researchers in these areas would be embedded and supported by a lively and diverse research culture, within the English department, the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the wider University. This PhD project is suited to applicants who are looking to apply for funding via the Loughborough University-China Scholarship Council or who are able to self-fund. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

International students: £23,100

UK students: £5,238

UK/Home: £5,238

International: £23,100

October 2026

31 July 2026

• Loughborough, United Kingdom