Modern Languages

The defining strength of research carried out in modern languages at Liverpool is the multidisciplinary nature of projects with a global reach, informed by an ethos that challenges rigid disciplinary boundaries and consolidated practices. We offer supervision by teams that span various language areas and diverse methodological approaches. A PhD in Modern Languages allows you to draw on departmental research strengths across eight different language areas and multiple disciplinary intersections. With staff involved in major research programmes such as ‘Translating Cultures’, and projects such as ‘Transnationalising Modern Languages’, the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film has pioneered studies that incorporate post- and de-colonial perspectives to theory and practice, integrating these into pedagogical approaches to language study. The range of specialisms in modern languages and cultures is enhanced by collaborations across departments and schools, while maintaining the multilingual and multicultural perspectives as a necessary interpretive key to an understanding of the contemporary world. We welcome proposals that are multidisciplinary, multilingual and inspired by language-based approaches to research that facilitate the emergence of diverse conceptualisations of knowledge. Central to our research is a sensitivity to language and culture, both historically and in the contemporary world, as well as a commitment to addressing the urgent questions to which language and culture relate. Research in modern languages at Liverpool is multidisciplinary, multilingual and multicultural. We provide supervisory expertise across eight languages in a range of intersecting disciplines, from postcolonialism and gender studies, to sociolinguistics, visual cultures, memory studies and beyond. We support innovative approaches and have extensive experience of working with academic and non-academic partners across the globe. Language-based expertise is supported by specialists

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 TOEFL iBT: If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. Pearson PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no component below 59 Your most recent IELTS score: Pre-sessional English course length 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5: 6 weeks 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0: 10 weeks 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0: 12 weeks 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0: 20 weeks 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5: 30 weeks 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0: 40 weeks

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0

International students: Full-time place, per year - £25,350; Part-time: £12,650

UK students: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619

International: Full-time place, per year - £25,350; Part-time: £12,650

Year round

Rolling admissions - check project listing

• Liverpool, United Kingdom