PhD English: Course Details, Colleges, Eligibility, Admission, Career Options and Salary

PhD in English is basically research into English literature. The course involves studying coursework, review of literature, data collection, analysis, and thesis writing and submission.

PhD generally lasts for 3 to 5 years. The initial years focus on literature survey and coursework completion, while the rest of the period is dedicated to data collection, analysis, and publication.

The eligibility criteria for a PhD in English are that the candidate must have completed their postgraduation studies in English. The admission to this course is based upon entrance exams as well as the merit of the candidate. 

The PhD in English course is best for candidates who are looking to pursue their career as a Teaching Assistant or Assistant Professor. Later promotion will lead to positions like Senior Professor, Head of the Department, Advisor, and Dean. 

Some important things to know before pursuing a PhD in English:

• The UGC has removed the mandatory paper publication rule for PhD theses.
• However, many universities still follow the old guidelines where publication is compulsion.
• Also, thesis submission is followed by an open defense where the scholar needs to present and defend their research.

PhD in English Course Highlights

A PhD in English defines a Doctorate of Philosophy, specialized in language/literature. In this course, an individual contributes to adding knowledge and acquiring expertise in a specific field through research. Research and development/design of Literature includes any kind of contribution to existing literature of various languages, arts, scientific information, commercial or economic fundamentals, etc.

• A PhD in English can be pursued after post-graduation in English (M.A or M.Phil).

• Many universities ask for M.Phil to pursue PhD, whereas private universities allow direct enrollment in a PhD on the basis of marks scored in the entrance exam.

• The course covers historical usage of English, analysis of current English knowledge relevant to the social and economic objectives of the country.

Also, read about the Diploma in English 

The table below provides key highlights for PhD English.

Why Pursue a PhD in English

The PhD in English is the highest level of degree that can be pursued in the field. It makes the person stand out from the crowd with maximum qualifications and knowledge.

• It helps to get high-level positions in academia.

• A candidate with a PhD in English gets to work in editorial positions, authorship, Copyediting, and higher positions where creativity is involved.

• Other pedagogical roles one can opt for are Educator, Content Manager, Technical Writer, Literary and Motion Picture Critics.

• Thesis writing helps in conducting research, designing surveys or experiments, creative writing, critical thinking, and enhancing problem-solving ability.

• The learning during a PhD improves the communication, thought process, concentration, and attention to detail.

PhD in English Eligibility

To get registered in PhD English, candidates should have completed 10+2+3+2 years of continuous study.

• A Master's qualification can either be a Master of Arts in English language or a Master of Philosophy.

• Students who have completed the PG or are in their final year of examinations are eligible to apply for the PhD in English.

• Candidates must qualify for the entrance exam accepted by the specific institute/university.

• Some universities may require work experience to apply for PhD courses.

PhD in English Entrance Exam

PhD English entrance exams are conducted every year by various universities and the UGC.

Exams like NET UGC are conducted twice a year (June and December).

• Many private universities/Institutions conduct their own entrance exam based on UGC guidelines.

• The exam includes a written paper with domain-specific subjective and objective questions and research aptitude questions.

• Other popular exams for admission in PhD English are SET, CSIR NET/JRF, GATE, Department Specific Tests etc.

PhD in English Admission Process

The PhD English admission process varies between the government and private universities.

• Government universities release the notification for application, which is followed by scrutiny and a personal interview.

• Private institutions release the admission notification, conduct an entrance exam, call for a personal interview, and select the suitable candidate based on the overall performance.

• Seats for PhD candidates depend on the vacancy available in specific departments and a number of supervisors.

• Applicants are advised to visit the institute and the supervisor, in-person before applying for a PhD.

PhD in English Top Colleges

PhD in English can be pursued from a government or private university, based on the availability of resources and a well-known supervisor. The table below provides a list of top colleges in India for PhD English.

PhD in English Syllabus

PhD in English is based on research and development of English literature. Therefore, the course has no defined syllabus, and the study totally depends on the individual's topic of research in the domain.

However, there is certain coursework that needs to be carried out during the PhD.

Also, the PhD aspirant will have to teach literature to the B.A and M.A students in their department/institute.

Also, read more about Phd in Literature course

The table below represents the UGC recommended syllabus for the PhD in English

PhD in English Job Prospects & Scope

Schools, colleges, and publication houses are the first areas of importance where PhD English-qualified scholars can apply for jobs.

The PhD holders looking for an academic career can start with a Teaching Assistant or Assistant Professor. Later promotion will lead to positions like Senior Professor, Head of the Department, Advisor, and Dean.

One with the aim of being an Author can apply for a writer's position that will further promote to an Editor and reviewer position.

Some companies that hire PhD English holders are HCL, TCS, News Channels, Eros Entertainment, etc.

In the table below, some of the well-paying jobs are described based on the current salary scale given on various job portals like Indeed, UGC pay scale, Naukri.com, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions