Postgraduate research

The MPhil involves a minimum of two years (equivalent to six terms) of study, and a dissertation of up to 60,000 words. The PhD is awarded after a minimum of three years (equivalent to nine terms) of study for a dissertation of up to 100,000 words. Both degrees can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis.

Our research degrees usually start in September or January, although start dates can be flexible.

In common with most UK universities, you will initially be registered for an MPhil degree and be expected to transfer to the PhD programme during your second year, on meeting the formal requirements for progression/upgrade.

A successful MPhil dissertation is either a record of original work in a Iimited area or an ordered and critical exposition of existing knowledge in a field. A successful PhD dissertation must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality either in the discovery of new facts, or by the exercise of independent critical power, or both.

Examples of areas in which the Institute can provide supervision are:

• Paris History and Culture
• Transnational and Postcolonial Literature
• Modern French and Comparative Literature
• French and Colonial History in the late 18th, 19th and 20th centuries
• Translation Studies

This programme is managed in partnership with the School of Advanced Study and the University of London Institute in Paris. Students are registered at the School of Advanced Study (SAS) as SAS students, but will undertake study on-campus in Paris at the University of London Institute in Paris with supervision delivered by the Institute in Paris.

The University of London Institute in Paris is the UK's leading institute in France and  offers outstanding courses in French Studies, International Relations and Law.

The Institute is a central academic body of the University of London, one of the oldest, largest and most diverse universities in the UK. Established by Royal Charter in 1836, the University is recognised globally as a world leader in Higher Education.

The federal University comprises 17 self-governing Colleges of outstanding reputation, together with a number of prestigious central academic bodies and activities, including Senate House Library and the Careers Group.

120,000 students are currently studying at the University of London, with a further 40,000 students in 190 countries studying by distance learning with the University of London Worldwide.

The School of Advanced Study at the University of London brings together eight internationally renowned research institutes to form the UK's national centre for the support of researchers and the promotion of research in the humanities.

The University of London Institute in Paris works in partnership at various levels with other member institutions of the University of London federation. 

The University of London Institute in Paris, the Bartlett School of Architecture and Queen Mary University of London also collaborate on the Banister Fletcher Global Fellowship in Urban Studies, which supports the development and dissemination of new research in urban studies from around the world and generates regular research seminars. 

The University of London Institute in Paris also partners with Goldsmiths, HESAM, and King’s College London, to develop opportunities for cross-Channel research in areas ranging from contemporary politics to social anthropology and the transformation of the creative industries.

Before submitting an application you are advised to contact a member of academic staff who has interests in your proposed field of study to discuss your proposal. A list of academic staff and their interests are listed in under the Supervisors accordion tab below.

Before agreeing to accept you, the School will require you to submit a research proposal, so it is worthwhile having this drafted ahead of a formal application. Guidelines on drafting your research proposal [PDF]

Note: in accordance with regulations research students will be registered for the MPhil degree in the first instance. Upgrading to PhD will be considered in the second year for full-time students and in the third or fourth year for part-time students.Candidates will normally receive an initial response to their application within 28 working days. Those who have been formally interviewed will normally be informed within one week as to whether they are to be offered a place.

Professor Anna-Louise Milne

Director of Research, University of London Institute in Paris

List of projects this supervisor is interested in supervising:

• Comparative literature
• Modernism
• Cultural translation
• Urban studies
• Contemporary migration

Dr Catriona MacLeod

Lecturer in French and Visual Studies, University of London Institute in Paris

List of projects this supervisor is interested in supervising:

• Bande dessinée
• Graphic novels
• Gender studies
• Feminist visual theory
• Migration
• French Guiana

Dr Charlotte Legg

Lecturer in French and History, Head of Department​, University of London Institute in Paris

List of projects this supervisor is interested in supervising:

• Colonial History
• Modern History
• Settler Colonial Studies
• Gender History
• Cultural History

Dr Edouard Morena

Lecturer in French and International Politics​, University of London Institute in Paris

List of projects this supervisor is interested in supervising:

• Modern History
• Republicanism
• Climate Policy 
• Social Movements

The School of Advanced Study is a unique environment in which to study the humanities.  The School strives to reflect the latest developments in thinking across the humanities disciplines it supports and to ensure that its programmes reflect this.   We are also aware that the needs of our students are constantly changing.  With that in mind, the School continually reviews the its programmes and, as part of that process, reserves the right to alter or discontinue them. 

We assure you that we carry out these exercises at no detriment to any enrolled students. Students enrolled on any programme that we discontinue will be able to complete that programme within a reasonable timeframe and with all the necessary resources at their disposal. The School will communicate any anticipated changes with students as early as possible.