Triangle

Research overview

Could your exploration of Russian and East European languages, cultures and histories influence how future scholars understand the importance of this region? 

As a PhD research student of Russian or Russian and East European Studies you will benefit from our interdisciplinary links with other institutions through our partnership with the Centre for Russian, Central and East European Studies (CRCEES), which is funded by AHRC, ESRC, HEFCE and SHEFCE and spearheaded from Glasgow. CRCEES also awards studentships at all postgraduate levels and runs an annual research forum and summer school especially for the postgraduates of its member institutions.

We also maintain strong links with a range of academic institutions in Eastern Europe, which our students are able to utilise along with further travel opportunities which exist through the Universitas 21 programme and the Monica Partridge Bequest.

Our research is interdisciplinary and our interests include the following areas:

  • History and culture of early Rus and Muscovy
  • History and culture of Byzantium
  • Literature of exile and migration
  • Yugoslav and post-Yugoslav literature and cinema
  • Literature and culture of Central Europe and the Habsburg monarchy
  • Russian émigré history and culture in the interwar period
  • Vladimir Nabokov
  • Modern Russian literature
  • Popular music
  • Late Soviet and post-Soviet culture
  • Histories of childhood and youth in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe
  • Soviet and post-Soviet cinema
  • Yugoslav and post-Yugoslav cinema, nationalism, memory and national identity
  • Russian cultural policy

Find out more about research in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures or contact us to discuss a possible match between your research ideas and our supervisory expertise. 

"We have a very active and dynamic research community where students and academics work on projects across many disciplines. This interdisciplinary environment offers students the opportunity to communicate and exchange ideas which can be very inspiring." Jean-Xavier Ridon, Director of Postgraduate Studies in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies - read full conversation

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Course content

Before you start your research degree you will have completed a research-preparation masters degree in a related discipline and have agreed your research topic with a main supervisor and co-supervisor. You will work with this team closely for the duration of your study and are welcome to consult any other member of the department whose research seems of relevance to your own work.

You are required to attend all departmental research seminars and special lectures and deliver at least one paper of your own each year, usually at the annual Postgraduate Forum or at a work-in-progress seminar.

At the end of three years’ full-time registration, plus one year optional writing-up, you will have written a thesis of between 80,000-100,000 words on a topic which makes a significant contribution to the sum of knowledge on Russian and East European languages, culture and history.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

QualificationPhD
Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities or social science subject – we would usually expect you to hold, or be working towards, a masters degree in a relevant subject.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

How to apply

Fees

QualificationPhD
Home / UK£5,350
International£23,000

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

You'll be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to buy your own copies of core texts.

Funding

There are funding opportunities which are only open to students within the Faculty of Arts.

Postgraduate funding for Faculty of Arts students

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Support

We offer research students:

  • advanced research training
  • expert supervision (each student is allocated two supervisors)
  • frequent reviews and feedback on progress
  • departmental research seminars/work in progress sessions
  • well-equipped work bases, with excellent library and IT facilities
  • support for research trips and conference attendance, inter-library loan

Teaching opportunities

During your doctoral studies, you can apply to work as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) within the Faculty of Arts. We offer a limited number of part-time annualised hours contracts of employment. They provide invaluable teaching experience in delivering and supporting seminars, as well as marking, assessing and giving feedback on students’ work. We provide dedicated training and professional development. (Please note - applications for PGTA positions are competitive and are not guaranteed.)

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

  • studying
  • socialising
  • computer work
  • seminars
  • kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Research in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies

Research students come to Nottingham from the UK and overseas bringing with them diversity of cultural and disciplinary backgrounds which offers a rich, rewarding and supportive postgraduate community to be part of. 

As a modern languages research student, you will be involved a programme of visiting speakers and regular symposia organised by staff and students. This will cover areas such as; seminar presentations, film cycles, discussion panels and much more.

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

MonicaWhite
I am a medievalist with interests in the eastern Christian world: primarily the Byzantine Empire and Rus (the ancestor of modern Russia, Ukraine and Belarus). I have published widely on various aspects of Orthodox sainthood and iconography, and have collaborated with colleagues in fields as disparate as medieval Chinese and Viking studies. I am currently working on a study of Byzantine-Rus relations over the entire medieval period.

Related courses

Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures was placed 6th nationally
  • 88% of research in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures was graded as world-leading or internationally excellent
  • 88% of the Faculty of Arts’ research was graded as world-leading or internationally excellent
  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 01 July 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.