research training and researcher development. You will be a member of a rich research environment, nurtured by regular seminars in which you will be encouraged to participate.
The degree can be taken full time over three years (or a maximum of four) or part time over six years (or a maximum of eight), with entry in October and January. You'll initially be registered for our MPhil and, providing your progress has been satisfactory, will then be upgraded to our PhD programme.
The primary activity of the PhD programme is the writing of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. There is no formal coursework, but you are encouraged to participate in the regular seminars held at the Institute during the academic year. An extensive research training programme is on offer, with sessions provided from leading scholars and practitioners.
Career opportunities:
The SAS Careers Service works with students and graduates of all ages and at all stages of career development across all the institutes. Our mission is to provide high-quality information about careers and skills, and professional advice and guidance. We help students with their career development, either within their current field of work or in something completely new.
SAS students can access 1-2-1 guidance appointments throughout their studies and for up to 2 years after graduating, to help them plan their next steps, whatever they might be. We also offer CV, cover letter, and application advice as well as mock interviews with the SAS Careers Consultant who will empower you to feel more confident in your interview performance.
Programme Structure
The Institute of Modern Languages Research offers doctoral research supervision in the following broad areas:
- French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese studies
- Literatures in a Modern Language
- Cultural studies (especially migration and 'belonging' or translingual and transcultural creative practice)
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
IELTS: 7. The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
Other requirements
General requirements
- Before submitting an application you are advised to contact a member of the Institute's academic staff who has interests in your proposed field of study to discuss your proposal.
- 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.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (non-residents): 32,908 AUD / year (≈ 17,430 GBP / year)
- Domestic (citizens or residents): 12,283 AUD / year (≈ 6,506 GBP / year)
Additional Details
Part-time tuition fees:
- Home students: £3253
- Oversea students: £8715
Living costs
London, United Kingdom: 2,147-4,072 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Languages, Cultures and Societies. A selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Various benefits – Deadline 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship – 1000 USD – Deadline 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships – 3500 USD – Deadline 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility – Various benefits – Deadline Not specified
- Scholarships for PhD Students – 19000 GBP – Deadline Not specified
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship – Various benefits – Deadline 28 Feb 2027
- Amberscholar Scholarship – 6000 USD – Deadline 31 Jan 2027
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – 1000 USD – Deadline 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship – 1000 USD – Deadline 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship – 1000 USD – Deadline 13 Jan 2027
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids – 22500 GBP – Deadline Not specified
- Scholarship for students with disabilities – 3000 USD – Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria – Various benefits – Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – 1500 USD – Deadline Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – 12000 USD – Deadline 11 Jan 2027
