Introduction
Investigating the rich diversity of French and Francophone cultures, histories and societies from the seventeenth century to the present day.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Degree Qualification
- MLitt or PhD
Based in the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, our expertise ranges from the literature, culture and society of the Grand Siècle through to the politics and culture of identity and migration in the contemporary Francophone world. Interdisciplinarity is a strength of our research, and we co-supervise many of our PhD students with colleagues in disciplines across the humanities and social sciences, including English, Film & Visual Culture, Music, Sociology and Spanish & Latin American Studies.
Our Research
Aberdeen’s research in French and Francophone Studies mines the complex interrelations of culture, society and politics across the centuries.
Beginning with the literary and cultural history of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, our expertise spans visual culture, film and photography; the history and memory of World War II, the politics and culture of identity and migration in the Francophone world, and the cultural history of French modernity. Other strengths include post-war critical theory, philosophy and thought, contemporary fiction, prose and poetry, and literary translation, including bilingual writing and self-translation.
Working with colleagues across the School and beyond, we offer co-supervision in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural projects in areas including film, photography and visual culture; comparative literature and culture; early modern literature and thought; and critical theory.
Many of our PhD students find a home in one of our affiliated Research Centres, including the Centre for Early Modern Studies (CEMS) , the Centre for Modern Languages Research (CMLR), the Washington Wilson Centre for Visual Culture (GWW) and the Centre for Citizenship, Civil Society and the Rule of Law (CISRUL)
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission to the PhD is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or equivalent. It is preferable that you hold a Masters in the chosen area of study as well.
Alongside your application form, you will need to upload the following supporting documents online:
Copies of your undergraduate and graduate degree certificates
Academic transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Two academic references; either the details of your referees provided on your application form or uploaded online with your application.
A detailed research proposal of c. two pages
If English is not your first language and you have not studied previously at an institution in the UK, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE academic test.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Careers
Several of our PhD students have progressed to academic roles including postdoctoral research fellowships, teaching fellowships and lectureships. They have also pursued careers in curation, arts management and the third sector.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture
University of Aberdeen
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB