PhD at the University of London Institute in Paris

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 is the UK's leading institute in France and offers outstanding courses in French Studies, International Relations and Law.

The Institute was incorporated into the University of London in 1969 and sits alongside the School of Advanced Study as a Central Institute of the University. In 1976, the Institute moved into its current building overlooking the Esplanade des Invalides, which it shares with the British Council. It officially changed its "British Institute" title to the "University of London Institute in Paris" in 2005.

The 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.

Undertaking doctoral research allows you to develop in-depth knowledge, while making a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.

This degree presents the opportunity to gain expertise in your area of interest while also honing a range of transferable skills. On completing this course, you will be well prepared for specialist career paths both within academia and beyond.

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 since the 1880s
• 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 (ULIP) with supervision delivered by ULIP.

Professor Anna-Louise Milne
Director of Research, University of London Institute in Paris
Email

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
Email 

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
Email

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
Email

List of projects this supervisor is interested in supervising:

• Modern History
• Republicanism
• Climate Policy 
• Social Movements

Before submitting an application, you are advised to discuss your proposal with a member of the academic staff who has interests in your proposed field of study. You can find our academic staff's contact details and areas of expertise in the Supervisors section.

Before agreeing to accept you, the School will require you to submit a research proposal, so it is worthwhile to have drafted this before formally applying. See the Guidelines on drafting your research proposal.

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.

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.

Fees are set annually and cover registration, tuition, and (in the case of research students) supervision.

Fees are quoted per annum -- that is, you will need to pay at least the fee quoted below for each year of your studies. Please note that tuition fees are subject to annual uplift. The University of London reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses and amend other details without prior notice.

See the Tuition Fees for 2024-25 - listed by Institute.

Our students fund their studies in a variety of ways including scholarships, bursaries and fellowships, as well as government loans and postgraduate loans. 

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that you don't need to pay back and are awarded based on personal circumstances or academic achievement. Funding at postgraduate level is competitive so it’s a good idea to plan financially before starting your course. 

For information about fees and funding from the School of Advanced Study, please visit the SAS Fees and Funding page.

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.