Institute of Cornish Studies
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Postgraduate study

Research degrees are the highest level of qualification awarded by universities in the UK, and are at level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Candidates carry out an independent research project under supervision over an extended period of time, before submitting a thesis or dissertation consisting of original material.

Research degrees offer a challenging and exciting opportunity to work at the cutting-edge of knowledge: if you have these qualities we can offer a rich, dynamic and supportive environment in which to pursue the topic area of your choice.  Our University of Exeter, Institute of Cornish Studies research students are supported by our Doctoral College.

We are the global specialists in all aspects of Cornish Studies, and offer a range of research degrees from our base on the University of Exeter campus in Penryn.  You can study:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – 3 years full time, 6 years part-time
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) 2 years full time, 3 years part-time

We welcome projects across all our priority areas: history and heritage, diaspora, language and linguistics, politics, economy and at this moment we particularly welcome prospective candidates studying contemporary society in Cornwall.

You will be supported by the directors and academics within the Institute and a wealth of other academics available at Penryn can serve as secondary supervisors.  See the full list here. We also have connections to organisations across Cornwall and politics across the wider British Isles, allowing for opportunities whilst studying and going into industry upon completion of your post-graduate research. 

Join a vibrant and diverse research community and the largest post-graduate department at Penryn campus.  You can study a range of subjects from the status of the Cornish language, the lost years of Richard Trevithick in Latin America, Cornwall’s representation on film, to contemporary subjects such as local government, communities, and footpath networks.   We hold regular online and in person research seminars, and an annual conference helps to connect students with other scholars.

Please do not hesitate to contact us either at cornishstudies@exeter.ac.uk or contact a potential supervisor directly from the information in the ‘who we are’ section.

Funded studentships are available as part of the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership Scheme in collaboration with the Universities of Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon, Bath, Bath Spa, Bristol, UWE and Bournemouth. Please also refer to the main University of Exeter website for further information on funding options, grants, fellowships and more.