PhD in English Language and Literature

The English Language and Literature program at BUSAN UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES, offered as a combined master's and doctorate track, integrates graduate study of English literary works and linguistic structures with advanced doctoral-level research. Students in this combined pathway begin with coursework in literary theory, textual analysis, and the historical development of the English language, before progressing toward independent, dissertation-level research on a chosen literary or linguistic topic. As the program advances toward the doctoral stage, candidates are expected to design original scholarship, conduct close textual or linguistic analysis, and present findings in a dissertation supervised by faculty in the field. Graduates of combined English literature and language programs typically pursue careers as university faculty, literary researchers, translators, editors, or specialists within publishing and cultural institutions. The extended structure of this pathway allows students to build deep expertise in English literary and linguistic study while developing the research capabilities needed for advanced academic work. This program runs for a duration of 2 years, with intakes offered every March. It is based in Geumjeong-gu, South Korea, and instruction is conducted in English, allowing international students to complete the combined pathway without requiring Korean language proficiency. Applicants should be prepared for a sustained academic commitment that combines coursework in literary theory and linguistics with independent research culminating in a doctoral dissertation defended before a faculty committee.