Periodicals in the Life of a Literary House: Dove Cottage, 1799-1818
School of Arts, English and Languages | PHD
Funding
Funded
Reference Number
SAEL-2024-01
Application Deadline
15 February 2024
Start Date
1 October 2024
Overview
The writers William and Dorothy Wordsworth and Thomas De Quincey occupied Dove Cottage - now an important literary heritage site - between 1799 and 1818, celebrating their life here in writing. Despite the remote location of Dove Cottage, these writers however were far from isolated. Periodicals, which were a ubiquitous and relatively new form of publication in this period, brought news and information from across the globe and locally into the house. This project will study the ways in which periodicals entered the intellectual, socio-political, and domestic life of the house, and influenced the literary works of these writers.
Research Context
Dove Cottage was the residence of the poet William Wordsworth (WW) and his sister Dorothy (DW) between 1799 and 1808; and of De Quincey (TDQ) between 1808 and 1818. It is now a major heritage and tourist attraction managed by the Wordsworth Trust which aims 'to advance public knowledge and enjoyment' of these writers. Dove Cottage and its location have since become emblematic of the poetic vision expressed in WW's influential 'Preface' to Lyrical Ballads (1800), and of the communitarian lifestyle adopted by these writers. Such ideas have shaped common perceptions of the Romantic movement with which these writers are linked, often associated with retreat and seclusion from the contentious world of political affairs. Yet it is evident that the Wordsworths and TDQ remained deeply interested in the wider world around them during their residence at Dove Cottage. One important conduit for current information and opinion, and for the dissemination of a limitless variety of topics of interest to its inhabitants, was the periodical press. Newspapers, magazines, reviews, annuals, and journals catering to a wide spectrum of interests were by the early 1800s a ubiquitous feature of the publishing landscape, the product of new consumer tastes among the reading public and of the fast-improving print technology of the period. These were the beginnings of social media. There is ample evidence that the inhabitants of Dove Cottage in this period were accessing various kinds of periodicals avidly during their time here despite their many slighting remarks on magazines and reviews. (DW's passing comment in her journal of 27 Jan 1802 that 'William (had) wasted his mind in the Magazines' captures both the interest evoked by such publications, and the annoyance they sometimes evoked). This project will focus on periodicals as a relatively neglected area of research relating to the Lake Writers and their heritage legacy. The project will aim therefore to illuminate the influence of periodicals on the imaginative world and writings of those celebrated writers over the formative period in literary history.
Methodology
Periodicals research is currently one of the fastest developing fields within literary studies, as many millions of pages and columns - hitherto accessible mainly in specialist archives and surviving in highly fragile physical conditions - have been digitized and made widely available to scholarship via databases. Such research deepens our understanding of ideological factors inherent in the dissemination and reception of knowledge - and the uses to which such knowledge was placed - in the production of literary works. The doctoral candidate will be encouraged to explore such resources in selective and in-depth ways by paying due attention to the often subtly shifting ideological positions inherent within the periodicals, the personalities of the literary figures involved (via biographical scholarship), and the great width of scholarship available on these Romantic writers and their relationship to print culture. In short, the methodology involves a marriage of access to materials and techniques of searching made newly available through technology with more traditional modes of manuscript and print scholarship.
Research Questions and Impact
The project will identify, and study closely, a limited range of periodicals of particular interest to each of the three literary inhabitants of Dove Cottage, WW, DW and TDQ. These will include social and political materials (relating to social conditions in Britain, the ongoing war with France, national and local politics); literary materials (reviews and discussions of literature and the arts); materials relating to daily life and domesticity (gardening, local interest stories, Cumbrian newspapers); 'foreign intelligence' relating to events in the Americas, India, China, and the colonies. Through immersion in such materials the candidate will seek to answer questions such as these:
- Which were some of the major periodicals that influenced these writers during this period?
- How did such periodicals shape the imaginative world of these writers during their residence at Dove Cottage?
- How do gender, class, age, and other identity variations influence these writers and their engagement with periodicals? - How were these experiences transformed into literary texts through aesthetic considerations and through memory?
The research generated by this project will have independent academic value (in terms of publication and impact on future scholarship) as well as the potential to inform the displays and learning activities of Wordsworth Grasmere. These include working with diverse groups - in age, locality, and background - of participants in creative interaction with objects, books, architecture, and landscapes. The award will enable the candidate to work productively between HE and heritage sectors towards their doctoral project.
Funding Information
Northern Bridge Consortium Collaborative Doctoral Award
Further Details:
http://www.northernbridge.ac.uk/applyforastudentship/cda/ (click on Projects recruiting for entry in October 2024)
Eligibility:
Candidates must hold a 2:1 or above Honours Degree in English or a related discipline (and, preferably, an MA in English or a related discipline, as well as experience of studying Romanticism at one of these levels). The candidate will be expected to work and reside at Wordsworth Grasmere for at least 4 to 6 weeks each year. They will complete their PhD from Queen's University Belfast.
See http://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/english-phd.html
Applications must include a 2-page CV including the names of 2 referees; a statement (up to 500 words) explaining the candidate's suitability for the project; and a sample of academic work (3,000 to 5,000 words in length) to be submitted by 15 February 2024. These may be sent by email to d.s.roberts@qub.ac.uk (Dr Daniel S. Roberts).
The deadline for applications is 15 February 2024.
Interviews are expected to be held in late February 2024.
Enquiries: Dr Jane Lugea (j.lugea@qub.ac.uk).
Project Summary
Supervisor
Dr Daniel Roberts
Mode of Study
Full-time: 3 years
Funding Body
AHRC - Northern Bridge Consortium CDA
English overview
English offers pathways in Literary Studies, Creative Writing or Language and Linguistics.
Proposals are welcomed in all areas from Medieval to Modern. Areas of expertise in a School that brings together award-winning writers and critics working across British, Irish and American Literature include Poetry; Irish Literature; American Literature; Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies; Literature and Place; Culture, Geography and Identity, from the local to the global, from earliest writing to the contemporary; Literature, Crime and Conflict; and, Science, Medicine and Culture. The School’s Centre for the Americas, its involvement in the Centre for Eighteenth-Century Studies and the Institute of Irish Studies, and the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry - an internationally-recognised centre of excellence for the study and production of literature – mean that your project in literary studies, creative writing or linguistics will be supported by dynamic research groups and experts in the field.
Details of current staff expertise can be found on the School of Arts, English and Languages website.
Mode of study/duration
Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD (or part-time equivalent).
English Highlights
Internationally Renowned Experts
- Supervision by internationally renowned experts.
Become part of the lively research culture of the School, including the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for the study and production of literature.
A thriving postgraduate culture which includes an annual postgraduate conference and a peer mentoring scheme.
English Language and Literature is one of the Queen’s subjects in the top 101-150 in the world according to QS World Rankings by subject 2023. Creative Writing ranked 2nd in the UK in the Times Good University Guide 2022.
Key Facts
Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in the professional and research activities of the School. These include:
- Regular research seminars and conferences within the School of Arts, English & Languages.
- Access to the School’s Professionalising the PhD Progamme and Peer Mentoring Scheme.
- Access to Queen’s University Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme.
Course content
Research Information
Associated Research
A number of major research projects (including Doctoral and Postdoctoral posts in Language and Linguistics, Medieval Studies, Modern Literary Studies and Renaissance Literature) have been funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Poetry and Irish writing remain at the core of the School's research expertise. The School is home to the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry and the Centre for the Americas. A number of staff participate in the Centre for Eighteenth-Century Studies and the Institute of Irish Studies, and are fellows of the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute For Global Peace, Security And Justice.
Career Prospects
Introduction
For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Career Development Team on ahssdevoffice@qub.ac.uk / +44 28 9097 5175
Development Officers Cathy Wilson and Aileen Carson will be happy to provide further information on your research area career prospects.
URL
People teaching you
Dr Jane Lugea
Senior Lecturer in English Language and Stylistics
SAEL
Email: J.Lugea@qub.ac.uk
Learning Outcomes
A research degree in English offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research, creative writing and critical thought. It allows students to explore an area of interest and to make an original contribution to the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student’s written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.Course structure
There is no specific course content as such. You will be able to take training courses in research skills and professional development organized by the School and the Graduate School. You will also have the opportunity to hear global subject experts at the English research seminar and to present your own work at this seminar series.You will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’ which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree.
Differentiation takes place about 9-12 months after registration for full time students and about 18-30 months for part time students: You are normally asked to submit work to a panel of up two academics and this is followed up with a formal meeting with the ‘Differentiation Panel’. The Panel then make a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study.
To complete with a doctoral qualification you will be required to submit a thesis of approx 80,000 words and you will be required to attend a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner to defend your thesis.
A PhD programme runs for 3-years full-time or 6 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year should it be required.
Application Process
Please review the eligibility criteria on the webpages. If you believe that you meet these criteria then follow the steps below:
Select one potential supervisor from our list of Academic Staff (https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Connect/Staff/#as-english) and send an email containing
A brief CV (1-2 pages maximum)
A concise statement that you are interested in studying for a PhD, stating when you would start, and how you would plan to fund the research
A brief statement of the research question or interest, and how you think the question could be investigated
Our academic staff welcome approaches from prospective students; staff can liaise with applicants to develop a research proposal of mutual interest. The potential supervisor should get back to you within a couple of weeks. They may invite you to meet with them or they may invite you to apply formally.
The closing date for applications is 31st August each year, for part-time and self-funded full-time study. For full-time candidates who wish to compete for a studentship, the deadlines are much earlier in the year. Available scholarships and closing dates are detailed at http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/PostgraduateStudy/FundingandScholarships/PHDStudentshipAwards/
Assessment
Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback.
A formal assessment process takes place annually. This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.
The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis of approx. 80,000 words to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.
Feedback
Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.
Entrance requirements
Graduate
A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. While a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC |
| EU Other 3 | £20,500 |
| International | £20,500 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2021-22, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
English costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.
Bench fees
Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.
How do I fund my study?
1.PhD OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.
3.PhD loansThe Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
4.International ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.