JakeBarnes-

Hello all, I am sure this question is as old as time, but I am hoping someone can offer me some advice/insight. My background: I studied Chemistry and Biology at a small state school during undergrad. My gpa was 3.64. After undergrad I spent a number of years in the military. There I developed a interest in literature and entered an MA great books program. I will graduate this spring with an MA in Liberal Arts with a focus on literature (3.9) and hopefully go on to conduct mental health research on a Fulbright scholarship next year. I have teaching experience as a Americorps volunteer and undergrad TA, though nothing in English lit. I hope to apply to a number of English PhD programs for Fall ‘24. My master’s thesis and Fulbright research revolve around madness as differs between cultures/time periods. My research proposal would be similar but center around madness and the works of modernists in the wake of WWI and WWII. I am wondering if I am being realistic by applying to English PhD programs with a lack of English specific experience. Most of my applications will be for UK schools. I have no issue with finding since the VA will pay for my education. Is it typical to change fields of study so drastically? Are there any recommendations to make application more relevant? Will UK schools be open to non traditional applicants? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.