Research degree
Philosophy MPhil and PhD
Research degrees in every area the Faculty works in, with supervision by two members of staff, a funded place for most students we admit, and a seminar every week of term.
Key facts
- Award
- MPhil (2 years) or PhD (3 to 4 years)
- Start
- October or January
- Entry
- A masters degree in philosophy, or equivalent preparation
- Research students
- 71 in 2026–27
- Funding
- Studentships for about two thirds of those admitted
- Fees
- UK £5,006; international £24,750
Overview
The Faculty admits about eighteen research students a year. Each has two supervisors and an annual review by a panel of two other members of staff. Most write a PhD thesis of up to 80,000 words; some take an MPhil first and transfer.
We can supervise in moral and political philosophy, perception, mind and language, logic and metaphysics, the history of philosophy, and applied ethics, including the ethics of technology. The research proposal you send with your application should say which members of staff you would like to work with.
Training and supervision
Training
First-year research students attend the Faculty’s research seminar, a graduate class on teaching, and a short course on research ethics. Students who teach are paid for it.
Completion
Of students who began a PhD in the Faculty between 2015 and 2020, 87% submitted within four years.
Deadlines for 2027–28
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications for funded places | |
| Final deadline |
Applications are made through the University’s graduate application system, with a transcript, two academic references and a research proposal of up to 2,000 words and a writing sample. Applications received by the scholarship deadline are considered for all University funding without a separate form.
Course changes
Modules and options may change between years and after you have accepted an offer. If we make a significant change, we will tell you and explain your options.
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