Research Programme (PhD study & Entry Requirements)

Structure PhD:

The PhD degree is awarded on the basis of a thesis of approximately 75,000 (not more than 80,000) words. The candidate is also given a viva voce examination.
The normal route to PhD study in the department is by way of undertaking the two-year MPhil Stud degree. Those who have already completed the two-year MPhil Stud may expect to take between two and three additional years in completing their PhD.

Structure MPhil/PhD:

There is a provision for those who have sufficient graduate training in philosophy by the time they enrol to enter the 3 year MPhil/PhD programme. MPhil/PhD students must satisfactorily complete seven MPhil Stud modules by the end of their first year.

These are comprised of 2 compulsory modules and 5 optional modules. The compulsory modules include Recent Philosophical Writings and Practical Criticism. The five optional modules should be chosen to complement the research the student intends to pursue but should also meet the standard breadth requirement. Specifically, taking into consideration of the work done on a previous MA or equivalent, the MPhil/PhD student must take at least TWO modules from the three lists (A) ‘theoretical’ (epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind & language, logic etc.) (B) ‘practical’ (in the Kantian sense) and/or ‘evaluative’/’normative’ (ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics) (C) history of philosophy. The satisfaction of the breadth requirement is subject to the Graduate Tutor’s discretion. Click here of a list of MPhil Stud courses offered in the department.

MPhil/PhD students must also submit a detailed PhD research proposal of 5,000 words at the end of their first year of study before they are upgraded to the status of full PhD candidate in their second and third years.

Decisions concerning eligibility for entry at this point in the programme will be made by the admissions tutor when reviewing application materials.

Funding links: