Graduate Admission

The Philosophy Department of UCL admits graduate students to work for the degrees of MA, MPhil Stud, MPhil/PhD, and PhD. The MA degrees, in contrast to the other degrees, are not conceived as preparation for a career in teaching philosophy. On the whole, it is felt that those who have such a goal will, in the first instance, be better served by the MPhil Stud, since it provides a broader background and training in philosophy, before proceeding to the PhD.

The deadline for applications to the MA Philosophy, MPhil Stud and PhD is 1 February each year.

All applicants for research degrees (MPhil Stud, MPhil/PhD or PhD) should submit two short pieces of work; c. 2,000 words each, with their application. When using the online admissions the section to upload these is reached after the declaration and checklist sections of the online application process. Here you can upload transcripts, Research Proposal (not needed for MPhil Stud), CV and Language Certificates as well as the additional document (writing samples). Please note: the new UCL online admission system permits only one additional document to be uploaded. We ask that you combine both samples into a single document (ensuring they are clearly marked as two samples). Writing samples are not necessary in the case of applicants for the MA degrees.

Applicants for the MPhil Stud, MPhil/PhD, and the PhD degree programmes should have (or obtain before enrolling) a first-class Honours degree in philosophy or an equivalent qualification from overseas, although exceptions may be made in the case of candidates with strong upper second class Honours degrees, or equivalent qualifications, supported by good references.

The preferred route to studying for a PhD in the department is by way of first taking the two year MPhil Stud degree. When applying online for the MPhil Stud online the course code RMPPHISING09 in the Research Subject Area / Taught Programme Title section. In exceptional circumstances, applicants for research degrees who will have completed sufficient graduate training in philosophy by the time they enrol will be considered for admission as MPhil/PhD students. Decisions concerning eligibility for entry at this point in the programme will be made by the admissions tutor when reviewing application materials.

The number of new research students registering each year about 10. Overall there are roughly 50 research students in the department.

To apply or for further information about the graduate admissions process at UCL please contact the College Admissions Office or follow the link on the left of this page.

The MA degrees

The department normally expects applicants for the Philosophy MA to have (or obtain before enrolling) at least an upper second class Honours degree or an equivalent overseas qualification in philosophy. Applicants with a strong degree in a non-philosophical subject are also welcome to apply for the Philosophy MA degree. Candidates who have no, or insufficient, background in philosophy are recommended to take the specially designed 'General Philosophy' courses.

Students from a wide range of academic backgrounds are eligible to apply for the MA Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Health. They should normally have a minimum of a lower second-class Honours degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard. This programme will be of interest to those wishing to specialise in this area, with a background of medicine in social sciences or philosophy. It will also be of interest to those already working in the health service, whether in a managerial, policy or medical role.

To apply or for further information about the graduate admissions process at UCL please contact the College Admissions Office or follow the link on the left of this page.

Research Affiliate Applications

The department warmly welcomes graduate students who are working towards higher degrees at other universities and who would wish to do either course work or research in London for a period normally of one year. Arrangements can be made for the award of grades or other credits that may be required by the degree-giving university. Postdoctoral students may also be admitted for short periods (min 3 months), and the experience of the department is that such arrangements are highly beneficial. Finally, the department accept students who (for financial reasons etc.) wish to enrol on a part-time basis; and this lengthens their period of study.
For more information about affiliate entry click here.