Postgraduate Admissions FAQs
Please use the links below to find the most relevant information for your query.
If you cannot find the information you need, please use the Postgraduate Admissions Enquiry form.
Before you apply
Masters courses
Research programmes
Visiting research students
Non-UK qualifications and English Language proficiency requirements
Once you have submitted an application
Applicant portal
Reference queries
Additional information requests
After you have received a decision
Responding to offers
Meet my conditions including English Language requirements
Requesting deferrals
Requesting transfers
Immigration and CAS
Funding opportunities
Before you apply
- Where can I find information about Warwick’s Philosophy Masters programmes?
Links to our 3 MA programmes can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/studywithus/postgraduate/
- How do I apply for a Warwick Philosophy Masters programme?
Full guidance on the process of making an application for a Warwick Philosophy Masters programme can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/studywithus/postgraduate/howtoapply
- Are there deadlines for making an application for Warwick Philosophy Masters courses?
We review applications on a rolling basis, so you should submit your application as soon as you are ready. Ideally you should aim to submit your application by April to ensure you receive your application results with enough time to organise the logistical aspects of your studies before the start of term.
Overseas and EU candidates must apply no later than 31 July; while there is no deadline for Home applicants, we strongly recommend applying by 31 July in order to ensure enough time is left to sort out logistics, such as accommodation.
If you plan to apply for funding, please read the scholarship criteria carefully; if you need an offer in order to apply for funding, please allow enough time for your MA application to be processed (approximately 6 weeks).
- What do I need to put in my application?
A list of the supporting documents which are required as part of your application, as well as guidance relating to the content of your Statement of Purpose, is available here:
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/studywithus/postgraduate/howtoapply
Please note that the writing sample is an essential document. Evaluation of your application cannot take place until a writing sample has been provided. Writing samples can be uploaded as an ‘additional document’ via your applicant portal.
- Can I study for a Philosophy Masters part-time?
You can study our MA programmes full-time over 12 months, or part-time over a period of 24 months. If you study part time then you will study your taught modules over two years, with teaching taking place during the academic terms. The order in which you study your modules will be agreed following discussion with your course convenor. You will also begin planning your dissertation in your second year. For more information please visit our Teaching Style and Course Structure webpage.
Postgraduate Research programmes
- Where can I find information about Warwick’s Philosophy Postgraduate Research?
Information about our PhD programmes and 2-year MPhil programme can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/studywithus/postgraduate/
- How do I apply for a Warwick Philosophy Postgraduate Research programme?
Full guidance on the process of making an application for the Warwick Philosophy PhD programmes, including guidance on how to write your research proposal and how to find a Supervisor, and the can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/studywithus/postgraduate/phd-how-to-apply/#phd
Please make special note that we require a writing sample as part of PhD applications. Evaluation of your application cannot take place until we have both writing samples as well as the other essential documentation. Writing samples can be uploaded as an ‘additional document’ via your applicant portal.
Full guidance on the process of making an application for the Warwick Philosophy MPhil programme can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/studywithus/postgraduate/phd-how-to-apply/#mphil
Please make special note that we require TWO writing samples as part of MPhil applications. Evaluation of your application cannot take place until we have both writing samples as well as the other essential documentation. Writing samples can be uploaded as an ‘additional document’ via your applicant portal.
- Are there deadlines for making an application for the Warwick Philosophy Postgraduate Research programmes?
Although there is no strict deadline for applications, you are strongly advised to submit your application at least two weeks before any funding deadlines at Warwick, and no later than 31 July, if you are not applying for university funding. Ideally you should aim to submit your application by April to ensure you receive your application results with enough time to organise the logistical aspects of your studies, before the start of term.
- I do not have/ am not currently studying for a directly relevant Masters degree, can I apply for a Warwick Philosophy PhD programme?
The standard entry requirements for a Philosophy PhD are a Masters level degree in Philosophy or a Masters degree with a significant Philosophy component. However, all applications are considered. The Statement of Purpose may be used to draw attention to relevant modules and other experience the applicant has when a degree does not carry the title of Philosophy.
- I do not have/ am not currently studying for a directly relevant Undergraduate degree, can I apply for a Warwick Philosophy MPhil programme?
The standard entry requirements for a Philosophy MPhil is a first-class honours degree or equivalent in Philosophy with a significant philosophical component. However, all applications are considered. The Statement of Purpose may be used to draw attention to relevant modules and other experience the applicant has when a degree does not carry the title of Philosophy.
- How do I find a PhD Supervisor? Will you help me to do this?
Before you make your application, we strongly encourage you to make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your application. You can find a list of academic staff together with details of their research interests on the staff webpages. You should email a potential supervisor directly with details of your proposed project, to ask whether they are able to supervise the project.
Full guidance on how to find a Supervisor, including a link to the staff directory can be found here:
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/studywithus/postgraduate/phd-how-to-apply/supervision/
- Can I study for a Philosophy PhD part-time?
Yes, it is possible to study our PhD programmes part-time (up to 7 years of study).
- Can I start a Philosophy PhD in January instead of October?
The normal entry point for PhD study is at the beginning of the academic year, in October. In exceptional circumstances, a start in January is also possible. You can find the University term dates here: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/termdates.
- Can a Philosophy PhD be studied for remotely?
No, we do not offer the programme via distance learning
- Can I apply to be a visiting research student with the Department of Philosophy?
If you are a PhD student thinking about spending some time researching at Warwick, there are opportunities to come and study in Philosophy as a visiting PhD student for up to one year. After you have made contact with your Warwick supervisor, you should apply to the Visiting PhD programme using the university application system. Full details can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/studywithus/postgraduate/visitingresearchers
Non-UK qualification and English Language proficiency requirements.
- How do I work out what my Overseas qualification equates to in the UK system?
Information to help you assess the UK equivalency of non-UK qualifications is available here:
https://warwick.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/entry-requirements
- Are there English Language Requirements for Philosophy Postgraduate Courses and what evidence do you need?
The University requires evidence that your English language capability is of a level that will enable you to succeed on your chosen course of postgraduate study. We therefore have English language entry requirements based on the minimum standards.
For information about English Language requirements and the different ways we can confirm English Language capability, please see the Warwick Postgraduate guidance here: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/english/
All tests must have been taken within two years of the start date of your course at Warwick. Department of Philosophy Postgraduate courses sit in Band B.
- I have previously studied in English can I be exempted from the English Language Requirements?
If you are a national of a UKVI recognised English speaking country, or if you have been educated entirely in English in a UKVI recognised English speaking country for the duration of your degree, and have, or will have, completed this qualification within 2 years of the stated course start date, this may be sufficient to satisfy the English language requirements of your course.
Education undertaken in a country which is not a UKVI recognised English speaking country, even if it was undertaken solely in English, cannot provide a Standard English Language Test exemption except in the case of a very small number of specific institutions. Please email Philosophy PG Admissions Officer, Judith McAllister via philpgadmissions@warwick.ac.uk with the exact name of the Institution and your dates of study if you believe this very limited exemption applies.
Please note that you may still be asked to meet an English language condition if there is any concern about your current English language level. This is to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the course.
- I am having difficulty accessing a Standard English Language Test (SELT), can you help me?
While undertaking a SELT is by far the most straightforward option for the vast majority of applicants, if, in exceptional circumstances, this is not possible (for example as a result of severe unrest in your country of origin) please contact Admissions via the enquiry form. English Language Institutional Assessment (formerly referred to as a ‘waiver’) is only used in truly exceptional circumstances and the process involves a number of assessment activities relating to the four skills areas assessed by SELTs.
Please note that Warwick accepts some online SELTs which applicant’s may find easier to access.
Once you have submitted an application
If you have a question about applying for Postgraduate study at Warwick, you should check the Postgraduate Admissions FAQs in the first instance as you may be able to find the information that you require. If you are not able to find the answer to your question, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Service using the enquiry form and they will be happy to assist.
You can find out what to expect after your submit your application on the ‘What to expect’ pages which include information about setting up your applicant portal and tracking your application: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/onceapplied/what-to-expect/
- How do I set up my Applicant Portal?
Information about your Applicant Portal and how to set it up can be found at https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/onceapplied/applicantportal/
- I cannot access my Applicant Portal. How can I get help?
Please request assistance via the Postgraduate Enquiries form
The University will accept professional references if you have been out of higher education for over two years and these must be submitted by your current or most recent line manager. Please note that personal references, such as those from family and friends, are not acceptable.
- My referee did not receive a reference request.
In the first instance please ask your referee to check if the email arrived in their Spam or Junk folder. Unfortunately we have found this to be the case in the past and resending will only result in the same outcome. You can login to the Applicant Portal and resend the link to your referee.
- My referee has sent me my reference can I send it to you?
We only accept references sent directly to us from the referee. References cannot come to us via the applicant.
Your referee will be automatically sent a link to use to upload their reference. You may resend your reference request to your nominated referee via your Applicant Portal. If your referee is still having difficulties in uploading their reference they may contact Admissions via the enquiry form.
You can upload additional information through your Applicant Portal.
(Please note we evaluate your application based on the information available in the system on the day the application is assessed).
- I have received an email requesting additional information but I am having difficulty uploading it, who should I contact?
If you have tried uploading the requested information as an ‘additional information’ document via your applicant portal, please contact Admissions via the enquiry form.
- I would like to amend or add details of a referee, agent or nominated contact, can I do that?
You can do these things via your applicant portal.
After you have received a decision
- I have received an offer of study. What next?
A complete guide for Warwick PG Offer Holders can be found via on the Postgraduate Offer Holder webpage
You can find information about how to accept an offer of study on the Postgraduate Offer Holder webpage and the Respond to my offer webpage. A deadline for responding to your offer will be included in your offer letter.
Your offer will clearly state any conditions you are required to satisfy. The How to meet the conditions of your offer website provides some helpful guidance on how to meet your offer conditions and some short videos to help explain some of the steps of the process.
- Can I use a pre-sessional English course to meet my English Language conditions?
Please visit Pre-Sessional English language requirements if you are interested in using the Pre-sessional English language course to meet your English language condition. Please note that our Pre-sessional English courses carry entry requirements and that a SELT is still required.
Guidance and a link to the deferral request form can be found on the Deferring my Offer webpage.
If you would like to request a transfer to an alternative course please contact Admissions via the enquiry form to see if this might be possible.
Immigration and CAS
- I am a new Overseas applicant. Where can I find information about immigration?
Frequently asked immigration questions are addressed on this webpage: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/international/immigration/faqs/newstudentfaqs/
- How do I get my CAS?
Information about how to request your CAS can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/pgadmissions/offerholders/cas/
Funding opportunities
- Is there any funding support available from the Department?
Yes. We have introduced a new suite of bursaries and scholarships for MA and MPhil study for 2023 entry. More information is available on our webpage.
For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.
For up-to-date information for department fees and funding opportunities please visit the Department Fees and Funding webpage.
Please note that applying for funding is a separate but parallel process to applying for your place on a Postgraduate programme (MA, MPhil or PhD). In many cases applicants must apply for their Warwick course place (via the online application form) a week or more before submitting their separate Scholarship application.