MPhil in Philosophy (2023 Entry)
Find out more about our MPhil in Philosophy.
The MPhil in Philosophy is a two-year programme for students looking to engage in structured, independent study. You will undertake focused research at master’s level supervised by experts at the University of Warwick's Department of Philosophy.
Course overview
The Warwick MPhil in Philosophy is a leading research programme for students looking to progress to independent study. Engage in focused research at master’s level under close expert supervision, as part of an active research community.
You will gain advanced expertise on your chosen range of topics in Philosophy, as well as carry out your own research project. The skills and subject knowledge you will gain will prepare you ideally for further independent academic research. The MPhil also provides an excellent foundation for you to go on to a PhD.
Teaching and learning
During this two-year programme research programme, you will study and receive supervisions in three different areas of philosophy.
The key areas of study will cover historical areas including key figures such as Plato, Descartes, Kant, Husserl and Wittgenstein, and also Moral and Political Philosophy, Aesthetics, Epistemology and Philosophy of Mind.
In each of your three chosen areas, you will write two 5,000 word supervised research papers, one due at the end of your first year, the other due at the end of the first term of the second year. In the remainder of your second year, you will undertake and submit a research thesis of approximately 30,000 words.
The primary means of study is by fortnightly supervisions, with at least one term of the first year devoted to each of the three areas of study you have chosen. You will be assigned a specialist supervisor for each area, who will agree topics for the papers which you will produce for each supervision. In addition, you will be encouraged to attend appropriate graduate classes to support your supervisory preparation. Graduate classes may be taken from amongst those offered on our Master’s programmes, or be research led classes put on for the benefit specifically of MPhil students and PhD students.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
A first-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Philosophy or with a significant Philosophy component; two writing samples of around 2,500 words each on philosophical topics (ideally these will be recent essays or extracts on relevant topics for which you received a good mark); a strong statement of purpose.
See our departmental guidanceLink opens in a new window.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Our research
The department has particular research strengths in:
- Philosophy of Mind and Psychology
- Epistemology
- The Philosophy of Art and Literature
- Moral and Political Philosophy
- 20th Century Continental Philosophy
- Kant and 19th Century Post-Kantian Philosophy
Full details of our research interests are listed on the Philosophy web pages.
You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.
Find a supervisor
Please see our Philosophy 'How to Apply' web pageLink opens in a new window for guidance on completing your application form.
Before completing your application we encourage you to make contact with the convenor of the programme to discuss your application.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Taught course fees Research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Philosophy at Warwick
Philosophy at Warwick is recognised for our support of diverse philosophical traditions, including both analytic and continental philosophy. We have particular strengths in Philosophy of mind and epistemology, Post-Kantian European philosophy, Aesthetics, and moral, political, and legal philosophy. We also collaborate extensively with academics and practitioners in other subjects and have long-standing collaborations with researchers and practitioners across all faculties.
At Warwick, you’ll be part of an inclusive staff and student community. We provide a vibrant and friendly environment where our students have dedicated support to explore their passion for philosophy and develop their skills as researchers.
Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate courses
Taught course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.
Research course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
Join a live chat
Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Postgraduate Open Day
Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.Postgraduate fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.
Live chats
Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.
Departmental events
Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.
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