PhD in Philosophy (2023 Entry)
Find out more about our Philosophy PhD.
The Philosophy PhD is a leading programme, suiting students who thrive on independent study. You will undertake a substantial research project as part of an active research community, supervised by world-leading experts at the University of Warwick's Department of Philosophy.
Course overview
The Warwick PhD in Philosophy is aimed at outstanding students who wish to pursue advanced research in philosophy and prepare to become professional researchers in, and/or teachers of, philosophy.
As a PhD student, you will produce an 80,000 word thesis that can provide the basis for professional publication. You will contribute to the research environment in the department by taking part in work in progress seminars, and contributing to the activities of the department’s research centres. While many UK philosophy departments possess strength in analytic philosophy or continental philosophy, we are distinctive in having world-leading philosophers from both fields.
Teaching and learning
In addition to regular supervisions, in the first year you will also take our core PhD seminar, which engages you with a broad range of philosophical issues beyond your thesis topic that are central to different philosophical traditions. You will have the opportunity to undertake a range of professional development activities to support your research, your thesis writing, and to provide teacher training.
Additionally, you are expected to attend any relevant postgraduate seminars, including modules on our taught MA programmes.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
A Master’s level degree in Philosophy or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a significant Philosophy component; a strong research proposal; a sample of academic writing on a philosophical topic relevant to your research proposal around 2,500 words in length.
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.
Connect with us
Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.