Philosophy and Literature PhD

Find out more about our Philosophy and Literature PhD at Warwick

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MPhil/PhD

3-4 years full-time;
Up to 7 years part-time

6 October 2026

Philosophy

University of Warwick

The Philosophy and Literature PhD is a leading programme, suiting students who thrive on independent, interdisciplinary study. You will undertake a substantial research project as part of an active research community, supervised by experts. Study Philosophy with English or Modern Languages.

The Warwick PhD in Philosophy and Literature is aimed at outstanding students who wish to pursue advanced research in philosophy. The PhD will also prepare those intending to become professional researchers in, and/or teachers of, philosophy.

The Philosophy and Literature degree is for candidates whose research projects combine philosophical and literary concerns. The combination can be achieved in a number of ways, as aspects of literature can be treated as topics of philosophical inquiry, or a more combined and interdisciplinary approach can be taken.

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 vibrant 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. We also collaborate extensively with academics and practitioners in other subjects including English and other modern European languages.

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.

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, Action, and Epistemology
• Philosophy of Psychology
• Philosophy of the Arts and Aesthetics
• Moral, Political and Legal Philosophy
• Kant and Hegel
• 19th Century Post-Kantian Philosophy, including Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
• 20th Century Continental Philosophy, including Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Derrida
• Mathematical Logic and Computation.

Full details of our research interests are listed on the Philosophy web pages. You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

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. 

A Master’s level degree in Philosophy or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a significant Philosophy component; a writing sample of 2,500 words; a strong research proposal.

• 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.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.