Skip to main content Skip to navigation

PhD in Philosophy and Literature (2024 Entry)

a student reads a philosophy book in the library

Find out more about our Philosophy and Literature PhD.

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.


Course overview

The Warwick PhD in Philosophy and Literature is aimed at outstanding students who wish to pursue advanced research and prepare 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.


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 writing sample of 2,500 words; a strong research proposal.


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.

Find your research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • 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.

Department content block about careers

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, Action, and Epistemology
  • Philosophy of Psychology
  • Philosophy of Literature and the Arts
  • Moral and Political Philosophy
  • Kant and Hegel
  • 19th and 20th Century Post-Kantian (Continental) Philosophy, including Schopenhauer, Neitzsche, Husserl, Heidegger
  • Mathematical Logic

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

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

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.

Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window

Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.