MPhil in Philosophy (2024 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, for example, 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 set 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, 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, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger.
- Mathematical Logic
Full details of our research interests are listed on the Philosophy web pagesLink opens in a new window.
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.
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, Nietzsche, 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.
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