Philosophy

Program Overview

The MPhil/PhD in Philosophy at Birkbeck, University of London offers students the opportunity to conduct original research and produce a substantial dissertation under the guidance of expert supervisors. The program emphasizes professional development and prepares students for careers in academia, research, and other fields requiring strong analytical and critical thinking skills. With its internationally renowned research and flourishing research student community, Birkbeck provides an exceptional environment for philosophical inquiry and intellectual growth.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: To enable students to conduct original research in philosophy and produce a substantial dissertation (60,000 to 100,000 words).
• Structure:
• Students initially register for an MPhil and upgrade to a PhD after satisfactory progress in the first year or two.
• Requires finding a suitable academic supervisor at Birkbeck with expertise in your desired field.
• Most students begin with the MRes in Philosophy, which serves as a foundation for the PhD project.
• Direct entry to the MPhil/PhD is available for students ready to start their thesis (up to 75,000 words).
• Supervision meetings are held regularly.
• Duration:
• 7 years part-time
• 4 years full-time
• Starting Dates: October 2024 or January 2025
• Awarding Body: University of London

Highlights:

• Internationally renowned research in philosophy.
• Flourishing research student community with excellent philosophical training.
• Highly ranked for philosophy research, particularly in feminist philosophy.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Individual supervision meetings with your supervisor(s).
• Faculty: Expertise in a wide range of philosophical subjects.
• Unique approaches: Emphasis on professional development and preparing students for academic careers.

Careers:

• Many recent PhD graduates hold permanent academic positions at leading universities.
• Fees:
• Part-time Home Students: £2,539 per year
• Full-time Home Students: £4,786 per year
• Part-time International Students: £7,525 per year
• Full-time International Students: £14,885 per year
• Financial Support:
• Government loans for UK residents.
• Flexible payment options.
• Studentships and funding opportunities.
• International scholarships.
• Research Culture:
• Covers a wide range of philosophical areas, including contemporary analytic philosophy, history of philosophical questions, and feminist philosophy.
• Extensive library resources.
• Opportunities to participate in research and teaching activities.
• Application Process:
• Find a potential supervisor.
• Draft a research proposal.
• Submit an application online.
• Include a writing sample and two references.
• Application Deadlines:
• Recommended deadline: June 1st.
• Applications accepted throughout the year for October or January start.

Conclusion

The MPhil/PhD in Philosophy at Birkbeck provides a rigorous and supportive environment for students to conduct high-quality research and develop their expertise in the field. With its strong research culture, dedicated faculty, and diverse range of opportunities, the program is an excellent choice for students seeking to pursue a career in philosophy or related fields.

• Part-time home students: £2,539 per year
• Full-time home students: £4,786 per year
• Part-time international students: £7,525 per year
• Full-time international students: £14,885 per year
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.

Additional costs

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.

Fees and finance

PhD students resident in England can apply for government loans of over £26,000 to cover the cost of tuition fees, maintenance and other study-related costs. We offer a range of studentships and funding options to support your research.