Philosophy

PhD study is undertaken for three years (full-time) or five years (part-time). PhD students receive expert supervision from a primary supervisor (with co-supervision where appropriate). The programme is supported by a range of research events, professional training and teaching opportunities.

MPhil study is undertaken for one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). MPhil students receive expert supervision from a primary supervisor. The programme is supported by a range of research events and professional training.

Assessment

The PhD is assessed by submission of a thesis of up to 80,000 words and a viva voce examination.

The MPhil is assessed by submission of a thesis of up to 50,000 words and a viva voce examination.

We welcome applications in staff specialist areas, such as the following:

• Aesthetics and philosophy of art
• Applied ethics, normative ethics, metaethics, and moral psychology
• Feminism and social philosophy
• Phenomenology, existentialism, and critical theory
• Philosophy of language
• Philosophy of mind and psychology
• Philosophy of online spaces

For more detailed information about our academic staff research, see our individual staff pages.

Research environment

The School takes the training of its research students very seriously, providing the facilities and supervisory guidance to help them flourish intellectually and work productively. The School has a dedicated suite of PhD research rooms with excellent networked IT facilities. Each student has a conference budget.

The School holds a yearly conference to allow PhD students the opportunity to share work with their peers in a supportive and stimulating multi-disciplinary environment. The Arts and Social Studies Library is well-stocked with books and academic journals in all our subject areas, substantial electronic resources and specialist collections such as Cardiff Rare Books, a rich archive of over 14,000 items ranging from fifteenth-century incunabula to twentieth-century fine press books.

In a competitive jobs market, our students are encouraged and supported in building up the skills that will make them employable, whatever their career direction. We value the rich experience of our many overseas students, and actively attend to their specific needs in relation to their cultural context of study and the demands of writing elegantly in a second language.

In recent years, students gaining PhDs in Philosophy from Cardiff have gone on to lecturing positions at Soka University, Japan and Nanyang Technological University Singapore, while others have secured posts outside Higher Education in the teaching profession.

Funding

See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.

Tuition fees

Students from the UK

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the rest of the world (international)

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

As a first step and prior to making a formal application we require the following documents to be sent to encap-pgadmissions@cardiff.ac.uk:

1. A copy of your Research Proposal. This will enable the admissions tutor to ascertain whether your project is suitable for PhD study, and whether there is suitable available supervisory expertise in your chosen area of research
2. Copies of your BA and MA degree certificates and transcripts which show you have achieved at least a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please send us any interim transcripts or provisional certificates
3. A sample of your academic writing. Please provide a sample essay of about 4000 words in English on any philosophic topic of your choice (something you have previously submitted for your master’s degree, for instance)
4. If applicable- your current English Language qualification- The School welcomes applications from students outside the United Kingdom. For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS overall score of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each sub score is essential. If you currently meet the University minimum requirements i.e. an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5 with a 5.5 in each subskill or equivalent qualification, we could still consider making an offer which is conditional on the higher score in English Language if appropriate.
5. A Curriculum Vitae which includes your academic qualifications and professional background.

Please click on each member of staff's research page to review their research interests. Please note that staff listed as Graduate Tutors cannot offer PhD supervision.

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

Applications are welcome from graduates with at least a 2.1 at undergraduate level in a relevant discipline, and, preferably, a good postgraduate Master’s degree. with at least one degree in or that involves Philosophy. Emphasis will be placed on the strength and viability of the proposed research project, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor.

Please note that the School requires applicants to undertake an initial review before making a formal application via the direct application system. See 'How to apply' section for further details.

Please note we interview all PhD applicants who fulfil the entry requirements and where an offer is being considered.

English language requirements

The School welcomes applications from students outside the United Kingdom. For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS overall score of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each sub score is essential.

Please read our English language requirements for more details.