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Philosophy, Ph.D.

  • Anytime
    Application Deadline
  • 36 months
    Duration
University rank #79 (QS) ,
University of Birmingham offer promising candidates the opportunity to study in a department that is strongly committed to delivering the highest quality of philosophical research with this Philosophy PhD.

About

 You can study in traditional PhD format, or through our PhD by Papers option.

The PhD is the most advanced research degree. It leads to a thesis of up to 80,000 words under the expert guidance of a supervisory committee. 

As an alternative to the standard dissertation, we now also offer you the choice of writing a thesis which consists of three or four self-standing academic articles on different aspects of a single topic. Birmingham is one of the first philosophy departments in the UK to offer you this option of a “PhD by Papers”. 

You can study PhD programmes in Philosophy from University of Birmingham on campus or by distance learning. Please note that if you are studying with us by distance learning, there is a compulsory annual visit to campus (every two years for part-time PhD students) - see our distance learning webpage which includes frequently asked questions about distance learning to find out more.

Detailed Programme Facts

  • More details: Research starting in January or September is encouraged, but flexible start dates may be available
  • Programme intensity

    You can choose to do this programme part-time or full-time.

    Full-time
    • Full-time duration 36 months
    Part-time
    • Average part-time duration 72 months
    • Intensity Flexible
  • Languages
    • English
    Schedule TOEFL®
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

Programme Structure

Why study this course

  • World-leading research
  • Excellent facilities
  • Energetic community
  • PhD by Papers

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    88

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    6.5

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    StudyPortals Tip: The UK government has confirmed new English-language testing requirements for visa and immigration purposes. Learn more

  • Minimum required score (Grade B2):

    176

    C1 Advanced is a Cambridge English Qualification. It reports on the Cambridge English Scale between 142 and 210. You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and for Use of English. These five scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. Universities and colleges may ask you to achieve a specific score, either overall or for a particular skill.

    Note: degree programmes and applications may require a more specific minimum score for admission.

Academic Requirements

  • If you are applying for a PhD then you will usually need to hold a good Masters qualification in Philosophy or in a relevant subject. Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.
  • If you are applying for distance learning research programmes, you will also be required to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.
  • If your qualifications are non-standard or different from the entry requirements stated here, please contact the admissions tutor.

Tuition Fee

  • International Applies to you

    17040 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 17040 GBP per year and a duration of 36 months.

  • EU/EEA Applies to you

    4320 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 4320 GBP per year and a duration of 36 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.
  • UK/EU: £2,160 part-time
  • International: £8,520 part-time

Living costs for Birmingham

  • 765 - 1140 GBP/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

StudyPortals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

The Global Study Awards: get funded with up to £10,000 to study abroad

Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, Studyportals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.

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