Philosophy University of Essex

Overview

The Integrated PhD in Philosophy offered by University of Essex is designed for students who seek to engage deeply with both theoretical and applied philosophical questions, blending foundational postgraduate training with the pursuit of independent research. Philosophy at Essex is distinctive for its commitment to addressing existential, social, and political issues that connect directly to everyday life.

The Integrated PhD course begins with Masters-level work, providing a strong grounding in modern and contemporary European philosophy. You will engage with key areas such as critical theory, phenomenology, German Idealism, aesthetics, existentialism, contemporary French philosophy, philosophy and psychoanalysis, and medical humanities. Through the intensive Writing Workshop, you develop essential research, writing, and employability skills, culminating in a research-driven Masters-level dissertation.

You then progress onto the PhD, where we offer supervision in a wide range of fields, including continental philosophy, social and political philosophy, history of philosophy, and medical humanities. Essex’s expertise lies particularly in the convergence between analytic and continental philosophy, with research concentrations in moral and political philosophy. The internationally renowned faculty ensures you have the support and academic environment necessary to produce a substantial body of original research in your chosen area of specialisation.

Your future

This Integrated PhD offers a comprehensive philosophical education, preparing you for academic and professional careers that require deep critical thinking, a broad understanding of philosophical traditions, and advanced research capabilities.

Many of the graduates have progressed successfully to further research and an academic career. Philosophers with a PhD from Essex have taught at many UK universities, including Warwick, Oxford, Sussex, Reading, Bolton, Manchester Metropolitan, and Keele, and also at numerous institutions abroad (such as University College Dublin, the University of Malta, and Grand Valley State University, USA). The other philosophy graduates have gone into careers in law, the media, local administration, HM Revenue and Customs, and top jobs in the Civil Service.