Program Overview

---

PhD Philosophy

Course Overview

The PhD in Philosophy is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral viva voce examination. The primary purpose of the PhD is the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of independent and original academic research, completed in three years if studying full-time and usually six years if studying part-time.

Start and Duration

• Sep, 3 years
• Sep, 6 years
• Jan, 3 years
• Jan, 6 years

Level

• Research
• Research
• Research
• Research

Qualification

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy

UK Fees

• From £8,267 per year*
• From £4,133 per year*
• From £8,267 per year*
• From £4,133 per year*

International Fees

• From £14,500 per year*
• From £7,250 per year*
• From £14,500 per year*
• From £7,250 per year*

Campus

• London
• London
• London
• London

School

• School of Humanities and Social Sciences

About the Course

The PhD in Philosophy is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral viva voce examination. The primary purpose of the PhD is the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of independent and original academic research, completed in three years if studying full-time and usually six years if studying part-time.

Defining a Subject for Research

Some students know from the outset the precise subject on which they intend to work. For most, however, the definition of a research proposal is usually a gradual process, with the student starting with a general area of interest, and then focusing on a more closely defined topic as a result of further reading and consultation, usually with the Course Director.

Research Seminars

Graduate students in Philosophy at the University have access to a wide range of research seminars in the course of the academic year. A number of these advanced seminars are exclusively for doctoral students. A further series of seminars are available to all research students in Philosophy (whether Master’s or PhD).

Study Period

The usual period of doctoral research is three years for the those who engage in full-time study, though the University’s Regulations also permit candidates who make particularly rapid progress to apply to the University Research Committee for permission to submit at the end of their second year of study.

Supervision

Every PhD student in School of Humanities is supported by two supervisors. Supervisors are experts in their field of study and support students throughout the PhD.

Supervisors

Supervisors for the PhD at The University of Buckingham include some of the most distinguished scholars working in the field, among them:

• Dr Mikołaj Sławkowski-Rode
• Professor John Cottingham
• Dr Jonathan Price
• Dr Ralph Weir

Entry Requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a first or upper second-class degree at undergraduate level and a Master’s degree. Students without a Master’s degree and wishing to undertake doctoral research may enrol on the University’s own MA in Philosophy in their first year and upgrade to PhD registration at the start of their second year of full-time study.

Mature Students

Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from all suitably qualified students.

International Students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

English Levels

If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements.

Selection Process

Candidates apply online, sending in their supporting documents, and will be assessed on this basis by the Director of Research in Philosophy and the Tutor for Graduate Admissions.

Student Contract for Prospective Students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study.

Teaching and Assessment

PhD students undertake supervised but independent research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research.

After Your Course

The University’s Course Directors, students’ supervisors, and the Research Officer and Tutor for Graduate Students are available to discuss students’ post-graduation plans and how they may utilise most effectively the skills acquired during their studies.

Course Fees

The fees for this course are:

• Start: Sep 2025
  • Type: Full-time (3 Years)
  • 1st Year: £8,266
  • Total cost: £24,800
• Start: Sep 2025
  • Type: Part-time (6 Years)
  • 1st Year: £4,133
  • Total cost: £24,800
• Start: Jan 2026
  • Type: Full-time (3 Years)
  • 1st Year: £8,267
  • Total cost: £24,800
• Start: Jan 2026
  • Type: Part-time (6 Years)
  • 1st Year: £4,133
  • Total cost: £24,800

Scholarships and Bursaries

We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.

How to Apply

Apply online from this page as:

• You can apply until shortly before the course starts.
• There are no application fees.