The University of Nottingham offers a Distance Learning PhD in Philosophy, designed for enthusiastic and committed students. This program leverages Nottingham's position as a hub for active philosophical research, offering expertise across diverse world philosophical and religious traditions. You will benefit from an intensive program of seminars, workshops, and conferences, all within a supportive and inclusive environment. The department is known for its internationally recognized research and encourages interdisciplinary exploration. This is an excellent opportunity to pursue doctoral research remotely, with opportunities for collaboration and access to a wide range of philosophical areas.
All applications are evaluated on an individual basis, and alternative qualifications or relevant work experience may be considered. If you are unsure about your qualifications, please contact the university. For students requiring English language support, presessional English courses are available, and successful completion can allow progression to the degree without retaking IELTS. Visa regulations apply for students undertaking any study within the UK.
Tuition fees are for the 2026/27 academic year. Please refer to the university's official fees pages for the most up-to-date information.
International students can expect to pay £25,750 per year for full-time study. Please note these fees are for the 2026/27 academic year and the university's official fees pages should be consulted for the most current information.
The program can be completed in 3 years if studied full-time, or up to 6 years if studied part-time.
You will need a Master's degree with merit in philosophy or a related subject. For English language proficiency, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any element, is required. Other English language tests are also accepted.
To apply, you need to prepare a research proposal of 1000-3000 words and identify a potential supervisor whose research aligns with yours. You will then submit your application, including transcripts and the proposal, through the university's online portal. An online interview is also required.
Applications for 2026 entry are currently open, with specific deadlines not listed but early application advised. While multiple start dates are available, the primary intake is typically in September/October.
You will be supported by a minimum of two academic supervisors throughout your research, with all supervision meetings conducted online via Microsoft Teams. The university also offers presessional English courses if needed.