BIRKBECK COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
Philosophy MPhil/PhD
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€19k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- International reputation for research in philosophyResearch Excellence
- Flourishing community of research students and first-rate trainingStudent Community & Training
- Highly ranked for feminist philosophy research and teachingSpecialisation
- 83% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)Research Quality
The MPhil/PhD in Philosophy at Birkbeck, University of London, offers an advanced postgraduate research degree opportunity. This program is designed for students who wish to undertake significant original research and produce a substantial dissertation of 60,000 to 100,000 words. Initially, students are registered on an MPhil and then upgrade to a PhD after demonstrating satisfactory progress, typically within the first one to two years. Students will work under the guidance of an academic supervisor with expertise in their chosen philosophical field. Birkbeck offers supervision across a wide spectrum of philosophical subjects, aiming to foster students' professional development. Many recent PhD graduates have gone on to secure permanent academic positions at leading universities. While direct application to the MPhil/PhD is possible for those ready to begin thesis writing, many students opt to start with an MRes to gain foundational research training. The program is available for both full-time (4 years) and part-time (7 years) study, with intakes in October and January, and requires on-campus attendance for regular supervisor meetings.
Careers
Graduates from the MPhil/PhD Philosophy program at Birkbeck are well-prepared for careers in academia and beyond. The program's rigorous research training, combined with opportunities for professional development and teaching experience, equips students with advanced critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.
- Academic Researcher
- University Lecturer
- Philosopher
- Research Fellow
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Full-time international students can expect tuition fees of £16,285 per year, while part-time international students will be charged £8,230 per year. Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years. Flexible payment plans are available.
- What is the duration of the MPhil/PhD Philosophy programme?
- The MPhil/PhD programme can be studied full-time over 4 years or part-time over 7 years. Students are initially registered for an MPhil and typically upgrade to a PhD within the first one to two years.
- What are the entry requirements for international students?
- International students must meet specific academic and English language requirements. For English language proficiency, an IELTS Academic Test score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-test is required. Check the website for a full list of accepted English language tests.
- How do I apply for the MPhil/PhD Philosophy programme?
- The application process is online and involves checking entry requirements, finding a potential supervisor, discussing your research, drafting a research proposal, and submitting your application with supporting documents. You can apply throughout the year for October or January commencement.
- Are there any scholarships or funding options available for international students?
- Birkbeck offers the Global Future Scholarship, which is a tuition fee scholarship for eligible international students. Additionally, various Birkbeck Studentships and funding options are available for research students. Specific criteria and application processes should be checked on the Birkbeck international finance or financial support sections.
- What are the career prospects after completing this programme?
- Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, such as Academic Researchers and University Lecturers, or as Philosophers and Research Fellows. The rigorous research training equips students with advanced critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.
Entry requirements
Master's-level qualificationAn appropriate Master's-level qualification is required.
IELTS Academic Test6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in each sub-test
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English176 overall with 169 in each sub-test
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English176 overall with 169 in each sub-test
GCSE in English Language or LiteratureGrade C
AS or A-Level in English Language or Literature (including Cambridge International A Levels)Grade C
IGCSE - English First Language (Syllabus 0500 or 0522 or 0990)Grade C or 5, with a minimum grade 2 in Listening and Speaking
IGCSE - English Second Language (Syllabus 0511 or 0991, or 0510 or 0993)Grade B or 5, with a minimum grade 2 in Listening and Speaking
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature OR Literature and Language OR Literature and PerformanceGrade 5 from Standard Level or Grade 4 from Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English BGrade 6 from Standard Level or Grade 5 from Higher Level
INTO English for Academic Purposes (EAP)60% overall with minimum of 50% in each subtest
INTO Test of English/IELA176 overall with 169 in sub-tests / 63% overall with 58% in sub-tests
LanguageCert Academic (in-person and online)70 overall with minimum 65 in sub-tests
OnCampus Test of English: AELD (Academic English Language Development)65% overall with 60% in sub-tests
OnCampus Test of English: OCTOE65% overall with 60% in sub-tests
Password Skills Plus at-home test6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in sub-tests
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)62 with 60 in each sub-test
PSI: Skills for EnglishB2 Pass with Merit
TOEFL: IBT (new grading from Jan 2026)Total Score: 4.5 (reading: 4, listening 4, speaking 4, writing 4.5)
If English is not your first language or if you have not previously studied in English, you must meet the English language requirements. Pre-sessional English courses and foundation programs are available if you do not meet the minimum IELTS requirement. Degrees from majority English-speaking countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Overseas Territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America) completed within the last three years (on 1 June for October start, 1 September for January start) are also accepted. Note that Foundation degrees are generally not accepted. For visa purposes, international students requiring a Student visa must apply for full-time courses.
Fees
Tuition (international)£16,285 per year (full-time) or £8,230 per year (part-time)
Tuition (home)£5,238 per year (full-time) or £2,780 per year (part-time)
LivingStudents are advised to calculate their potential living costs separately.
Tuition fees are charged annually and may be subject to inflationary increases in subsequent years. Students who have previously completed an award at Birkbeck may be eligible for a discount through the Lifelong Learning Guarantee. PhD students resident in England may be eligible for government loans exceeding £26,000 for tuition and living costs. Flexible payment plans allow fees to be paid in monthly installments at no extra cost. International students studying part-time may have different fee rates and eligibility.
How to apply
1. Step 1: Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements specified for the MPhil/PhD Philosophy program.
2. Step 2: Find a Potential SupervisorIdentify an academic supervisor at Birkbeck whose expertise aligns with your research interests. You can use the 'Find a Supervisor' section, the Experts’ Database, or browse staff pages in the Philosophy department.
3. Step 3: Discuss Your Research with SupervisorContact your potential supervisor (or their department) for an informal discussion about your research ideas. Confirm if they are available and willing to supervise your proposed research. Note that this discussion does not guarantee admission.
4. Step 4: Draft a Research ProposalPrepare a research proposal of up to 1000 words. This proposal should demonstrate your knowledge of the field, outline your specific research questions, and explain how your ideas will contribute new knowledge and understanding.
5. Step 5: Submit Your Online ApplicationApply directly to Birkbeck using the online application link provided on the course page. You will need to submit your research proposal, a writing sample of up to 5000 words, and two references (these do not necessarily need to be from philosophy academics, but from individuals who know you and your work). All research students are initially registered on an MPhil and then upgrade to a PhD after making sufficient progress.
Scholarships
Global Future ScholarshipVaries
Birkbeck Studentships and Funding OptionsVaries
Accreditation
University of London
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Full-time international students can expect tuition fees of £16,285 per year, while part-time international students will be charged £8,230 per year. Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years. Flexible payment plans are available.
What is the duration of the MPhil/PhD Philosophy programme?
+
The MPhil/PhD programme can be studied full-time over 4 years or part-time over 7 years. Students are initially registered for an MPhil and typically upgrade to a PhD within the first one to two years.
What are the entry requirements for international students?
+
International students must meet specific academic and English language requirements. For English language proficiency, an IELTS Academic Test score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-test is required. Check the website for a full list of accepted English language tests.
How do I apply for the MPhil/PhD Philosophy programme?
+
The application process is online and involves checking entry requirements, finding a potential supervisor, discussing your research, drafting a research proposal, and submitting your application with supporting documents. You can apply throughout the year for October or January commencement.
Are there any scholarships or funding options available for international students?
+
Birkbeck offers the Global Future Scholarship, which is a tuition fee scholarship for eligible international students. Additionally, various Birkbeck Studentships and funding options are available for research students. Specific criteria and application processes should be checked on the Birkbeck international finance or financial support sections.
What are the career prospects after completing this programme?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, such as Academic Researchers and University Lecturers, or as Philosophers and Research Fellows. The rigorous research training equips students with advanced critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.