Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy at University of Cambridge

Programme overview

The PhD course offers close supervision and extensive training and is the standard entrance to the academic profession. The Faculty welcomes applications for this degree in a wide range of philosophical areas. The PhD culminates in the production of a thesis of up to 80,000 words to be submitted between three and four years from the commencement of study for full-time study.

What you will study

An oral examination will be conducted on the subject of the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls. The PhD degree is awarded for an extended thesis that makes a substantial original contribution to learning. A PhD thesis in Philosophy must not be more than 80,000 words, including appendices and footnotes, but excluding the bibliography.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a Masters (Merit). Your undergraduate degree must include the equivalent of two years of full-time study in Philosophy (10 full courses in Philosophy in the US system). We normally expect a first-class degree or the international equivalent, but you may also apply if you have graduated with a good upper second-class degree (at least 67%) or the equivalent (US GPA at least 3.6/4), provided that other aspects of their application (such as dissertation marks) show a strong aptitude for further work in philosophy. English language: IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,208 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,876 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/phphpdphi/apply

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