St Andrews and Oslo joint PhD in Philosophy at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A joint doctoral degree in philosophy awarded by the University of St Andrews and the University of Oslo. Candidates have supervisors at both institutions, spend at least 12 months in total as resident students at each, and receive a single joint certificate.

Department: Philosophy | Duration: Three years full time, with a possible 12-month continuation period | Intake: September preferred; start dates 27 September, October or January | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research is supervised jointly, with study divided into blocks of at least six months at each institution. The lead institution is normally where the student spends most time. Assessment is by thesis written in English with a viva voce and public disputation (if St Andrews leads) or a public disputation in Oslo (if Oslo leads). Research centres include the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, the Institute for Gender Studies and the Arché Philosophical Research Centre.

Career pathways

St Andrews philosophy PhD graduates from 2011 to 2024 obtained academic posts at institutions including Oxford, Edinburgh, Leeds, Warwick, Rutgers, Zürich and LMU Munich. The degree also builds analytical, writing and project planning skills for other professions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A good Masters degree in Philosophy for direct entry; Oslo requires at least a five-year graduation course (Masters or equivalent), or in special cases a one-year Masters after assessment, completed with the final evaluation available at the time of application. Apply to both St Andrews and Oslo; for Oslo as lead institution, first apply for a research fellowship or for admission with external funding. Applications are accepted year round, though funding deadlines may be earlier. English language: research degree applicants meet at least the postgraduate research minimum (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each component); Schools normally require the scores of their taught programmes, which for Philosophy are IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component.

Intake: September preferred; start dates 27 September, October or January

Duration: Three years full time, with a possible 12-month continuation period

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