Find out more about studying Philosophy PhD at Birkbeck, University of London? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
Bloomsbury (Central London) Campus
Full Time
Oct 2026
4 Year
An MPhil/PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation of 60,000 to 100,000 words. At Birkbeck, you are initially registered on an MPhil and you upgrade to a PhD after satisfactory progress in the first year or two. You need to find a suitable academic supervisor at Birkbeck, who can offer the requisite expertise to guide and support you through your research. Find out more about undertaking a research degree at Birkbeck. The MPhil/PhD in Philosophy is an opportunity to undertake a major piece of research under the supervision of someone with academic expertise in your field. We offer supervision in a wide range of philosophical subjects and foster our students' professional development. A number of our recent PhD graduates have permanent academic posts in leading universities. Most students who plan to do a PhD begin with the MRes. The MRes offers research-based training in philosophy at post-master's level and serves as a foundation for starting an individual PhD project. Students who are ready to start writing a PhD thesis of up to 75,000 words may apply directly for the MPhil/PhD. Students admitted to the MPhil/PhD are initially enrolled on the MPhil and upgraded to the PhD once they have made sufficient progress. Find out more about studying Philosophy at Birkbeck.
Birkbeck, University of London is located in Bloomsbury, in the very centre of the UK's cosmopolitan capital city, and s...