Philosophy PhD (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)
University of Birmingham
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

location-pin
Location

University of Birmingham

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

JAN

time
Duration

3 years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

3 years

SELECTED

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Online

Start date

JAN

Duration

6 years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Philosophy
SELECTED

Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

By pursuing research in Philosophy at Birmingham, you will joining a vibrant and dynamic research community thanks to the Department’s diverse research interests and approaches.Our expert supervision spans a wide range of areas, including: Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science; Philosophy of Language; Philosophy of Logic; Philosophy of Mathematics; Moral Philosophy (theoretical and practical); Metaphysics and Epistemology; and Philosophy of Religion.You can study in traditional PhD format, ...Read more

By pursuing research in Philosophy at Birmingham, you will joining a vibrant and dynamic research community thanks to the Department’s diverse research interests and approaches.

Our expert supervision spans a wide range of areas, including: Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science; Philosophy of Language; Philosophy of Logic; Philosophy of Mathematics; Moral Philosophy (theoretical and practical); Metaphysics and Epistemology; and Philosophy of Religion.

You can study in traditional PhD format, or through our PhD by Papers option. Rather than writing a single book-like thesis examining a single topic, a PhD by Papers gives you the choice of writing a thesis comprising of several separate (though thematically unified) papers, in the style of philosophy journal articles.

Birmingham is one of the first philosophy departments in the UK to offer a PhD by Papers option and, although this style of PhD thesis is very popular at top US departments and offers many advantages for students, it is rare in the UK. The advantages include:

  • Ideas don’t always come in book-shaped packages. Our PhD by Papers format recognises that, allowing you greater scope to follow your interests
  • If you would like to become an academic philosopher, you will need to publish in philosophical journals, preferably before finishing your PhD. Our PhD by Papers means your work towards publishable papers is always work towards the PhD thesis, improving your academic job prospects along the way

The PhD by Papers format is an option for all Birmingham Philosophy PhD students and is not a separate course of study. Simply apply for the Philosophy PhD as normal.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
44/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
11th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
13th
What students say
B
Bianca
01 Mar 24

After only a few months here, I feel so well-established already, and have made so many wonderful memories! My priority was to live at home and commute, and the University Train..Read more

A
Amy
23 Feb 24

Lovely campus, great course, good staff. Nice food..Read more

Entry requirements

Students will usually need to hold a good Masters qualification in Philosophy or in a relevant subject. Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If you are applying for distance learning research programmes, you will also be required to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme fee also includes a fully-funded visit to campus for each full year of the programme.

£21,840 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme fee also includes a fully-funded visit to campus for each full year of the programme.

£21,840 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme fee also includes a fully-funded visit to campus for each full year of the programme.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Philosophy reviews

Philosophy
Philosophy
B
Bianca
01 Mar 24
Philosophy and Sociology BA (Hons)
After only a few months here, I feel so well-established already, and have made so many wonderful memories! My priority was to live at home and commute, and the University Train...
Read more
A
Amy
23 Feb 24
Philosophy BA (Hons)
Lovely campus, great course, good staff. Nice food...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Philosophy students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 18 reviews
5 star
45%
4 stars
45%
3 stars
5%
2 stars
0%
1 star
5%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,403 reviews
5 star
37%
4 stars
51%
3 stars
11%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham , Birmingham

The University of Birmingham - part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities in the UK – has been helping to develop the...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
13th
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom
Nearest train station: University   0.2 miles away
Thinking of studying in Birmingham?

Check out our

Birmingham city guide

Similar courses at this uni

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate