PhD courses
Our academic staff
Our academic staff are internationally recognised for their expertise across a wide range of philosophical areas.
Philosophy at Essex offers a unique environment for PhD study. Our research was ranked ninth in the UK in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008,
making us the highest rated institution for continental philosophy.
We are internationally recognised for our expertise in critical theory,
phenomenology and classical German philosophy.
As a philosophy doctoral student at Essex, you will be part of a close-knit research community in which graduate
students and academic staff work together in a friendly, creative and intellectually challenging environment.
A variety of scholarships and funding for postgraduate study are available.
PhD routes
We offer a range of routes to our PhD in philosophy:
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PhD Philosophy (full-time)
The minimum duration for our full-time PhD Philosophy is three years and assessment
is on the basis of a thesis (80,000 words maximum).
We normally require a good BA honours and a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline.
You need to demonstrate a capacity to conduct independent research and are required to submit a detailed research proposal.
You attend regular supervisory board meetings throughout your doctoral study where the progress of your work is assessed.
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Integrated PhD Philosophy (full-time)
Our Integrated PhD Philosophy is a four-year doctoral programme that provides a rigorous
training in philosophy. Your first year consists of an MA Philosophy combining taught
modules with writing an MA dissertation, which prepares you for researching and
writing a doctoral thesis over your next three years.
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Part-time PhD study
Our PhD Philosophy and Integrated PhD Philosophy can be taken part-time over a six-year and eight-year period respectively.
A research degree in philosophy allows you to conduct original research on a subject of your choice. We accept PhD students in all areas in which our
academic staff are researching.
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Supervision areas
Our supervision areas include:
- Frankfurt School and critical theory
- Phenomenology
- Classical German philosophy
- Philosophy and psychoanalysis
- Philosophy and psychiatry
- Philosophy and religion
- Kierkegaard
- Contemporary French philosophy
- Philosophy and human rights
- Philosophical aesthetics, philosophy of art and literature
- Ethics, including applied ethics
- Philosophy and public policy
- Social and political philosophy
- Ancient philosophy
Current PhD theses
Our list of current PhD theses shows the wide range of research being carried out at Essex.
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Other research degrees
- MPhil Philosophy full-time (two years)
- MA Philosophy by dissertation full-time (one year)*
- MA Philosophy by dissertation part-time (two years)*
Our MA Philosophy by dissertation and MPhil Philosophy are assessed on the basis of a thesis (30,000 words maximum for the MA, 50,000 words maximum for the MPhil).
Their minimum duration is usually one or two years respectively. We normally require a good BA in philosophy (or in a joint honours degree including philosophy).
You must demonstrate your capacity to conduct independent research and submit a detailed research proposal. Both our MA Philosophy and MPhil Philosophy can be taken part-time over
a two year and four year period respectively.
*Admission to our MA by dissertation is normally restricted to candidates whose circumstances make the taught MA unsuitable, and whose background is sufficient
to indicate an ability to undertake a first research-only degree.
Professional teaching experience
We employ many of our research students as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA). These paid positions are valuable opportunities
for professional development and give you experience of teaching and marking essays at undergraduate level, a significant advantage when it comes to applying for academic positions.
Professional skills development
Our University’s Proficio scheme helps to develop your skills and knowledge and to increase your employability potential for
careers in academia and industry by providing funding for specialist training across a range of areas, including researching and managing your PhD, presenting your work
and getting published.
Post-doctoral employment
Many of our former doctoral students succeed in gaining employment in academic positions
around the world after completing their PhD at Essex.
Fees and scholarships
Find out details about our fees and scholarships. If you would like any further information or have any questions, please
do not hesitate to contact us.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply for a course in philosophy at Essex. We can provide
help and advice, and guide you through the application process.
PG open evenings
Book a place at a postgraduate open evenings to find out more about studying at a top ten UK research university. Academic and support staff will
be available to answer your questions and you can speak to students about life at Essex.
Doctoral training
Proficio is our innovative doctoral training scheme. Our University gives you funding to spend on
a variety of courses, from research skills to personal development and career management.