Research degrees

A research degree allows you to conduct original research on a subject of your choice within the general fields of philosophy, art history or curating. We have a wide range of research strengths we can supervise and we accept PhD students in all areas that our academic staff are researching.

In addition to PhD study, we offer a range of alternative research degrees.

• MPhil Philosophy (two years full time / four years part time)
• MA Philosophy by dissertation (one year full time / two years part time) *
• MPhil Art History (two years full time / four years part time)
• MA Art History by dissertation (one year full time / two years part time) *

Our MA by dissertation and MPhil degrees are assessed on the basis of a thesis.

• 30,000 words maximum for the MA by dissertation.
• 50,000 words maximum for the MPhil.

We normally require a good BA degree in philosophy or art history (or in a joint honours degree including philosophy or art history). You must demonstrate your capacity to conduct independent research and submit a detailed research proposal.

*Admission to an 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.

Our doctoral students and academic staff regularly work together to form an active research community. We run an ongoing programme of events throughout the year that includes seminars, minicourses and conferences.

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.

Our University's Proficio scheme helps to develop your skills and knowledge and 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.

The ability to read philosophical texts in their original language is a real advantage for postgraduate research. At Essex, we offer a dedicated German-language course for philosophy graduate students taught by Nick Walker, who has translated Adorno, Hegel and other German philosophers into English. Our University’s Languages for All scheme also allows you to study a language alongside your course at no extra cost.