The aim of the MPhil degree is that you will have gained substantial specialist knowledge of a particular discipline and/or historical period, as a basis for more detailed research. You will have developed independent research skills appropriate for an academic post or a career in advanced research and written a substantial thesis, which may be extended subsequently into a thesis at doctoral level.
The aim of the PhD degree is to assist you to complete a major piece of research in the area of Philosophy and/or Religion, and to demonstrate suitable academic attainments for appointment to a university-level teaching or research post. At the end of the programme, you will possess a good general knowledge of the particular field of learning within which the subject of the thesis falls and will have made a significant, original and substantial contribution to research.
For both degree programmes, you will receive research and transferable skills training from the University’s Graduate Training Programme. (Does not apply if you take these programmes by distance learning).
You will be assigned a supervisor, whose duty it is to provide advice about the choice of subjects and on any questions relating to your academic work. Teaching is by means of individual tuition, according to the circumstances and the discretion of the supervisor. Arrangements vary from case to case. Advice can also be given by e-mail or telephone but you will need to meet your supervisor on a regular basis in order to discuss your progress.
The MPhil is awarded for a dissertation of not more than 60,000 words, and the PhD for a dissertation normally of not more than 100,000 words.
Research areas
The School offers supervision in the following areas of specialism:
- Philosophy of Religion
- Meta ethics and Normative ethics
- Meta philosophy
- Problem of Evil
- Aesthetics
- Islamic studies
- Fundamentalism
- Psychoanalytic studies
- Jungian studies
- Sociology of Religion
- Nietzsche
- Wittgenstein
- Freud
To apply, send a research proposal of no less than 500 words, accompanied by a proposed bibliography and personal statement outlining your relevant experience (training and research) in your chosen field. To find out more about staff specialisms and supervision in the school, consult the Staff pages.
Programme Length
PhD: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time; MPhil: 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time. Can be taken by Distance Learning.
Research Opportunities
Supervisors are renowned in their field and are members of international editorial boards, and various academic boards related to their fields of expertise.