PhD Philosophy

We're one of the leading philosophy research communities in the UK and welcome applications from enthusiastic and committed PhD students.

We offer:

We're active across a mixture of established and emerging areas. Particular strengths include:

This list is not exhaustive. Contact us to discuss your particular interests.

Get a feel for our current work – see our active staff research projects or find an expert in your area of philosophy.

We host to two active research groups that you are encouraged to get involved with:

Our current PhD students are exploring a diverse range of issues including:

"A good PhD researcher has to be curious! But also be sufficiently clear at the beginning what’s expected, what their topic will be. I think we’re pretty good at making sure people have that when they start" Professor Stefan Predelli, Department Director of PGR

Read more about Stefan's research and role

You will complete a written thesis of around 80,000 words, with expert support and advice from your academic supervisors.

You will also take a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in depth to an examination panel.

You can expect to be made to feel at home in a department with a strong and supportive research culture.

Involves both members of the department and outside speakers. In recent years this has included:

If you would like to come along to a research seminar to find out more about us contact the coordinator Dr Craig French.

More details about upcoming and past speakers are on our department website.

Run by postgraduate students this allows you to present your ongoing research in a constructive and supportive atmosphere.

"As chair of the Postgraduate Research Seminar it's been great to not only listen to my peers deliver their research, but to watch as their work constantly evolves and develops and on a weekly basis. The Postgraduate Research Seminar, and the friendly and inclusive environment we've created, is without doubt one of the best parts of doing my philosophy PhD at Nottingham." Taylor Matthews, PhD student

You are very welcome to drop in and discuss your current work with any available member of staff.

These often run in the department, and postgraduate students are encouraged to participate. For current details see the Department of Philosophy website.

We actively encourage postgraduate students to be published in major journals. Recent postgrad articles have appeared in:

A publication records equips you well for the philosophy job market. It also provides evidence of commitment and excellence for those considering career routes outside of academia.

If you are funded through the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership you will complete a portfolio of research training, devised in consultation with your supervisors and Head of Postgraduate Studies.

You can make full use of the Language Centre facilities for both research-specific learning and personal interest.