Key facts
Award
MPhil, PhD
MPhil, PhD
Start date
1st day of any month
1st day of any month
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Mode of study
full time, part time
full time, part time
Which course would you like to apply for?
PhD Philosophy
We offer PhD opportunities in Philosophy through our St Andrews and Stirling Graduate programme in Philosophy – ranked among the best Philosophy programmes in the UK.
The University of Stirling offers a range of postgraduate research opportunities in Philosophy through our collaboration with the University of St Andrews. The fully integrated St Andrews and Stirling Graduate programme in Philosophy (known as SASP) is taught jointly by the Philosophy units at the University of St Andrews and the University of Stirling. SASP is Scotland’s premier centre for Philosophy and one of the top Philosophy programmes in the UK. In the latest edition of the influential Philosophical Gourmet Report, it was ranked the 3rd best Philosophy programme in the UK. Across many areas of philosophy, it offers graduate supervision at a level that matches the best graduate programmes elsewhere in the world. Many recent SASP students now hold permanent or tenure-track positions in the US, the UK and elsewhere.
The philosophical ambience on SASP is rigorous, but also friendly and co-operative. Students benefit from participation in St Andrews’ Arché Philosophical Research Centre and Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, and in Stirling’s three specialist research clusters in: Legal, Moral and Political Philosophy; Mind and Knowledge; and Philosophy of Logic and Language, including the history of analytic philosophy. In addition, St Andrews hosts the Institute for Gender Studies. Both units subscribe to the British Philosophical Association / Society for Women in Philosophy’s Good Practice Scheme for encouraging the representation of women in Philosophy. SASP also hosts a chapter of Minorities and Philosophy, a wider sector initiative offering support, resources and networks for under-represented and disadvantaged groups in philosophy.
We're ranked 1st in Scotland for impact in Philosophy research. 100% of our research impact and environment in Philosophy is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
An upper second class honours Bachelors degree or higher qualification. For some studentships and programmes of study a suitable masters degree may be specified.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply for a research degree in PhD Philosophy.
Applications for our PhD Philosophy are submitted through the University of St Andrews, but staff from both St Andrews and Stirling are available to supervise MPhil and PhD theses. Your application must be accompanied by your CV, two academic references, a transcript of your academic record, and evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
Fees and funding
| UK students | Overseas students | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £4,786 | £18,200 |
| Part-time | £2,393 | £9,100 |
| Registration-only fee | £480 | £480 |
| UK students | Overseas students | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £5,006 | £19,500 |
| Part-time | £2,503 | £9,750 |
| Registration-only fee | £490 | £490 |
Important information about fees
If you're studying a PhD full time, fees will be payable for your first three years. For subsequent years you'll only pay an annual 'registration-only' fee. Part-time PhD fees are payable over six years, followed by the annual 'registration-only' fee.
If you're studying an MPhil full-time, fees are payable for your first two years, followed by an annual 'registration-only' fee. Part-time MPhil fees are payable over four years, followed by the annual 'registration-only fee.
Fees are charged each year. Overseas PhD fees are fixed at the point of entry, so you will be charged the same fee each year, based on when you started your programme. For UK students, fees are subject to change each year.
Funding opportunities and scholarships
Explore options for funding your PhD and associated living costs while you study
Supporting your studies
The Institute for Advanced Studies supports our thriving PhD research community with resources and networking opportunities. The Institute connects you with a global community of scholars, industry experts, leading academics and employers from a diverse range of interdisciplinary research areas.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about studying a PhD at the University of Stirling, please contact us.