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University of Manchester: Philosophy
| Institution | University of Manchester |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Social Sciences |
| Web | https://www.manchester.ac.uk |
| pg-soss@manchester.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 161 306 5500 |
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Summary
Our PhD in Philosophy is a 3 year full-time programme. You will undertake substantial original research, which will form a thesis of approximately 70,000 words.
Throughout, you will work closely with an expert supervisor, with further guidance from at least one extra supervisor.
Our staff are experts, many internationally renowned, in a variety of key areas of Philosophy. We provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers. Some of our main areas of research strength are:
-
Mind and Language
-
Metaphysics
-
History of Analytic Philosophy
-
Engaged Philosophy
You will become part of a lively PhD community of around 30 PGRs working on a variety of topics including:
-
the nature of love;
-
environmental ethics;
-
meaning in art;
-
perception;
-
metaontology;
-
religious faith.
Our weekly PhD research seminar, run by PGRs for PGRs, will give you the opportunity to present your work and discuss it with your peers. In your final year, you will also be encouraged to present your work at the Philosophy department's research seminar.
You will have a dedicated working space alongside other Philosophy PGRs.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent). |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Our PhD in Philosophy is a 3 year full-time programme. You will undertake substantial original research, which will form a thesis of approximately 70,000 words.
Throughout, you will work closely with an expert supervisor, with further guidance from at least one extra supervisor.
Our staff are experts, many internationally renowned, in a variety of key areas of Philosophy. We provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers. Some of our main areas of research strength are:
-
Mind and Language
-
Metaphysics
-
History of Analytic Philosophy
-
Engaged Philosophy
You will become part of a lively PhD community of around 30 PGRs working on a variety of topics including:
-
the nature of love;
-
environmental ethics;
-
meaning in art;
-
perception;
-
metaontology;
-
religious faith.
Our weekly PhD research seminar, run by PGRs for PGRs, will give you the opportunity to present your work and discuss it with your peers. In your final year, you will also be encouraged to present your work at the Philosophy department's research seminar.
You will have a dedicated working space alongside other Philosophy PGRs.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent). |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Our PhD in Philosophy is a 3 year full-time programme. You will undertake substantial original research, which will form a thesis of approximately 70,000 words.
Throughout, you will work closely with an expert supervisor, with further guidance from at least one extra supervisor.
Our staff are experts, many internationally renowned, in a variety of key areas of Philosophy. We provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers. Some of our main areas of research strength are:
-
Mind and Language
-
Metaphysics
-
History of Analytic Philosophy
-
Engaged Philosophy
You will become part of a lively PhD community of around 30 PGRs working on a variety of topics including:
-
the nature of love;
-
environmental ethics;
-
meaning in art;
-
perception;
-
metaontology;
-
religious faith.
Our weekly PhD research seminar, run by PGRs for PGRs, will give you the opportunity to present your work and discuss it with your peers. In your final year, you will also be encouraged to present your work at the Philosophy department's research seminar.
You will have a dedicated working space alongside other Philosophy PGRs.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent). |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Our PhD in Philosophy is a 3 year full-time programme. You will undertake substantial original research, which will form a thesis of approximately 70,000 words.
Throughout, you will work closely with an expert supervisor, with further guidance from at least one extra supervisor.
Our staff are experts, many internationally renowned, in a variety of key areas of Philosophy. We provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers. Some of our main areas of research strength are:
-
Mind and Language
-
Metaphysics
-
History of Analytic Philosophy
-
Engaged Philosophy
You will become part of a lively PhD community of around 30 PGRs working on a variety of topics including:
-
the nature of love;
-
environmental ethics;
-
meaning in art;
-
perception;
-
metaontology;
-
religious faith.
Our weekly PhD research seminar, run by PGRs for PGRs, will give you the opportunity to present your work and discuss it with your peers. In your final year, you will also be encouraged to present your work at the Philosophy department's research seminar.
You will have a dedicated working space alongside other Philosophy PGRs.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent). |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Our PhD in Philosophy is a 3 year full-time programme. You will undertake substantial original research, which will form a thesis of approximately 70,000 words.
Throughout, you will work closely with an expert supervisor, with further guidance from at least one extra supervisor.
Our staff are experts, many internationally renowned, in a variety of key areas of Philosophy. We provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers. Some of our main areas of research strength are:
-
Mind and Language
-
Metaphysics
-
History of Analytic Philosophy
-
Engaged Philosophy
You will become part of a lively PhD community of around 30 PGRs working on a variety of topics including:
-
the nature of love;
-
environmental ethics;
-
meaning in art;
-
perception;
-
metaontology;
-
religious faith.
Our weekly PhD research seminar, run by PGRs for PGRs, will give you the opportunity to present your work and discuss it with your peers. In your final year, you will also be encouraged to present your work at the Philosophy department's research seminar.
You will have a dedicated working space alongside other Philosophy PGRs.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent). |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Our PhD in Philosophy is a 3 year full-time programme. You will undertake substantial original research, which will form a thesis of approximately 70,000 words.
Throughout, you will work closely with an expert supervisor, with further guidance from at least one extra supervisor.
Our staff are experts, many internationally renowned, in a variety of key areas of Philosophy. We provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers. Some of our main areas of research strength are:
-
Mind and Language
-
Metaphysics
-
History of Analytic Philosophy
-
Engaged Philosophy
You will become part of a lively PhD community of around 30 PGRs working on a variety of topics including:
-
the nature of love;
-
environmental ethics;
-
meaning in art;
-
perception;
-
metaontology;
-
religious faith.
Our weekly PhD research seminar, run by PGRs for PGRs, will give you the opportunity to present your work and discuss it with your peers. In your final year, you will also be encouraged to present your work at the Philosophy department's research seminar.
You will have a dedicated working space alongside other Philosophy PGRs.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent). |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Our PhD in Philosophy is a 3 year full-time programme. You will undertake substantial original research, which will form a thesis of approximately 70,000 words.
Throughout, you will work closely with an expert supervisor, with further guidance from at least one extra supervisor.
Our staff are experts, many internationally renowned, in a variety of key areas of Philosophy. We provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers. Some of our main areas of research strength are:
-
Mind and Language
-
Metaphysics
-
History of Analytic Philosophy
-
Engaged Philosophy
You will become part of a lively PhD community of around 30 PGRs working on a variety of topics including:
-
the nature of love;
-
environmental ethics;
-
meaning in art;
-
perception;
-
metaontology;
-
religious faith.
Our weekly PhD research seminar, run by PGRs for PGRs, will give you the opportunity to present your work and discuss it with your peers. In your final year, you will also be encouraged to present your work at the Philosophy department's research seminar.
You will have a dedicated working space alongside other Philosophy PGRs.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent). |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Our PhD in Philosophy is a 3 year full-time programme. You will undertake substantial original research, which will form a thesis of approximately 70,000 words.
Throughout, you will work closely with an expert supervisor, with further guidance from at least one extra supervisor.
Our staff are experts, many internationally renowned, in a variety of key areas of Philosophy. We provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers. Some of our main areas of research strength are:
-
Mind and Language
-
Metaphysics
-
History of Analytic Philosophy
-
Engaged Philosophy
You will become part of a lively PhD community of around 30 PGRs working on a variety of topics including:
-
the nature of love;
-
environmental ethics;
-
meaning in art;
-
perception;
-
metaontology;
-
religious faith.
Our weekly PhD research seminar, run by PGRs for PGRs, will give you the opportunity to present your work and discuss it with your peers. In your final year, you will also be encouraged to present your work at the Philosophy department's research seminar.
You will have a dedicated working space alongside other Philosophy PGRs.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent). |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
MA
Summary
The MA Philosophy course at the University of Manchester gives you the tools to think deeply, argue clearly, and tackle the biggest questions facing society today. If you want to study philosophy at postgraduate level, this intellectually rigorous and flexible course will help you build the skills needed for academic research or a career where critical thinking is essential.
Taught by internationally recognised academics, your studies will be grounded in analytic philosophy and include extensive research training to prepare you for a substantial independent project. You’ll be enabled to identify research needs, undertake work to reach these and reflect upon your practices through a core unit, taught alongside your choice of optional course units chosen from the broad selection offered. You’ll also decide whether to write a 10,000 or 15,000-word dissertation, working closely with a specialist supervisor in your chosen area.
Optional course units on the MA Philosophy course range from the philosophy of mind and history of analytic philosophy to topical questions such as ‘how to do things with words today.’
As one of the few philosophy departments within a School of Social Sciences, you’ll benefit from interdisciplinary connections across politics, law, sociology, economics and anthropology. You’ll also have access to a vibrant research culture, including regular departmental seminars, postgraduate-led workshops, and major national and international conferences. Bursaries are available for students attending external events.
Whether you’re preparing for PhD study in philosophy or aiming for a career in the civil service, journalism, law, teaching or research, you’ll graduate with highly transferrable skills in research design, argumentation and creative problem-solving. Studying philosophy at Manchester means joining a university ranked top 10 in the UK in Philosophy (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025), and one of the UK’s most targeted by top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024).
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | 2:1 honours degree (or the overseas equivalent) in any subject. |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
The MA Philosophy course at the University of Manchester gives you the tools to think deeply, argue clearly, and tackle the biggest questions facing society today. If you want to study philosophy at postgraduate level, this intellectually rigorous and flexible course will help you build the skills needed for academic research or a career where critical thinking is essential.
Taught by internationally recognised academics, your studies will be grounded in analytic philosophy and include extensive research training to prepare you for a substantial independent project. You’ll be enabled to identify research needs, undertake work to reach these and reflect upon your practices through a core unit, taught alongside your choice of optional course units chosen from the broad selection offered. You’ll also decide whether to write a 10,000 or 15,000-word dissertation, working closely with a specialist supervisor in your chosen area.
Optional course units on the MA Philosophy course range from the philosophy of mind and history of analytic philosophy to topical questions such as ‘how to do things with words today.’
As one of the few philosophy departments within a School of Social Sciences, you’ll benefit from interdisciplinary connections across politics, law, sociology, economics and anthropology. You’ll also have access to a vibrant research culture, including regular departmental seminars, postgraduate-led workshops, and major national and international conferences. Bursaries are available for students attending external events.
Whether you’re preparing for PhD study in philosophy or aiming for a career in the civil service, journalism, law, teaching or research, you’ll graduate with highly transferrable skills in research design, argumentation and creative problem-solving. Studying philosophy at Manchester means joining a university ranked top 10 in the UK in Philosophy (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025), and one of the UK’s most targeted by top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024).
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | 2:1 honours degree (or the overseas equivalent) in any subject. |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Philosophy at Manchester offers an intellectually stimulating and supportive postgraduate environment. You will be taught and supervised by members of staff who are all actively involved in research.
The MA Philosophy course combines:
-
in-depth study of specialised areas of analytical philosophy;
-
extensive research training to provide the skills necessary to complete a master's dissertation and;
-
a dissertation supervised by a member of staff with expertise in the area you wish to study in more depth.
The course is ideal if you want to do a PhD in Philosophy or want to improve your employability through the development of rigorous critical, analytical and research skills.
It provides a deeper knowledge of a wide variety of areas of philosophy than is possible at undergraduate level, and equips you with the ability to plan, organise and work autonomously on a substantial individual project. This project will take the form of either a 60-credit dissertation (10,000 words), or a longer 90-credit dissertation (15,000 words).
We also:
-
host a wide variety of conferences at which you can hear cutting-edge philosophical arguments from leaders in the field, ranging from small workshops to large international conferences;
-
offer bursaries for conference trips;
-
deliver outstanding student support, The University of Manchester library is one of only five National Research Libraries, and one of the best-resourced in the UK.
Papers, monographs and edited collections by our academic staff are regularly published in international journals and by prominent academic publishers.
We also host two regular research seminars and events organised by staff and by postgraduates, with papers presented by visiting speakers, staff and PhD students.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | 2:1 honours degree (or the overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject area such as philosophy, or a humanities degree with a philosophy component such as politics, PPE, English literature or social sciences. |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
Philosophy at Manchester offers an intellectually stimulating and supportive postgraduate environment. You will be taught and supervised by members of staff who are all actively involved in research.
The MA Philosophy course combines:
-
in-depth study of specialised areas of analytical philosophy;
-
extensive research training to provide the skills necessary to complete a master's dissertation and;
-
a dissertation supervised by a member of staff with expertise in the area you wish to study in more depth.
The course is ideal if you want to do a PhD in Philosophy or want to improve your employability through the development of rigorous critical, analytical and research skills.
It provides a deeper knowledge of a wide variety of areas of philosophy than is possible at undergraduate level, and equips you with the ability to plan, organise and work autonomously on a substantial individual project. This project will take the form of either a 60-credit dissertation (10,000 words), or a longer 90-credit dissertation (15,000 words).
We also:
-
host a wide variety of conferences at which you can hear cutting-edge philosophical arguments from leaders in the field, ranging from small workshops to large international conferences;
-
offer bursaries for conference trips;
-
deliver outstanding student support, The University of Manchester library is one of only five National Research Libraries, and one of the best-resourced in the UK.
Papers, monographs and edited collections by our academic staff are regularly published in international journals and by prominent academic publishers.
We also host two regular research seminars and events organised by staff and by postgraduates, with papers presented by visiting speakers, staff and PhD students.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | 2:1 honours degree (or the overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject area such as philosophy, or a humanities degree with a philosophy component such as politics, PPE, English literature or social sciences. |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
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