DPhil in Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Philosophy is a three- to four-year research programme in which a candidate undertakes a doctoral level research project under the guidance of a supervisor. The doctoral work culminates in a 75,000-word thesis that is defended in the form of a viva voce examination (oral defence). Satisfactory progress through the DPhil is checked in the form of an interim viva voce examination taking place at the end of each of the first and second year of study (commonly referred to as 'milestones').

You will usually enter the DPhil initially as a Probationary Research Student (“PRS”). In the third term after enrolment onto the DPhil, you are required to complete a transfer of status from PRS to full DPhil status, as your first milestone. Two appointed examiners will interview you both on your two-page thesis outline, which explains in outline the intended line of argument or contribution to the subject, and on a piece of written work of approximately 5,000 words in the area and philosophical style of the proposed thesis which is typically, though not necessarily, a draft chapter of the thesis. Students will also normally be expected to submit an additional essay of up to 5,000 words as part of their application to Transfer status, on a philosophical subject that differs from their doctoral research.

Some students may have different requirements to pass Transfer of Status. For example, students who progressed from the MSt in Philosophy of Physics course are required to write a 20,000-word thesis during their year as a PRS, as their MSt does not have a thesis element, and students who progress from the BPhil will usually enter the DPhil without being required to pass a year as a PRS, as their DPhil thesis will normally be an expansion of their BPhil thesis (although this is not a formal requirement).

At the end of the second year (or first year, if you have progressed from the BPhil), you will be required to apply for confirmation of DPhil status, your second milestone. This entails an interview by one or two appointed examiners on your two-page thesis outline, which goes into some detail and comprises a reasoned statement of the nature of the proposed thesis together with a provisional table of contents, and a piece of written work of approximately 5,000 words, which will normally be a final or near-final draft of a section intended for inclusion in the final thesis submission.

You should have regular one-on-one tuition sessions with your supervisor(s). These will normally happen twice per term but in some terms, especially at the start of the degree and during the final stages of the thesis, the number of sessions may be increased. PRS students may be required to attend two taught graduate classes in the first year of their degree, and all students are encouraged to participate in lectures, classes, seminars and other educational opportunities offered throughout the university as relevant to the topic of study.

The aim of the Faculty’s DPhil in Philosophy is to prepare you for an academic career in philosophy. The course has no fieldwork, industrial placement or year abroad element, but you may decide to attend conferences, workshops or research training elsewhere.

For information on how to make an application please see our Admissions Procedure and Entry Requirements page.