Why choose Warwick?

The 2009 Philosophical Gourmet Report (Leiter Report) ranks Warwick’s graduate programme 9th in the UK and in the top 50 internationally. In the categories Philosophy of Mind and of Epistemology, the Leiter report ranks Warwick Philosophy in the top 3 in the UK.

The Department of Philosophy is one of the largest in the UK and has an international reputation for excellence in both research and teaching. We have 21 permanent academic staff and 2 research fellow, with particular research strengths in history of philosophy, philosophy of mind and psychology, continental philosophy, epistemology, political philosophy, philosophy of literature, ethics, and aesthetics.

Warwick offers a vibrant research environment, with a friendly and active community of students and staff. We are a large and diverse department, able to teach and supervise an exceptionally wide range of topics. We are unusual in fostering both analytic and continental approaches to many topics.

How much work is involved in an MA?

Students attend weekly seminars in two of their three or four topics per year, and are expected to give presentations at some of those seminars, as well as producing written work on a regular basis. Students are also welcome to attend relevant research and Work-in-Progress seminars (typically, either weekly or fortnightly). In addition, students produce drafts of their assessed essays and dissertation for individual supervisions.

How much work is involved in an MPhil?

Students attend fortnightly individual supervisions on their chosen subject area and will typically be required to produce a 3–5,000 word essay for each of these meetings. In addition, students are expected to attend the relevant research seminar (either weekly or fortnightly) and the Work-in-Progress seminars, typically giving presentations in some of those seminars, and may also attend relevant MA seminars.

How much work is involved in a PhD?

Students have fortnightly individual supervisions, and will typically be expected to produce a substantial piece of work for each supervision, e.g. a 3–5,000 word essay or chapter draft. In addition, students are expected to attend the relevant research seminar (either weekly or fortnightly) and the Work–in–Progress seminars, typically giving presentations in some of those seminars, and may also attend relevant MA seminars.

What are the entry requirements for the various graduate programmes?

The minimal requirements are: for MA programmes, a good 2:1 at BA level; for MPhil, a good 1st in Philosophy at BA level, or a distinction in Philosophy at masters level; for PhD programmes, a good 1st in Philosophy at BA level, or a distinction in Philosophy at masters level; for PhD, a distinction in Philosophy at masters level. Please see the University’s Postgraduate Student Admissions pages for more information.

How can I get funding?

Although we cannot guarantee that all students accepted onto a graduate programme will be successful in getting funding, we have a very good record in this regard. As well as sources of funding available to all graduate students, Warwick offers a number of its own funding opportunities. Once a student is accepted at Warwick, we work hard to put them together with suitable funding bodies, and to support any application for funding that they make.

Can I get teaching experience?

We aim to offer teaching opportunities to all students on doctoral programmes. We also provide dedicated training, support, and monitoring, and so are able to comment in detail on teaching competence when it comes to applying for an academic position.

How do I choose a supervisor for my dissertation or thesis?

In the first instance, the Department assigns dissertation and thesis supervisors on the basis of your description of your dissertation or thesis topic. You may also request a specific supervisor and, if the Department feel that the request is appropriate to your dissertation or thesis topic, and the supervisor is available, will endeavour to respect such requests.

Will I be able to get an academic job?

There are, of course, no guarantees. However, our record of placing recent graduates is good and we have a dedicated graduate placement office whose role is to give you the best possible chance of getting a good job. Amongst other things, we are able to offer most research students teaching experience, a number of opportunities for presenting their work, and also mock interviews when they are about to go on the job market.

I already have a Masters degree. Can I go straight onto PhD?

If you have a Masters degree in Philosophy, at distinction grade or equivalent, then it may be appropriate for you to begin your PhD immediately. You should discuss this with the postgraduate admissions tutor or alternatively please review the University’s Postgraduate Student Admissions pages for more information.

I have an exceptional undergraduate degree. Can I go straight onto PhD?

No, we require all students to begin their graduate programme by embarking on work towards a Masters. Students who excel in this work may be offered the opportunity to progress to PhD without completing their Masters programme. Please review the University’s Postgraduate Student Admissions pages for more information.

I don’t want to be a professional Philosopher. Which programme is best for me?

People undertake graduate work in Philosophy for a variety of reasons. We are happy to consider students for admission to any of our programmes, whatever their reasons for wanting to pursue those programmes.

Who should I contact with other questions?

For general inquiries, please contact the graduate office. For specific questions about the graduate programme or admissions, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Naomi Eilan.