ObjectivesThe Birkbeck School of Philosophy offers research-based teaching in a wide range of philosophical subjects. We foster our students' professional development, and have a strong record in securing AHRC studentships. Some of our recent PhDs now have permanent academic posts in leading universities. The MPhilStud is normally taken in preparation for the PhD. It is a valuable qualification in its own right.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements MPhilStud: first- or good upper second-class degree in or including a substantial element of philosophy. PhD/MPhil: an MA in philosophy.
Course descriptionTeaching
Seminars and individual supervision, running throughout the academic year.
Assessment
MPhilStud
Students are examined by presubmitted essays in three chosen subjects. Thesis of 30,000 words.
Of the three subjects, one must be a philosopher or school of philosophy (extending from the Greeks to Wittgenstein); another an area of contemporary philosophy (logic and metaphysics, epistemology and methodology, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind and psychology, philosophy of mathematics, ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy); the third can be either of the above.
PhD/MPhil
For the PhD: a thesis of up to 75,000 words.
Students who complete the MPhilStud satisfactorily may be able to proceed to the PhD.
Students enrolled for the PhD/MPhil are upgraded to PhD once they have progressed sufficiently. PhD/MPhil students who fail to upgrade to PhD may submit a shorter thesis and reciev the MPhil degree.
When to apply
If you intend to apply for an AHRC grant, the deadline for applications is the first Monday in February.
Otherwise we prefer applications by 1 May, but can accept them at any time.
Staff research areas
Staff research interests encompass: ancient philosophy, history of early modern philosophy; history of analytic philosophy; logic, language, metaphysics, philosophy of mathematics; philosophy of mind, action, and psychology; aesthetics; ethics; political philosophy; feminist philosophy; epistemology; philosophy of science.
Study resources
Library resources include the Birkbeck Library, the University of London Library and the British Library.
Special features
Students are supported by primary and secondary supervisors, and specialised seminars dedicated to their research needs. Study weekends are held twice a year at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park.
The School of Philosophy belongs to the Institute of Philosophy, which provides a programme of lectures, seminars and conferences. The Aristotelian Society meets fortnightly and the Royal Institute of Philosophy runs lectures.