Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

Postgraduate Study

Course closed for this cycle: Philosophy is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

Teaching

One to one supervision

PhD students should expect to meet with their principal Supervisor roughly twice, or more, per term and with their advisor on an ad hoc basis.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University's expectations regarding supervision.

Lectures

The Faculty conducts a wide range of research seminars and lectures. Students are encouraged to attend those that are appropriate to their interests.

Small group teaching

Students are offered optional workshops on teaching skills and other transferable skills.

Taught/Research Balance
Entirely Research

Feedback

PhD students receive regular feedback from their supervisors, as well as more detailed feedback following their registration review and subsequent reviews in terms five and seven.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The PhD culminates in the production of a thesis submitted after three or four years of full-time study or five to seven years of part-time study. A PhD thesis in Philosophy must not be more than 80,000 words, including appendices and footnotes, but must exclude a bibliography.

Other

An oral examination (viva) will be conducted on the subject of the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Key Information


Michaelmas 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Dec. 3, 2025
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

Similar Courses