One of the world’s leading philosophy departments for research
We are one of the world’s leading philosophy departments for research.
The department has close links with other subject areas within the University, such as psychology, linguistics, informatics, jurisprudence, politics and classics.
Our research and teaching spans most areas of philosophy, but we have particular expertise in the following research areas:
- Epistemology
- Ethics
- History of Philosophy
- Logic and Language
- Mind and Cognition
- Philosophy of Science
Why study Philosophy at Edinburgh?
- Philosophy is rated 4th in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- We're ranked 5th in the UK and 22nd in the world for philosophy (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
- While we have particular areas of research strength, we are able to supervise a thesis on almost any area of analytical philosophy.
Showcasing Philosophy at Edinburgh
Funding opportunities
There are a number of funding opportunities available to Philosophy students. A full list of funding opportunities can be found on the University Scholarships website. The scholarships funding search allows you to filter results to your requirements.
Explore all of the funding opportunities available to Philosophy students
Deadlines for funding applications vary for each funding source - please make sure to check the specific deadlines for the funding opportunities you wish to apply for and make sure that you submit your application in good time.
Training & support
You will meet regularly with your supervisors, who will advise you on the steps to take towards producing your thesis.
All doctoral students are encouraged to participate in a weekly postgraduate work-in-progress research seminar, and to take advantage of regular professional development and research training seminars.
Most PhD and MPhil students will gain undergraduate teaching experience, for which you will be given training and mentoring.
When to apply
We operate a gathered field approach to applications. You may submit your application at any time.
All complete applications that satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be placed on a shortlist and held until the next batch processing deadline. Applications will then be ranked and offers made to the top candidates.
Find out more about the degree programme and how to apply:
Connect with us
If you have any programme-specific enquiries please get in touch with the Postgraduate Research Director:
Professor Tillmann Vierkant (Postgraduate Research Director)
Feel free to get in touch with our friendly Postgraduate Team with any questions you might have about academic or English language requirements, course information, enquiries about your application and information on arriving at the University.
Postgraduate Research Administration Team (MScR/PhD enquiries):
Email: pplspgoffice@ed.ac.uk
Visit the PhD Philosophy webpage:
How to apply and fees & funding information:
Degree Finder for PhD Philosophy
Sign up to hear about the latest School events, news and programme updates:
Follow us on social media:
This article was published on