PhD Philosophy programme

The Philosophy department at the University of Edinburgh ranks highly for research

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    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).

  • While we have particular areas of research strength, we are able to supervise a thesis on almost any area of analytical philosophy.

We maintain close links with other disciplines/subject areas within the University, such as psychology, linguistics, cognitive science, informatics, jurisprudence, politics, classics and the Science Studies Unit. Within Scotland, we have close ties with the philosophy departments of all the major universities, in particular those of St Andrews, Stirling, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Find out about our areas of research and staff interests

We operate a gathered field approach to PhD applications, find out how this works

Guidance for applicants applying to the PhD programme

Our PhD students develop a high level of research skills which enable them to go on to a variety of careers, with many gaining positions in academia

Please get in touch with us should you have any questions about the programme

For research students wishing to study at the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences

How to apply to the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences (PPLS) as a visiting student

Our research community

Our PhD students are actively encouraged to attend our research seminars, reading groups and join in other philosophy events.

Find out more about our research seminars and reading groups

Apply now