PhD and MLitt Programmes

Our Postgraduate Research Programmes

UCD Philosophy runs a structured PhD programme of typically four years of full-time study. In their first year, doctoral candidates are required to successfully complete three graduate modules, up to two of which may be taken at Trinity College Dublin. After this, they complete a dissertation of approximately 80,000 words under the guidance of a doctoral panel. The panel is made up of the primary supervisor with whom the student works most closely, and two other members of staff. There is also the option to finish earlier by writing an MLitt dissertation, which is half the length and does not have such stringent requirements of originality.

We have significant placement success with our PhD graduates, some of whom now work in Philosophy departments across Europe, the United States and China.

Recognising the PhD as a professional training for academia, UCD Philosophy supports its graduate researchers in several ways:

• Candidates are encouraged to take part in the numerous professional conferences and workshops held at the university and to travel to others abroad in their research areas;
• Candidates are facilitated in running conferences and workshops of their own, as well as organising and participating in reading groups/research seminars;
• Importantly, all doctoral candidates have the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience by tutoring undergraduate courses (and are of course remunerated accordingly). Some opportunities to give occasional lectures may be provided to advanced candidates.

Why Pursue a PhD in Philosophy at UCD?

The PhD in Philosophy at University College Dublin is a research degree designed for students who wish to make an original contribution to philosophy within an internationally recognised department. The School of Philosophy at University College Dublin is consistently ranked among the top 100 philosophy departments worldwide (QS World Rankings 2017–2025). Each year we host a lively and diverse postgraduate community of  around sixty students (taught MA, MLitt, and PhD) working across a variety of areas of philosophy.

As a PhD student, you become part of an active intellectual culture that includes weekly work-in-progress seminars run jointly with Trinity College Dublin, regular reading groups, coffee mornings, and the annual graduate philosophy conference organised by our students. Throughout the year, the School welcomes leading philosophers for lectures and conferences, which gives you further chances to engage with international research. You also have the opportunity to contribute to the postgraduate journal Perspectives as a member of the editorial team.

• The challenges of doing a PhD

Special Option: Writing a PhD Thesis in French or German

The UCD School of Philosophy will consider, as part of a general application to its PhD programme, any request to submit a PhD thesis in the French or German language.

Please note: this option is only available under the usual admission conditions, namely:

1. the applicant should be otherwise academically suitable;
2. the applicant must have certified competence in written English enabling him/her to take part in taught courses and to write work for such courses alongside English native speakers;
3. availability of an appropriate supervisor.

Further conditions may also be stipulated after consideration on a case-by-case basis. Please contact (opens in a new window)philosophy@ucd.ie if you wish to discuss this possibility.

PhD Students at a MAP Coffee Afternoon

Left to right: Leung Yik (Gary) Long, Natalija Cera, Rachel Russell, Philipp Wagenhals, Max K. Feenan, Roxane Pret Theodore

Photo: Gillian Johnston

(opens in a new window)Applying for PhD and MLitt Research Programmes

Who Should Apply?

• Applicants are normally expected to hold, or be completing, an MA (or equivalent) in Philosophy. They should also hold a 2:1 or higher BA in Philosophy or a related subject.
• Exceptionally, candidates with an excellent undergraduate record and strong evidence of research ability in Philosophy may also be considered.
• Your research project should align with the expertise of faculty; it’s vital to review faculty interests and possible supervisors before applying.

Timelines and Deadlines

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit by these deadlines. Late applications may be considered in exceptional circumstances, but those will not be eligible for internal scholarships.

Required Application Documents and What We Look For

Your application must include the following documents. Each plays a central role in how we assess your suitability and fit for the PhD programme at our School.

1. Research proposal: A detailed proposal of around two pages, with a provisional table of contents and a bibliography of at least ten items. We are looking for clarity, originality, feasibility, and a sense of the project’s contribution to the field. This is also where you should identify your proposed supervisor. Before applying, you must contact a faculty member whose research aligns with your project and discuss it with them. The faculty member’s agreement to supervise you must be confirmed in the proposal. This agreement is required for your application to be considered, but it does not by itself guarantee admission.
2. Two academic references: These should be from academic referees who can speak to your promise as a PhD candidate, research ability, and independence. Referees may send their letters directly to (opens in a new window)philosophy@ucd.ie or you can upload them to the portal, depending on your referees’ preference.
3. Writing sample: A philosophical essay or paper of up to 8,000 words (for example, an MA essay or a thesis chapter). We assess the quality of arguments, philosophical maturity, and clarity of style.
4. Statement of personal interest: A short statement (maximum 1,000 words) explaining your motivation for doctoral study, your intellectual background, and your reasons for applying to UCD’s School of Philosophy.
5. Academic transcripts: Official transcripts for all university-level study. These help us to evaluate your coursework performance, grades, and consistency of achievement.
6. Proof of English language proficiency: If you are not a native speaker of English and your secondary education or university degree has not been carried out in English, then you must have a minimum score of 6·5 IELTS (minimum of 6·0 in each band), and must submit evidence of this in your application. Please see this page for further details.

Important: Only applications that include all of the above documents will be forwarded to the School’s Graduate Committee for review. Incomplete applications cannot be assessed.

How Your Application Will Be Processed

Once all required documents have been received, your application will be carefully reviewed by the Graduate Committee. Candidates who show strong academic preparation and research potential are invited to an interview with their prospective supervisor and a member of the Graduate Committee. Applicants who are not shortlisted will be informed promptly at this stage. The final decision on admission to the PhD programme is made after the interview.