Philosophy

The principal requirement for the award of the Doctorate in Philosophy (DPhil) is a major dissertation which proves the candidate’s capacity for scientific investigation and which makes a real contribution to philosophy. Candidates may also be required to follow a specified range of qualifying courses. Candidates for the DPhil must have achieved a grade of at least Magna cum Laude / Second Class Honours, Grade I / B in the LPhil or its equivalent.



The DPhil is the highest academic achievement the graduate student can attain. It introduces the student to high level systematic research in philosophy, and upon completion places the student amongst academic peers who contribute in an ongoing way to perennial issues in philosophy.



The Faculty of Philosophy at St Patrick's Pontifical University has a number of high level international scholars, who are consistently publishing and engaging in philosophical discussion with thinkers around the globe.



Our research expertise extends but is not limited to:

- The History of Philosophy (ancient, medieval, and modern).

- Scholasticism (particularly the thought of Aquinas).

- Continental Philosophy.

- The History of Analytic Philosophy.

- Philosophy of Religion (as developed in all the main areas of philosophy).

- Political Philosophy.

- Phenomenology.



Applicants for the degree of DPhil at St Patrick's will have the opportunity to work within the research areas listed above and their related fields.

Applicants whose mother-tongue is not English should provide evidence of possessing the necessary level of English, both written and spoken. The requirements correspond to the standards demanded by Maynooth University.



Applicants should provide certificates to establish that they have received a Licentiate in philosophy from a recognized institution. Students who have done their philosophical studies in a civil Faculty of Philosophy can only be admitted if their preparation meets the requirements for an Ecclesiastical Faculty of Philosophy. Where a deficiency exists, certain modules must be taken to satisfy the ecclesiastical undergraduate requirement.



Applicants must normally have been awarded at least an upper second or equivalent in their Licentiate degree.



Applicants should provide a letter of recommendation showing evidence of their character and integrity. In the case of seminarians or priests, this letter should be provided by their Ordinary or College Rector; in the case of religious or consecrated persons, this should be provided by their Superior or Study Director; in the case of lay students, this should be provided by an ecclesiastical person who knows the candidate well.



Applicants should provide a personal statement accompanying their application, in which they provide reasons for applying to study for a Doctorate, the prior preparation and skills (e.g. knowledge of philosophy, organizational and critical thinking abilities, etc.) they possess, and the goals they have, including both short-terms aims for the programme, and long-term goals for their work after the proposed degree.



Applicants should undergo an interview with two members of staff, which will normally be based on the personal statement they have submitted as well as upon their academic history.



Applicants should provide evidence that they have a funding plan for their studies.

PLEASE NOTE: Application forms must be completed in full, and all documentation must be provided BEFORE an application can be considered. Applicants will not be called for interview if an application is incomplete



Application Deadline:



30th June

For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered).



31st May

For non EU



Non-EU students should contact pgadmissions@spcm.ie for guidance on their application.

3 years full-time.

Course Start Date: September 2026

Graduates from the doctoral programme have achieved the highest degree that a graduate student can obtain. As such, graduates tend to move into the academic world of teaching and research, and so are often employed by third level institutions around the globe. Whilst competitive, a career in academic philosophy is highly rewarding and allows the graduate to enter a form of life whereby he or she can make real and significant contributions to philosophical thought.