Philosophy - Research

UCD Philosophy runs a structured PhD programme of typically four years full-time study. In their first year, doctoral candidates are required to successfully complete four graduate modules, up to two of which may be taken at Trinity College. 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 a number of 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.

Special Option: Writing a PhD thesis in the French or German Language

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,

the applicant should be otherwise academically suitable;

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;

availability of an appropriate supervisor.

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

Normally a student should have an undergraduate degree with a strong philosophy component and an overall average of B in the philosophy courses. In addition, we normally require an MA in philosophy, or in some close subject such as political or literary theory. If the student is enrolled in an MA at the time of applying to UCD, we may make a conditional offer based on their performance to date.

Before applying, we strongly recommend that applicants peruse the School's staff members and their research interests. Ideally they will contact a staff member directly and discuss possible PhD projects informally. Alternatively, applicants can contact the PhD co-ordinator, Dr Tatjana von Solodkoff, to discuss possible ideas and supervisors. Applicants should note that some staff members may be on research leave in a given year, or may already have too many supervisory commitments to take on new PhD students. Applicants are still welcome to apply without contacting a staff member; if they meet all the admission criteria, the School will endeavour to find an appropriate supervisor for them.

Applications should be made online. In addition, applicants should submit a detailed 2-page research proposal, together with a Table of Contents, and a Bibliography of at least ten items.

English Language Requirement
For all programmes, fluency in written English is required. 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 satisfy the English language requirement: a minimum score of 600 TOEFL (250 computer based, with test of written English at 475+) or 6.5 IELTS (minimum of 6.0 in each band).

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,

the applicant should be otherwise academically suitable;
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;
availability of an appropriate supervisor.
Further conditions may also be stipulated after consideration on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the School Manager if you wish to discuss this possibility.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact possible supervisors to discuss PhD projects before application.

PhD: W141 3 Years Full-Time / 6 Years Part-Time
MLitt: W119: 2 Years Full-Time /4 Years Part-Time