Philosophy - Research

Prospective students are encouraged to contact possible supervisors to discuss PhD projects before application. See our faculty pages for the areas of research expertise.



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. 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.

Philosophy W119, W228 Graduate Research MLitt FT / PT 2/4 Years

Philosophy W141, W142 Graduate Research PhD FT / PT 4/6 Years