Postgraduate research degrees in philosophy

Study at a renowned hub for philosophical research, drawing on a range of disciplines to make significant contributions to core philosophical debates. Deliver innovative, impactful research with support from our expert staff.

Why study philosophy at York?

We have a distinguished reputation and a diverse research output. As you develop your research, you'll work with partners across the University and global institutions, government organisations, charities, think tanks and individuals.

We treat philosophy as an activity, rather than a subject studied in the abstract. We challenge prevailing ideas, forming nuanced understandings of complex contemporary problems. Our research is advancing knowledge in issues of personal wellbeing, data privacy and the implications of AI. We consider how we can build towards inclusive and sustainable futures in public health, economics and more.

Study with us and join a thriving, friendly research community.

Contact us

Our courses

Philosophy (MA by research)
Philosophy (PhD) (distance learning available)

Combined courses

Safe AI (PhD)

Or search all postgraduate research courses.

If you would like to discuss making an application or potential supervisors, please contact Dr Louise Richardson, Director of Postgraduate Research Students.

Visiting postgraduate researchers

Spend up to a year in York as a visiting research student from a university outside the UK.

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Scholarships and funding

Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the Department of Philosophy.

Postgraduate research funding

2nd in the UK

for research in Philosophy, in the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

Interdisciplinary community

Join a vibrant postgraduate Arts and Humanities community which includes social and academic events and an inspiring research environment. You'll have opportunities to make personal connections and to think beyond your own subject area.

World Top 100

York is ranked 79th for the study of arts and humanities, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.

Our research community

Our research is organised into three core areas, and each has its own set of research groupings. Our core areas are: History of Philosophy; Practical Philosophy; and Theoretical Philosophy.

The intellectual diversity of our graduate students; interests makes York an inspiring place to pursue a research degree. We collaborate with interdisciplinary centres including:

We are actively involved in the UK's first multidisciplinary PhD programme focused solely on the safety of AI, together with the SAINTS Centre for Doctoral Training.

Several of our academic staff and postgraduate students are members of the Centre for the History of Philosophy. We also have links with the York Centre for Political Theory.

Explore our research

Careers

As you develop your research, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with partners across the University and beyond. Our links with interdisciplinary research centres will enable you to explore wider perspectives and different approaches to philosophical study.
You'll have the opportunity to engage with industry partners, including government organisations and policymakers, to influence policies in public health, data privacy, AI, economics and more.

Meet our current postgraduate researchers