To learn more about the application process and how to find and connect with a research supervisor please visit the Graduate Research School website.
Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.
*Good Universities Guide 2024
PhD is short for Doctor of Philosophy – a globally recognised research qualification. Traditionally, PhD students completed a substantial piece of original research which is presented as a thesis or dissertation. This research is conducted under the guidance of at least one expert supervisor.
Discover more about higher degrees by research at UniSQ.
If you have a passion for research and want to expand your knowledge in your choose field beyond a masters degree, a PhD might be for you. Other reasons to study a doctorate degree include:
A PhD qualification can open up many exciting career paths in a variety of roles and settings including:
A PhD degree will take you approximately three years to complete. Some students choose to study part-time which increases the time it takes to complete the doctorate.
To start a PhD you need to clarify your research topic and seek an academic staff member to be your supervisor, therefore we recommend allowing several months to consider your application.
Graduating with a PhD is a noteworthy achievement as it is considered the highest postgraduate achievement you can earn. After completing your Doctor of Philosophy you will likely be considered an expert in your field, opening up a variety of new career paths. After completing your PhD, take this unique opportunity to:
The cost of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree will vary depending on the education provider you choose.
When you study with us, your degree will cost approximately AUD 31000 (Domestic full fee paying).
All Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens commencing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) degree will have their tuition fees paid by the Australian Commonwealth Government under the Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset scheme.
For further information on Fees, including RTP and scholarships, please view the Fees and scholarships section of this webpage.
The entry requirements for studying a PhD degree can vary depending on your chosen education provider. At UniSQ applicants must hold either a relevant bachelor honours degree, masters degree or other qualifications and satisfy applicable English Language requirements.
For further details please view the entry requirements section of this page.
Get a strong start to your research career:
Let your curiosity lead the way:
Apply Today
Our programs.
The Washington University Philosophy Department houses two PhD programs: a program in Philosophy — with strengths in philosophy of mind, epistemology, political philosophy, philosophy of science, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy — and a special interdisciplinary program in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology (PNP) that maintains a core faculty in philosophy and draws on Washington University's exceptional psychology and neuroscience programs. The PhD in PNP is not a PhD in cognitive science, but a PhD in empirically-informed philosophy with a specialty in PNP-related areas, such as philosophy of perception or moral psychology.
The department accepts about 10% of the applicants to these PhD programs and maintains about 25 students in both programs. We are especially open to interdisciplinary work, and we are committed to providing methodologically and substantively broad training. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, but the most successful applicants have evidence of philosophical talent and promise.
Learn more about how to apply to our PhD programs, the admissions process, financial support, and more.
Students in our PhD programs must complete three years of coursework, prepare and defend a dissertation, and more. Click below for more information.
Philosophy and PNP Program Policies and REquirements
The Philosophy Department, the Career Center, and the Graduate Center are committed to providing professional development and job market support for our students.
We are here to support you. View all of our internal resources for graduate students and our collection of external resources for graduate students and postdocs .
We list here a few of the ways in which philosophy graduate students extend themselves outside the classroom.
The department and the PNP program coordinate regular colloquia, typically on Thursdays at 4pm. These represent a major part of the education experience in the department, and graduate students are expected to attend. Upcoming talks can be found on our Events page.
In addition, many students attend talks organized by other departments at WashU, such as Psychological & Brain Sciences or Classics , and by philosophy departments at other local universities, such as those at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) and Saint Louis University (SLU).
The Work in Progress Series (WIPS), typically on Fridays at 12pm, provides graduatre students (along with members of the faculty) to present and receive feedback on their work. Upcoming talks can be found on our Events page.
In addition to ad hoc reading groups, there are several on-going reading and research groups that graduate students are encouraged to join, which regularly host visiting speakers. These include:
St. Louis is home to several recurring conferences, including:
WashU also regularly hosts one-off philosophy conferences and workshops. In recent years, these have included events on morality, moral psychology, the philosophy of neuroscience, and social epistemology. St. Louis is also periodically the location for meetings of regional and national philospohical associations, including the Central Division of the American Philosphical Association, the Society for Philosophy and Psychology, and the Central States Philosophical Association.
Philosophy and PNP graduate students engage with graduate students in other programs in a variety of ways. These include serving in the Graduate Student Senate and the A&S Graduate Student Association (GSA), participating in events and programs organized by ArtSci GradWell and the Graduate Center , and joining interdisciplinary cohorts organized by A&S CREATES .
The philosophy department hosts several regular social events, including a holiday party in December and the prospective graduate students' visit each spring. There are also receptions following every colloquium.
(CAIAIMAGE/TOM MERTON/GETTY IMAGES)
A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a “lifelong learner.”
Students who have excelled within a specific academic discipline and who have a strong interest in that field may choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree. However, Ph.D. degree-holders urge prospective students to think carefully about whether they truly want or need a doctoral degree, since Ph.D. programs last for multiple years.
According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, a census of recent research doctorate recipients who earned their degree from U.S. institutions, the median amount of time it took individuals who received their doctorates in 2017 to complete their program was 5.8 years. However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey.
Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master’s degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master’s and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase “ all but dissertation ” or the abbreviation “ABD” on their resumes.
According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.
Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. “Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you’re in and what other responsibilities you have in life,” he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.
[ READ: What Is a Doctorate or a Doctoral Degree? ]
Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. “Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor,” Curtis advises. “Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with.”
Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student’s funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. “Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation,” he says. “If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration.”
Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. “Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.,” Huguet wrote in an email. “The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience.”
Jack Appleman, a business writing instructor, published author and Ph.D. candidate focusing on organizational communication with the University at Albany—SUNY , says Ph.D. programs require a level of commitment and focus that goes beyond what is necessary for a typical corporate job. A program with flexible course requirements that allow a student to customize his or her curriculum based on academic interests and personal obligations is ideal, he says.
[ READ: Ph.D. Programs Get a Lot More Practical. ]
Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university’s history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. “Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities),” she wrote in an email.
Jean Marie Carey, who earned her Ph.D. degree in art history and German from the University of Otago in New Zealand, encourages prospective Ph.D. students to check whether their potential Ph.D. program has published a timeline of how long it takes a Ph.D. student to complete their program. She says it is also prudent to speak with Ph.D. graduates of the school and ask about their experience.
Bennett urges prospective Ph.D. students to visit the campuses of their target graduate programs since a Ph.D. program takes so much time that it is important to find a school that feels comfortable. She adds that aspiring Ph.D. students who prefer a collaborative learning environment should be wary of graduate programs that have a cut-throat and competitive atmosphere, since such students may not thrive in that type of setting.
[ READ: 4 Fields Where Doctorates Lead to Jobs. ]
Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. “A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it’ll be easier on you if you are passionate about research,” says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.
“A Ph.D. isn’t about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that,” Lee says.
Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student’s academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.
“The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two’s difference,” she wrote in an email. “When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it’s usually related to the student’s coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn’t yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research.”
Skelly warns that the average completion time of a Ph.D. program may be misleading in some cases, if the average is skewed based on one or two outliers. She suggests that instead of focusing on the duration of a particular Ph.D. program, prospective students should investigate the program’s attritition and graduation rates.
“It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school’s proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are,” Skelly says. “That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program.”
Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.
The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Philosophy is a three- to four-year full-time research programme whereby you undertake a doctoral level research project under the guidance of your supervisor(s). This course is not available in part-time mode of study and is not offered via distance learning.
The primary aim of the faculty’s DPhil in Philosophy is to prepare you for an academic career in philosophy. Each year, the Faculty of Philosophy welcomes students from a range of courses who have already completed substantial graduate work in philosophy. Typically, students who are successfully admitted to the DPhil course have already completed study that is equivalent or nearly equivalent to that required for Oxford’s BPhil in Philosophy course. The faculty’s Graduate Studies Committee recommends progression from Oxford's BPhil in Philosophy to the DPhil course, considering the BPhil offers the opportunity to study a wide range of philosophical topics over two years as well as to focus on a narrower field of research interest (unlike most one-year masters in a specialised subject, as offered elsewhere).
Students may also progress from the faculty's specialised MSt programmes - the MSt in Philosophy of Physics , the MSt in Ancient Philosophy and the MSt in Practical Ethics .
As part of your doctoral research you will produce a substantial 75,000-word thesis. Students proceeding to the DPhil programme via the BPhil will normally write a DPhil thesis which is an expansion of their BPhil thesis and may be able to incorporate the full contents of their 30,000-word BPhil thesis into the 75,000-word DPhil thesis. However, this is not a formal requirement; sometimes the BPhil thesis topic is not suitable for expansion into a DPhil thesis, or you may wish to write your DPhil thesis on a different topic.
You are not required to attend any taught graduate classes as part of your DPhil degree, but you are encouraged to participate in lectures, classes, seminars and other educational opportunities offered throughout the university as relevant to your topic of study. The course has no fieldwork, industrial placement or year abroad element, but you may decide to attend conferences, workshops or research training elsewhere.
You may attend any graduate or undergraduate classes, seminars and lectures in and outside of the Faculty of Philosophy which are of interest to you, provided that those classes, seminars and lectures are open to you.
Each term, many graduate classes and research seminars are organised by faculty members in which graduate students are full and important participants.
Graduates are encouraged to organise their own seminars and reading groups, and they also run two societies: one invites distinguished speakers from the UK and around the world, while the other gives graduates the opportunity to present papers to a graduate audience.
Each year there is an Oxford Graduate Philosophy Conference, in which most graduate philosophy students participate in some way.
The Masters of Letters (MLitt) in Philosophy is awarded on the basis of a thesis of maximum 50,000 words. In practice, applicants are admitted for the MLitt only in exceptional cases, and few students submit a thesis for the MLitt. The MLitt is more often an exit award for DPhil students who fail or withdraw from the DPhil degree but meet the requirements for the MLitt.
As a DPhil student, you will research, summarise, present and defend an argument with some of the best scholars in their subject, under the direction of (an) experienced researcher(s), and will extend your skills and experiences.
During the DPhil you will learn new or hone existing intellectual, practical and transferable skills, as follows:
The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Philosophy and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Philosophy.
You should have regular one-to-one tuition sessions with your supervisor(s). These will normally happen twice per term but in some terms, especially at the start of the degree and during the final stages of the thesis, the number of sessions may be increased.
You will normally be assigned one supervisor to start with but towards the end of your course, after you have been awarded confirmation of status, it is usual for you to receive a second, additional supervisor, to offer another view on your work as well as to provide another reference for you if required.
You will initially be enrolled as a Probationary Research Student (PRS), unless you have previously completed the BPhil course at Oxford (see below). Normally in the third term after enrolment onto the DPhil as a PRS student, you are required to complete a transfer of status from PRS to full DPhil student status. Two appointed examiners will interview you on:
If you progressed from the MSt in Philosophy of Physics course, you are required to write a 20,000-word thesis during your year as a PRS, as your MSt does not have a thesis element.
Normally at the end of the second year after you enrolled, you will be required to apply for confirmation of your DPhil student status. This application will involve an interview by one or two appointed examiners on:
If you progress from the BPhil, you will normally enter the DPhil without being required to pass a year as a PRS and as a result you will normally apply for confirmation of DPhil status in the third term after enrolment onto the DPhil and, according to the Examination Regulations at time of publication, you will only have six terms (instead of the usual nine terms) of fee liability for your DPhil.
The doctoral work culminates in a 75,000-word thesis that is defended orally in front of two appointed examiners ( viva voce ).
The DPhil in Philosophy's primary aim is to prepare students for an academic career in philosophy. Most DPhil graduates do indeed secure academic posts, as witnessed by the faculty's placement record .
The faculty provides a placement scheme to help students seeking jobs within philosophy. Users of the placement scheme may ask their referees to send reference letters directly to the faculty where they will be held on file and sent out to universities or other academic institutions at the student’s request. The placement scheme is normally available to alumni until they have secured a tenured post.
The faculty's Placement Officer helps job applicants with the preparation of their CVs, provides advice about the presentation of material in an application dossier, and arranges practice interviews. The Placement Officer also holds a yearly introductory placement seminar, compulsory to those wishing to make use of the placement scheme. Also, students are invited to give talks based on material they propose to use in their writing samples or job talks, with an opportunity for comment and discussion.
The faculty also runs an email mailing list for members of the placement scheme, which will be used to pass on job tips and news of vacancies.
The faculty runs a teaching scheme, lecturing scheme and a Graduate Teaching Register with the aim of providing teaching experience for those DPhil students who intend to pursue an academic career. In the case of the teaching scheme and Graduate Teaching Register, you will do a certain amount of teaching and marking under the guidance of a college fellow. If you are accepted into the lecturing scheme, you will be allowed to give an undergraduate lecture course of your own choice and design, consisting of four one-hour lectures.
The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.
Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.
For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.
Proven and potential academic excellence.
The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .
Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying.
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7 or above.
If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
You are not required to have any publications but these may be an advantage.
Applicants who achieve a distinction in the BPhil in Philosophy , the MSt in Philosophy of Physics , the MSt in Ancient Philosophy or the MSt in Practical Ethics are eligible for progression to the DPhil, provided that the faculty's Graduate Studies Committee is satisfied that their proposed thesis topic and outline indicate that they can be adequately supervised by members of the Philosophy Faculty. Students who pass the BPhil in Philosophy, the MSt in Philosophy of Physics, the MSt in Ancient Philosophy or the MSt in Practical Ethics without a distinction may be admitted to the DPhil at the Committee’s discretion.
All applications are assessed by the faculty's Graduate Studies Committee at the same time, after the application deadline has passed, and offers are made on a strictly comparative basis.
Applicants should not apply with more than one distinct research proposal.
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.
Test | Minimum overall score | Minimum score per component |
---|---|---|
IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713) | 7.5 | 7.0 |
TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition' (Institution code: 0490) | 110 | Listening: 22 Reading: 24 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 |
C1 Advanced* | 191 | 185 |
C2 Proficiency | 191 | 185 |
*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement .
If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.
You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.
Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.
References and supporting documents submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.
An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about how applications are assessed .
Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:
Information about processing special category data for the purposes of positive action and using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.
All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).
Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.
The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:
If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions .
In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:
If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a Financial Declaration in order to meet your financial condition of admission.
In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any relevant, unspent criminal convictions before you can take up a place at Oxford.
Oxford is one of the world’s great centres for philosophy, and is widely recognised to be amongst the best. In the most recent Philosophical Gourmet Report (2021-22) Oxford University’s Faculty of Philosophy was once again ranked top in the list of Philosophy Faculties in the United Kingdom and still ranked second in the overall ranking of philosophy faculties in the English speaking world. More than 150 professional philosophers work in the University and its colleges, between them covering a vast range of subjects within philosophy, and many are international leaders in their fields.
Many philosophy subjects at Oxford are ranked highly in the most recent Philosophical Gourmet Report’s breakdown of programmes by speciality (2020-21) , including metaphysics, epistemology, philosophical logic, philosophy of language, applied ethics, metaethics and moral psychology, normative ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of law, philosophy of art, philosophy of physics, decision & rational choice, & game theory, ancient philosophy, 18th century early modern philosophy and 20th century continental philosophy.
The Philosophy Centre in the Radcliffe Humanities building on Woodstock Road acts as a focal point for the faculty’s activities and contains, as well as lecturing and teaching space, a graduate study room and a graduate common room. A wireless network runs throughout the Philosophy Centre.
The Philosophy Centre also contains the department's library, with over 25,000 volumes, a collection of approximately 80 periodicals, online access to many philosophical databases, and librarians trained in the specific bibliographic needs of philosophers. Many college libraries also have extensive holdings in philosophy.
The faculty runs a teaching scheme, lecturing scheme and a Graduate Teaching Register with the aim of providing teaching experience for those DPhil students who intend to pursue an academic career. In the case of the teaching scheme and Graduate Teaching Register, you will do a certain amount of teaching and marking under the guidance of a college fellow. If you are accepted into the lecturing scheme, you will be allowed to give an undergraduate lecture course of your own choice and design, consisting of four one-hour lectures.
Over 150 Oxford academics are employed by or associated with the Faculty of Philosophy, making it one of the largest philosophy departments worldwide.
The Faculty of Philosophy is widely recognised to be amongst the best philosophy departments in the world, ranked first in the UK and second in the English-speaking world by the most recent Philosophical Gourmet Report (2021-22).
The faculty offers a wide range of graduate classes, seminars and supervisions, providing you with high-quality tuition in philosophy. This includes its flagship course, the BPhil in Philosophy , which we believe provides the perfect graduate level training for further studies to doctoral level and is usually studied as the first two years of a four- to five-year doctoral program.
View all courses View taught courses View research courses
The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.
For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.
Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:
Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.
Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the faculty's website.
Home | £10,190 |
Overseas | £29,070 |
Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.
Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .
Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.
Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.
The Fees and Funding section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility and your length of fee liability .
The Philosophy Graduate Studies Committee has a research and travel fund for graduate students to which students may apply for assistance with, for example, the costs of attending conferences or workshops. BPhil and MSt students may only apply for funding if they are presenting a paper. Probationary Research Students and DPhil students are entitled to apply for funding to attend a workshop, conference, etc, whether or not they are presenting a paper.
There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.
In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.
Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs).
If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief introduction to the college system at Oxford and our advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.
The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Philosophy:
Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .
If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the information about deadlines and when to apply in our Application Guide.
An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:
You are encouraged to check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver before you apply.
If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .
Before you apply, you should identify an academic member of staff who is willing to supervise you and has the resources to support your proposed research project. There is no need to contact prospective supervisors directly; details of academic staff, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on the department's website.
Please note that it can never be guaranteed that your proposed supervisor will be assigned to you, even if you receive prior informal approval from that supervisor.
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .
For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .
If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.
Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.
You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).
If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) whom you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.
Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.
Three academic references are usually required. However, if you have been out of education for a long time, or if you have substantial relevant working experience, then a maximum of one professional reference may replace an academic reference, provided that it speaks to your ability to undertake philosophy studies at graduate level.
Your references should support outstanding academic achievement, great intellectual ability, strong motivation, and independence of thought.
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.
Your statement of purpose/personal statement and research proposal should be submitted as a single, combined document with clear subheadings. Please ensure that the word counts for each section are clearly visible in the document.
You should also submit a personal statement explaining your motivation for applying for graduate study at Oxford. Your statement should focus on philosophy, rather than personal, extra-curricular achievements and interests. In your statement, you may wish to consider the following questions:
Your personal statement should be written in English and be a maximum of 500 words.
If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
Your personal statement will be assessed for evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study.
Your research proposal should comprise a detailed outline of your proposed research, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results and the contribution to the field of learning. You may wish to make reference to your academic achievements, interests and aspirations and the relevance of the course to your future career development plans.
Your research proposal should be written in English and be a maximum of 2,000 words. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.
Your research proposal will be assessed for:
It will be normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project, but you should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at the time of your application.
You should submit an academic essay on a subject related to your proposed research topic.
The essay should be typed or word-processed in English and must be clearly marked with your name and the date of composition. The word count does not need to include the end bibliography. Footnotes and in-text referencing are included.
This will be assessed for:
You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please refer to the requirements above and consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.
Application Guide Apply
Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25
Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)
12:00 midday UK time on:
Friday 5 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25
Full Time Only | |
---|---|
Course code | RD_Z1 |
Expected length | 3 to 4 years |
Places in 2024-25 | c. 20 |
Applications/year* | 162 |
Expected start | |
English language |
*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)
This course is offered by the Faculty of Philosophy
Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page
✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 276930
See the application guide
You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:
View related courses
Have you ever wondered, “How many years does it take to earn a doctoral degree?” If you are considering a PhD, it is crucial to understand the time commitment involved. In this article, I will unpack the complexities of the PhD journey, offering a detailed breakdown of the various factors that influence the time it takes to receive this advanced degree.
The answer to the question, “How long does it take to get a doctorate?” depends on the location ! The length of a PhD varies significantly between Europe and North America, influenced by several factors such as funding conditions, distinct regulations in different countries and institutions of study, and research topics.
In Europe, a full-time PhD typically takes three to four years to complete, with part-time studies extending up to six years .
In Europe, the duration is shorter than in the US because most PhD programs require applicants to possess a Master’s degree. Thus, the focus is predominantly on the research project rather than coursework.
In sharp contrast, many PhD programs in the US and Canada accept applicants already with a Bachelor’s degree. International students considering Ph.D. programs in the United States should be aware that this time frame could differ from the norm in their home countries, and factors such as visa restrictions and funding availability might further complicate the process.
The graduate program often includes a Master’s degree component, including additional coursework and examinations before the research phase. As a result, PhD programs in the US typically span six years, with some humanities PhDs requiring seven years to complete.
The length of your program largely depends on the amount of time it takes to complete the necessary coursework, engage in original research, and write a dissertation. Many PhD programs are designed to be completed in four to seven years , but some students may take longer to complete their studies. This timeframe applies to both professional doctorates and research doctorates, the two main types of Phd degrees.
An MD/PhD program allows students to earn both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. These programs are designed to train students to become physician-scientists, who are doctors who conduct research in the biomedical sciences.
In the US, the first four years are spent in medical school, and the last 3-4 years are spent in graduate school. Thus, MD/PhD programs typically take 7-8 years to complete.
In Europe, the first 3-4 years are spent in medical school, and the last 2-3 years are spent in graduate school. Thus, MD/PhD programs typically take 6-7 years to complete.
It is improtant to note that it is a double degree that needs much more work compared to the single degrees, thus, you must carefully reflect whether an MD-PhD degree is worth it .
It’s worth noting that some students in the US may opt for master’s programs instead of jumping straight into a PhD after their undergraduate degree. In striking contrast to Europe, in the US you can choose whether you pursue either a Master’s or a PhD degree .
Master’s programs might provide a quicker route to advanced qualifications, especially professional degrees focusing more on professional experience and less on original research. The average time to complete a masters degree is generally less than for a PhD, but it can still be a significant commitment.
In the US, many Ph.D. programs, whether traditional or online education, require students to pass comprehensive exams. These exams assess a student’s understanding of their particular field of study and their readiness to begin dissertation research.
After the dissertation, some programs may require capstone projects, allowing students to showcase their research projects more practically. A capstone project is a multifaceted final assignment students undertake, typically in their last year of an academic program, including independent research on a selected topic typically reviewed by an evaluating panel.
Making the right choice of Ph.D. programs can significantly impact the length of time it takes to get a doctorate. Apart from tuition fees, potential Ph.D. candidates should also factor in living costs in the area of the chosen institution. If you are a high performer, always consider free or fully funded PhD programs .
The question, “how long does it take to get a doctorate degree?” is particular important for economical reasons, because the length of the program may have a substantial financial impact if it takes either four or eight years to complete.
Content-wise, each program has specific requirements, and the coursework may differ depending on your chosen area of study, your institution, and your country. Some programs may focus primarily on your research and publications, while others are heavily loaded with coursework.
For instance, postgraduate students in social sciences or data sciences might realize that their coursework heavily emphasizes research methods with a strong emphasis on data analysis. This may extend your studies because you may need to learn more to complete the program.
Before I start, let me quickly explain some terminological confusion about the terms “dissertation” and “thesis”. In the United States, the term “dissertation” typically refers to the work submitted as part of a doctoral degree (PhD), whereas “thesis” might refer to the research project done for a master’s degree. Sometimes, “thesis” can also be used for a shorter project as part of a bachelor’s degree.
In contrast, in many other parts of the world, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, “thesis” is often used interchangeably with “dissertation” and can refer to the document required in both master’s and doctoral programs. The term “dissertation” is sometimes used specifically for doctoral work, but this can vary.
The dissertation (or thesis), an original contribution to a specific field of knowledge, is arguably the most time-consuming part of a professional degree program . How long does it take to get a phd thesis finished? No surprise, there is no clear answer. The time it takes to write your dissertation can vary significantly – some PhD students need several years, others are rather fast.
If you use your time wisely you may shorten the dissertation process significantly , you may already write (and publish!) with your supervisor one or two comprehensive reviews about your subject. These reviews are a great starting point for your dissertation. It is a better idea to start early to learn to write your research papers faster .
To answer the question, “how long is a doctorate degree?”, several key factors that can affect the time to completion must be considered. These include the doctoral student’s pace, the complexity of their research project, their advisor’s availability, and funding.
For instance, many PhD students need to fulfill teaching or research assistantships to receive financial support. These commitments can extend the time it takes to earn a PhD. The specific requirements of your doctoral program also matter, with some demanding more coursework or extensive research than others.
No, each doctoral student’s time to complete a doctoral program varies . Some might earn their terminal degree more quickly if they already have a master’s degree in a related field, thus reducing the coursework required to complete. Others might take longer if they are enrolled part-time while working a full-time job.
Although most doctoral programs take around four to seven years, completing a doctorate doesn’t always take so long. Some professional doctorate programs, designed to be more oriented towards career and professional practice, often require less time than research-oriented PhDs. Moreover, doctoral studies in some European countries typically take only three to four years.
How long is a phd program? It depends on the coursework and on the time to finish your thesis (=dissertation). The dissertation phase can extend for multiple years because it involves a great deal of independent research and writing. Doctoral students must conduct original research and articulate their findings and analysis in a comprehensive document that contributes new knowledge to their field. This rigorous process takes considerable time, dedication, and intellectual effort.
Yes, there are ways to earn your doctorate faster. Some universities offer accelerated programs, particularly online. These require the same high level of work but condense the timeline. One of the best ways to complete a program more quickly is by choosing a dissertation topic you already know by heart. It substantially reduces the time it takes to complete your research and writing.
For those who are working full-time, online schools could offer a viable path toward a PhD. These online programs allow a more flexible schedule; some may even provide accelerated ways to earn an academic degree. However, it’s important to remember that quality and reputation of online courses vary widely.
How long does a PhD take? Difficult to say. The length of a PhD program can be influenced by many factors. These include the field of study, program structure, student’s personal circumstances, and level of preparation. Personal factors such as motivation, work ethic, and time management skills also play a crucial role in the time to completion.
Your relationship with your dissertation advisor and other faculty members can significantly influence the length of time to complete your PhD. A supportive and accessible advisor can help streamline the data analysis process, guide you through the literature review, and provide useful feedback on your final project. Getting regular feedback is one of the most important ways to write faster and finish your papers and thesis quicker.
Balancing professional commitments with a doctorate degree can be challenging. Many PhD students are working professionals striving to upgrade their qualifications. Consequently, they often take much longer to complete their PhD, making it essential to balance professional duties and academic requirements.
Pursuing an academic career can be a challenging journey . Aspiring academics often need to decide between full-time and part-time Ph.D. programs. Full-time studies usually involve years of hard work, typically 3-4 years, but provide a focused environment. Conversely, part-time Ph.D. studies take much longer but allow more flexibility, catering to those with a professional career or family responsibilities.
A successfully completed PhD is usually a necessary prerequisite for an academic career. There are multiple requirements to qualify for academic positions. After a PhD, a postdoctoral research period is typically required to prepare for the next step of your scientific career. Choosing the best postdoc position is essential.
After the postdoc period that lasts between 2 and 6 years , you may enter a tenure track program and/or become an assistant or associate professor , depending on your qualifications and career goals. The success rate for becoming university professors is about 3% for all PhD students. However, there are many career options outside academia.
Q: what is the shortest time to complete a phd.
A: While it varies by field and institution, some accelerated programs can be completed in three years or less, particularly if you already have a master’s degree in a related field.
A: In life sciences and similar fields, the experiments take most of the time, while in humanities, the writing of the thesis (= dissertation) is usually the most time-consuming phase.
A: Yes, but it is challenging and may extend the length of the program. How long does it take to get a phd while working full-time? Some PhD students opt for part-time phd studies to better balance their professional and academic commitments but it probably adds 1-2 years to finish.
A: Online doctorate programs offer more flexibility, which might allow some students to complete their studies faster. However, they require the same level of academic rigor and commitment as traditional programs.
Acknowledgments
I have used AI systems, including Grammarly and ChatGPT, to enhance the English and comprehensiveness of this article. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to purchase through my link. Thus, you support smartsciencecareer at no cost to you!
Recommended reading
The following articles may also interest you:
Sven Hendrix is a Professor of Neuroanatomy at Medical School Hamburg (MSH) in Germany. He leads a research group dedicated to the neuroimmunology of brain repair and the development of xenofree organoid models as alternatives to animal experiments. Additionally, he serves as the speaker for CENE, a center focused on academic career development across MSH, Medical School Berlin (MSB), and the Health and Medical University (HMU) in Potsdam and Erfurt, Germany.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Become part of the smartsciencecareer community!
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
The University of Auckland
The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.
Breadcrumbs List.
The University of Auckland PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, available in over 100 different subjects. Candidates will undertake independent and original research, supervised by academic experts and research leaders.
During your doctoral studies, you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal, professional and academic skills. Our doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences, and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field.
All of our doctoral policies and guidelines governing PhD study, including the PhD statute, are available in Doctoral policies and guidelines .
If you are looking for PhD study in a subject not listed here, it may be available under a different title. For more information, please contact a postgraduate adviser in the relevant faculty.
Entry requirements.
The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.
On entry to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of milestones to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.
Part-time enrolment is available for New Zealand students, in which case provisional enrolment lasts for 24 months, and you must submit your full thesis for examination no earlier than 6 years, and within 8 years, of your start date.
As part of your PhD study, you have access to our doctoral skills workshops and resources, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes research services advisers to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.
For international students, your visa conditions will generally stipulate that you must be enrolled for full-time PhD study.
It may be possible for candidates to undertake a PhD including scholarly creative work and/or publications that they worked on while under supervision for their PhD. For information on including scholarly creative work in a PhD, see the PhD including scholarly creative work policy and procedures . To read the rules about including publications in a PhD, see the Doctoral thesis policy and procedures .
To read the rules about including publications in your PhD, see Doctoral Candidates– including publications in a thesis policy and procedures .
Programme requirements, minimum programme requirements.
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
Supervision and research requirements.
Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.
You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.
You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.
Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate .
No bands less than 6.0
See alternative English language requirements
Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)
You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.
All students must meet our English-language requirements as a condition of entry.
A New Zealand government funding scheme enables the University of Auckland to offer PhD study to international students for the same tuition fees as New Zealand PhD students.
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
See course fees for each faculty
Scholarships and awards.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Eligible candidates can enrol and start their PhD at any time of year. You must enrol within 6 months of your unconditional offer.
A University of Auckland PhD is available in over 100 different subjects but your research project will be unique. As part of the application process, you need to provide an outline of your proposed research project.
Although you are not required to nominate a doctoral supervisor as part of your initial application, you can also look at supervisor profiles and research projects , or to find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland, click on the links in the Subjects tab to start exploring faculty research webpages for your area of interest.
Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own start up. With focused development opportunities available throughout your PhD study, and dedicated postgraduate career advice, we can help you to explore and meet your own career goals, no matter what direction you take.
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services .
Having supportive doctoral supervisors paved the way for Katherine Higgins to develop and facilitate collaborative projects with visiting artists at MIT.
Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.
Need to speak to someone.
You can phone us directly.
Ariel Skelley/Getty Images
Which type of degree should you get, can you finish your degree early.
Just how long does it take to get a PhD in psychology? The answer can vary depending on your program, educational background, and academic schedule. In general, most PhD psychology programs take anywhere from five to seven years to complete.
Learning more about what it takes to get a doctorate in psychology can help you better plan your educational and career journey.
Getting a PhD in psychology can take several years of graduate study. If you are thinking about becoming a psychologist, research your degree options to figure out what type of degree you need and how long it will take to enter your chosen profession. No matter what you decide, plan to spend anywhere from three to seven years in graduate school to earn a doctorate.
How long it takes to get a doctorate in psychology depends on various factors, including the type of degree you have selected, your educational background, and the individual doctorate program in which you have enrolled.
Most doctorate programs in psychology take between four to seven years to complete.
Most PhD programs require at least five to seven years to complete. These programs often follow a scientist-practitioner model that trains professionals both in research and clinical practice.
In addition to regular coursework, you may also be expected to complete an internship or supervised residency. The program usually culminates in completing an original research project or dissertation.
Most PsyD programs require between four to six years to complete. A PsyD is a degree designed to train professionals to apply psychological knowledge to treating and helping people in real-world settings.
According to the American Psychological Association, PsyD programs focus more on applying psychological science, usually in the form of service.
Most EdD programs require between three to five years to complete. EdD programs are often focused on psychology, counseling, or counselor education. They explore topics that involve both education and psychology.
It is important to note that many applicants to EdD programs already hold a master's degree in a related field. This differs from applicants to PhD and PsyD programs, who often begin their program of study with a bachelor's degree.
Before you begin your academic journey, it is a good idea to look at just how long it will take you to complete your degree. The amount of time it will take can depend upon various factors, including:
A doctorate-level degree in psychology is required to work in many job areas, including as a licensed clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. According to the American Psychological Association, a doctorate degree is also often required in fields such as school psychology or health psychology .
So how long does it take to get a PhD in Psychology ? First, it is essential to realize that the degree requirements can vary depending on the field that you decide to pursue. A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy degree is not necessarily your only option. In some cases, you might want also to consider the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or the EdD (Doctor of Education) degree options.
The PhD, PsyD, and EdD are all great options, but don't let how long it takes to complete be the primary deciding factor. Before you decide to get a doctorate degree, start by deciding which type of degree is most suited to your professional goals.
A PhD in Psychology tends to focus on a research-based model of education. People with a PhD in Psychology are qualified for a wide range of teaching, research, and clinical positions in colleges, universities, hospitals, government offices, and private mental health practices.
The PsyD degree option generally focuses on a practitioner-based model of education. Individuals with a PsyD degree can also teach or conduct psychology research, but they frequently work in applied settings to provide direct mental health services.
Finally, there is also a third doctorate option that you might also want to consider depending on your career goals. If you are interested in working as a school psychologist or in a related educational field, the EdD, or Doctor of Education, is a possible option.
Despite the years of work, earning your PhD, PsyD, or EdD can be well worth the effort. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that workers with a doctoral or education specialist degree in clinical, counseling, and school psychology will find the strongest job opportunities.
Generally, if you have a strong background in psychology and have completed all of the necessary prerequisites, you can finish your doctorate sooner than students who have not taken the prerequisite courses.
Carefully planning your degree can also help ensure you complete the program requirements quickly.
Be sure you have a clear idea of what you want to do with your psychology degree once you've completed it. Do you want to teach, or is research more appealing to you? Are you interested in seeing clients, or are you planning to combine your training in psychology with another field, such as law or medicine?
If you need help deciding, make an important with an academic advisor at your school. They can help you explore your options and answer any questions you may have.
No matter the degree you decide to pursue, earning a doctorate in psychology requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort. Because of this, it is essential to carefully consider your goals before deciding on a graduate program. You should also think about whether you need a doctorate or if a master's might be more appropriate.
Gee DG, DeYoung KA, McLaughlin KA, et al. Training the next generation of clinical psychological scientists: A data-driven call to action . Annu Rev Clin Psychol . 2022;18:43-70. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-092500
Loyola University. Can I get my Psy.D. without a Master's in Psychology?
American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different ?
Franklin University. Is getting a Doctorate in Education worth it?
American Psychological Association. Frequently asked questions about graduate school .
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .
Carr, A. Clinical Psychology: An Introduction . London: Routledge; 2012.
Kuther, TL. The Psychology Major's Handbook . Boston, MA: Cengage Learning; 2016.
By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Stanford's Ph.D. program is among the world's best. Our graduate students receive their training in a lively community of philosophers engaged in a wide range of philosophical projects. Our Ph.D. program trains students in traditional core areas of philosophy and provides them with opportunities to explore many subfields such as the philosophy ...
Phases of Study. The program of study for the Ph.D. in Philosophy falls into three phases: 1) The first and second years, during which students focus on coursework and distribution requirements. Students should complete the requirements for the M.A. degree in the second year; the M.A. degree must be conferred by the end of the second year.
1. Take a variety of classes during your first two years. Many programs require that you take classes in a variety of philosophy disciplines. This will help you to gain a wide-ranging knowledge of the entire field of philosophy. [4] Most PhD programs will require 3-4 classes a semester for the first two years.
Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame ...
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a five year program that will prepare you for an academic career in research and teaching in philosophy. With the help of an advisor, you will design your own program of study. ... PhD students take courses from four main areas: history of philosophy, logic, ELMS (epistemology, philosophy of language ...
The Department of Philosophy offers programs covering a wide range of fields in philosophy. The department's graduate program is primarily a PhD program. In addition to the standard PhD in Philosophy, the department offers a PhD in Classical Philosophy in collaboration with the Department of the Classics, a PhD in Indian Philosophy in ...
PhD: Tuesday, January 9, 2025. Masters: Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Knight Hennessy: Philosophy application no later than December 1, 2024 (per Knight Hennessy program ) (Also submit KH program application by October 9, 2024.) Coterminal Masters (internal Stanford students only): end of second week of Winter quarter, Friday, January 17, 2025.
Dr. Bill Glod notes that there could be over 200 applicants for every five spots at some of the top schools. But with the proper planning, you can be successful despite the competitive field. In the podcast below, Dr. Glod walks you how to get into a good PhD program—and what to expect once you enroll—so that you can succeed in this field.
Philosophy gets over 300 PhD applications each year, and are typically permitted to make fewer than 10 first-round offers, plus a small number of second-round offers, aiming to get an entering class of 4-8 students. This means we accept around 3% or fewer of our applicants.
The following sections outline the principal requirements for the regular Ph.D. program in philosophy at O.S.U. 2.1 The Logic Requirements. 2.2 The First Year Seminar. 2.3 Distribution Requirements. 2.4 The Course-Number Requirements. 2.5 The Candidacy Examination. 2.6 The Dissertation Prospectus Examination. 2.7 Dissertation Seminar.
Doctor of Philosophy. The PhD program in the philosophy department is a rigorous 5-7 year academic journey which prepares students for a career as a professional philosopher. The summary below is a rough outline of the program from start to finish, but for detailed information regarding PhD program requirements please see our Regulae.
On average, it takes 4-5 years to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. In the US, most PhD programs are between 4-6 years, while in Canada they are typically shorter, around 3-4 years. Some students take longer than 6 years to complete their PhD, but in general the longest time it takes to get a PhD is capped at 8 years.
Obtaining a Ph.D. involves completing advanced coursework, as well as passing comprehensive exams and producing a dissertation. Depending on the educational institution and field of study chosen, this process can take five to eight years - or more. This often depends on the field of study, if students are enrolled full or part time, and if they ...
How long does it take to get a PhD in Philosophy? The time it takes to earn a PhD in Philosophy depends on several aspects, including the program, the institution, the country, and the individual's progress. A PhD in Philosophy typically takes 4-7 years to complete, though it can take longer in some situations. ...
How long does it take to complete the PhD? Typical completion time for the PhD program is 5-7 years. How important is it to contact faculty before I apply? Contact with faculty members is not a required part of the application process nor does it guarantee admission to our graduate program. Admissions decisions are made by the Admissions ...
Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Jan 31, 2024. A PhD program typically takes four to seven years, but a variety of factors can impact that timeline. A PhD, or doctorate degree, is the highest degree you can earn in certain disciplines, such as psychology, engineering, education, and mathematics. As a result, it often takes longer to ...
How long does a PhD take? A PhD degree will take you approximately three years to complete. Some students choose to study part-time which increases the time it takes to complete the doctorate. ... The cost of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree will vary depending on the education provider you choose. When you study with us, your degree will ...
The PhD in PNP is not a PhD in cognitive science, but a PhD in empirically-informed philosophy with a specialty in PNP-related areas, such as philosophy of perception or moral psychology. The department accepts about 10% of the applicants to these PhD programs and maintains about 25 students in both programs.
However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey. Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means ...
The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Philosophy is a three- to four-year full-time research programme whereby you undertake a doctoral level research project under the guidance of your supervisor (s). This course is not available in part-time mode of study and is not offered via distance learning. The primary aim of the faculty's DPhil in ...
In the US, the first four years are spent in medical school, and the last 3-4 years are spent in graduate school. Thus, MD/PhD programs typically take 7-8 years to complete. In Europe, the first 3-4 years are spent in medical school, and the last 2-3 years are spent in graduate school. Thus, MD/PhD programs typically take 6-7 years to complete.
Programme structure. The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree. On entry to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of milestones to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal.
The answer can vary depending on your program, educational background, and academic schedule. In general, most PhD psychology programs take anywhere from five to seven years to complete. Learning more about what it takes to get a doctorate in psychology can help you better plan your educational and career journey.