MPhil and PhD programmes

Sheffield is a great place to do a PhD.  We have a large and friendly postgraduate community, with students from across the globe.  There is a vibrant research culture:  our staff offer expertise in a wide range of areas; there are up to a dozen reading groups going at any given time (mainly student-led); students present work in progress at weekly seminars and at the annual reading weekend.  There are special events for women in philosophy.  Many PhD students are involved in Philosophy in the City, a student-run organization that brings philosophy into local schools and homeless shelters.  We have a strong placement record for our graduates.  And our building in Victoria Street has plenty of study space, as well as a kitchen for postgraduates.

The PhD normally takes three years.  You'll normally need an MA or equivalent at distinction level before you start--but do contact us if you have any questions about your qualifications.

Supervision

The Department makes every effort to ensure that students receive full support and guidance throughout their studies. You will meet monthly with your primary research supervisor.  Each student is also assigned a secondary supervisor, with whom you will meet less frequently, to give you the benefit of a broader range of advice.

MPhil

The Department also offers an MPhil degree, which normally takes two years.  It involves writing a thesis of 30,000-40,000 words (as opposed to 55,000-75,000 words for the PhD).

Suitably qualified students may register for this degree directly after their BA, although attendance at some MA modules may be required.

MPhil students are effectively treated as PhD students.  They also have access to the common rooms and work spaces, and take part in the weekly postgraduate seminars and reading groups.  Supervision is the same as for the PhD.

For more information, contact the postgraduate administrator, Joanne Elliott: philosophy@sheffield.ac.uk, +44 (0) 114 222 0587.