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Postgraduate Pages

NEW! research studentships in Philosophy available for 2013/2014.

The Department of Philosophy, together with the new Northern Institute of Philosophy (NIP) and Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHPSTM), is part of the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy.

Research interests of staff span a large section of philosophy, with main strengths in the areas of Early Modern Philosophy and of Philosophy of Science, as well as in the areas of the Northern Institute of Philosophy. The rankings achieved by the Department in the Philosophical Gourmet Report for 2011 (which excludes most of NIP) within these two areas are among the best in the world:

Early Modern Philosophy (17th Century): Group 3 (rank 1 in Britain, 8-16 overall),
Early Modern Philosophy (18th Century): Group 3 (rank 2 in Britain, 4-12 overall),
Philosophy of Physics: Group 4 (rank 4-5 in Britain, 15-23 overall),
Philosophy of Mathematics: Group 5 (rank 7-13 in Britain, 32-54 overall).

For further details of research in Aberdeen, see the Research pages of the department, the pages of NIP and CHPSTM, and click on names of staff in the philosophy staff page. See also the recent and upcoming events pages of NIP and the (less exhaustive) events page of the Department.

Postgraduate Programmes

The department of Philosophy offers the following postgraduate degrees:

PhD in Philosophy (enquiries to your potential supervisor, see the philosophy staff page for contact details)
(NEW! research studentships in Philosophy available for 2013/2014)
MLitt in Philosophy (research) [page under construction] (enquiries to Dr Guido Bacciagaluppi),
MLitt in History and Philosophy of Science (research) [page under construction], run by the Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine (enquiries to Dr Guido Bacciagaluppi),
MLitt in Philosophical Research (taught) run by the Northern Institute of Philosophy (enquiries to Dr Paula Sweeney).

The department also encourages visiting PhD students to come to Aberdeen as so-called Registered Postgraduate Students (RPS). This involves a period of work (usually up to six months) done under the supervision of a member of staff, but not formally assessed. Registered Postgraduate Students have the same status as regular Aberdeen postgraduates, go through the same application process, and pay fees on a pro rata basis.

Postgraduate Courses

Here is the 2012-2013 Postgraduate Course List.

Application and deadlines

Applicants must submit the following supporting documents alongside their application form:

Copies of degree certificates from their previous academic studies
Academic transcripts - The transcript, which lists all of the classes taken and marks gained, must be requested by the student and sent to us. You should therefore get in touch with the University where you gained your degree, and they will tell you what you need to do and will arrange to produce and send us the transcript.
References - One academic reference for taught programmes or two academic references for research programmes; either submitted online with your application form, scanned and sent to dhp-pgs@abdn.ac.uk by your referees or please provide the details of the referees on the application form. Applicants may also send the reference letter, in a signed sealed envelope, directly to the school at the address below.
Your research proposal - for research applicants only.

If you have any queries about making your application, please contact the Postgraduate Secretary

Postgraduate Applications Secretary
School of Divinity, History and Philosophy
50/52 College Bounds
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen AB24 3DS
Scotland, UK
Email dhp-pgs@abdn.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 272890
Fax: +44 (0)1224 273750

For more information about areas of supervision or to correspond with a potential supervisor, please visit our staff page.

International Research Students should note that there is an application deadline at the end of June, so that visa applications can be completed in time for Autumn arrival; EU students may apply later.

For a wealth of further information, see the FAQ page for applicants.

Immigration and visas

When you have been offered a place for study here, and returned your acceptance and financial guarantee, you will be sent documentation by Postgraduate Admissions which will enable you to apply for a student visa if required (if you are non-EU)

For information, guidance and links to relevant government and non-government websites, please see the New International Students page.

Please note it is your responsibility to check Tier 4 requirements and make a valid application. It is important to check all immigration requirements before travelling as those without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK.

Costs and Sources of Funding

NEW! research studentships in Philosophy available for 2013/2014.

The postgraduate finance and funding page provides further links on these topics, where you will find current information on fees and living expenses.

The Northern Institute of Philosophy usually offers a limited number of PhD scholarships. Please contact Dr Paula Sweeney for enquiries.

The School of Divinity, History and Philosophy may also offer (smaller) Postgraduate Bursaries to both current and new students. For current information, see the School website.

The Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine may be able to offer (even smaller) bursaries to visiting PhD students coming as Registered Postgraduate Students. Please contact Dr Guido Bacciagaluppi for enquiries.

The Department may from time to time be able to offer also some Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships (normally only to PhD students).

For all other sources of funding, see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/cass/graduate/funding/other/ which links to the searchable database at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/.

Financial Support for Current Postgraduates

The School of Divinity, History and Philosophy may offer hardship bursaries to current students some years, and if bursaries are available, details will be posted on the School website.

The Department of Philosophy is also very fortunate in being able to offer financial support towards conference travel and other activities to its current postgraduates through a yearly grant of £2000 from the Scots Philosophical Association. To apply, contact Dr Guido Bacciagaluppi. (Students should apply for these funds instead of applying for travel and research support through the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy.) This support may extend also to hardship cases.

Postgraduate students from the United Kingdom are eligible to apply to the University Discretionary Fund if they are struggling with their finances. This Fund can provide financial support towards rent, bills, food and general living costs but not tuition fees. Application forms are available from the Student Advice & Support Office in The Hub; students simply complete the form, enclose a recent bank statement and copies of any relevant bills and hand back to the Office. Please note that students on full scholarships or those that are not from the UK are not eligible for consideration.