University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The Distance Learning PhD in Philosophy is a research degree centred on the completion of an original doctoral thesis. You will work closely with one or more supervisors to define, develop and execute a sustained piece of philosophical research. Typical areas of supervision reflect the department’s strengths and may include ethics and political philosophy, philosophy of mind and cognitive science, metaphysics and epistemology, philosophy of language, logic and formal philosophy, and history of philosophy.

• Research proposal and planning: early-stage development of a robust research question, literature review and methodology, agreed with supervisors.
• Supervision and remote tuition: regular one-to-one meetings by video-call or telephone, email feedback on drafts, and periodic progress reviews.
• Training and transferable skills: online training modules in research methods, academic writing, publishing, presentation skills and ethics; opportunities to attend remote seminars and workshops.
• Progress milestones: formal probationary review, annual progress reviews, and a final viva voce examination (which may be held remotely subject to regulations).
• Optional residential activities: occasional on-campus visits, research seminars, or conferences may be available but are not required for degree completion.

The degree is typically taken part-time over a longer period than a full-time PhD. The emphasis is on independent scholarly work, with the department providing targeted supervisory support and access to University resources remotely.

Entry requirements

Applicants usually need a strong master’s degree in philosophy or a closely related discipline (eg a taught MA with a research component or an MPhil), typically at a merit (or equivalent) level. Candidates without a relevant master’s but with substantial research experience and a strong undergraduate record may occasionally be considered.

• Research proposal: a clear, focused proposal that demonstrates the originality, feasibility and intellectual significance of the project.
• Academic references: two academic references that can attest to the applicant’s suitability for doctoral research.
• Evidence of research ability: examples of previous research, such as a dissertation, published papers, or extended essays.
• English language: evidence of sufficient proficiency in English if your first language is not English, in line with the University’s standard requirements for postgraduate research students.

All applications are assessed on the quality of the proposal and the fit between the project and available supervision. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors in the department before applying.

Career prospects

A PhD in Philosophy prepares graduates for a range of careers that value advanced analytical, argumentative and research skills. Many graduates continue in academic careers, taking up postdoctoral posts, lectureships, and research fellowships in philosophy or interdisciplinary areas.

• Academic and research roles in universities and research institutes.
• Teaching at further and higher education institutions.
• Policy, think tanks and government roles that require rigorous conceptual analysis and clear writing.
• Publishing, journalism and editorial work that draw on critical and analytical skills.
• Consultancy, ethics committees, and roles in public engagement, museums or cultural organisations.
• Industry and technology sectors, particularly where expertise in ethics, philosophy of mind, AI ethics or logic is valued.

Distance PhD graduates often combine the doctorate with ongoing professional roles, leveraging the degree to advance careers or to shift into research-intensive positions.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham’s Department of Philosophy has an active research culture with strengths across a broad range of philosophical fields, ensuring access to supervisors with diverse expertise. The department runs research seminars, reading groups and collaborations that distance students can often join remotely, keeping them connected to current debates and networks.

• Experienced supervision: supervision from established researchers with proven records of doctoral supervision and publication.
• Research support: access to the University’s library collections, online journals, and the Graduate School’s researcher development programmes tailored to doctoral candidates.
• Flexible study model: a structured but flexible framework designed for remote researchers, including clearly defined milestones and mechanisms for remote assessment.
• Professional development: opportunities to develop teaching, public engagement and grant-writing skills through online training and, where possible, on-campus short visits.
• Global community: a cosmopolitan research environment with links to interdisciplinary centres and international collaborations, helping distance researchers build networks beyond their locality.

Prospective students who need to balance doctoral study with professional or personal commitments will find Nottingham’s distance-learning PhD an established route to achieving a recognised research doctorate while remaining based away from campus.