Philosophy PhD Programme

The University of Sheffield is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Philosophy in the QS World University Rankings. Our academics produce world class and internationally recognised research and the University takes pride in its research-led critical thinking that aims to make an impact in the world. We are proud that 86 per cent of our research is rated in the highest two categories in the REF 2021, meaning that it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Central to this is our large body of postgraduate research students of over 2000 across our departments and more than 240 in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Our Doctoral Academy at Sheffield offers postgraduate researchers free, personalised skills training opportunities, expert careers advice and the opportunity to become part of an inspiring, collaborative group of researchers from across the disciplines.

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities

The Faculty is recognised for our world class research, our diverse range of research centres and our highly employable postgraduates. We explore, share and recreate expressions of the human experience and are known for our interdisciplinary and diverse approaches, our extensive public engagement and collaborative work, and our innovations in the digital humanities.

Our track record for research excellence attracts students from across the world to pursue original research and contribute to the advancement of our knowledge and understanding of the world, its past and present, and its many and varied cultures.

Our research students are members of a vibrant and supportive postgraduate research community where there are opportunities to present and participate in research seminars, attend interdisciplinary conferences and access a range of opportunities to help you get the best out of your research and develop professionally.

The Department of Philosophy

Sheffield has one of Britain's best Philosophy departments. With close to twenty permanent members of staff, Sheffield's range of expertise is second to none: we have philosophers working in all the main traditional areas of the subject, as well as in more recent areas such as feminism and cognitive studies. This enables us to provide expert supervision on almost any topic. As a consequence, we have a large and thriving community of around 75 postgraduate students, which includes many international students.

There is a vibrant research culture with opportunities to present work at seminars, workshops, conferences, regular reading groups and our annual reading weekend. Our department has a range of opportunities for postgraduate researchers to engage in specialist activities including events for women in philosophy and our award-winning Philosophy in the City project that brings philosophy into local schools and homeless shelters.

The Department is home to the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, the Hang Seng Centre for Cognitive Studies, and a number of major research projects.

Funding Opportunities

Postgraduates attract funding from a range of sources including fully funded studentships from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. For all potential funding opportunities visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/hpdh/postgraduate/phd-funding-2

For further information please visit: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/philosophy/prospectivepostgraduates