Key Information
Duration: Full-time (36 months)
Start dates & application deadlines: Starting September 2027. Apply before Jun 2027.
Language: English
English Requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 100 (or new TOEFL iBT 1–6 score: 5)
- PTE Academic: 70
- IELTS: 6.5
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
London, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Philosophy
Overview
The Philosophy programme from SOAS University of London members of staff cover a wide range of philosophical traditions across the Global North and the Global South, prioritising decolonial and comparative discourse. We are very successful in acquiring research funding as well as in developing innovative pedagogical approaches to the study of philosophy itself. We are home to the Centre for Global and Comparative Philosophies, and we are actively engaged in professional networks with scholars worldwide.
Career opportunities: In addition to an understanding of global faiths, histories and cultures, graduates from the Department of Religions and Philosophies develop the skills to analyse and communicate ideas in a clear, rational and comprehensive manner. These key proficiencies are valuable in many careers and are transferable to a wide range of sectors and roles. Visit the programme website for more information.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- Asia Society
- British Council
- Cabinet Office
- Chatham House
- Edelman
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Programme Structure
To obtain additional information about the programme, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English Requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 100 (or new TOEFL iBT 1–6 score: 5)
- PTE Academic: 70
- IELTS: 6.5
Other Requirements
We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
International: 44,552 AUD / year (≈ 23,390 GBP / year)
Domestic: 9,628 AUD / year (≈ 5,055 GBP / year)
Living Costs
London, United Kingdom: 2,166–4,109 AUD / month
Funding
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.
- Tibawi Trust Award – Provided by SOAS University of London, London, United Kingdom. Grant: 1300 GBP. Deadline: Not specified. Merit-based.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Provided by U.S. government. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: 07 Oct 2026.
- ServiceScape Scholarship – Provided by ServiceScape. Grant: 1000 USD. Deadline: 30 Nov 2026.
- ACES Scholarships – Provided by ACES Education Fund. Grant: 3500 USD. Deadline: 15 Nov 2026.
- Erasmus+ – Grants for study mobility – Provided by OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: Not specified. Merit-based.
- Scholarships for PhD Students – Provided by Junhua Li. Grant: 19000 GBP. Deadline: Not specified. Merit-based.
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship – Provided by Boustany Foundation. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: 28 Feb 2027. Merit-based.
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – Provided by IvyPanda. Grant: 1000 USD. Deadline: 31 Oct 2026. Merit-based.
- Boustany Cambridge Pembroke Scholarship in Philosophy – Provided by Boustany Foundation. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: 31 Mar 2027. Merit-based.
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship – Provided by Voice Talent Online. Grant: 1000 USD. Deadline: 01 Mar 2027.
- Women Scholarship for International Students – Provided by educations.com. Grant: 5000 USD. Deadline: 28 Aug 2026. Merit-based.
- The PhD Prep Fellowship – Provided by Admit Lab. Grant: 10000 USD. Deadline: 01 Sep 2026. Merit-based.
- Dream Chaser Scholarship – Provided by Salvado Law. Grant: 1000 USD. Deadline: 13 Jan 2027. Merit-based.
- Scholarship for students with disabilities – Provided by Anonymous Hope Fund. Grant: 3000 USD. Deadline: 31 Dec 2026. Need-based.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids – Provided by UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Grant: 22500 GBP. Deadline: Not specified.
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria – Provided by Leopold Figl Foundation. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: 31 Dec 2026. Need-based.
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – Provided by IELTS from 6 to 9. Grant: 1500 USD. Deadline: Not specified.
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – Provided by The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme. Grant: 12000 USD. Deadline: 11 Jan 2027.