Philosophy

The Philosophy program at the University of Oxford offers students an exceptional opportunity to explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality through rigorous academic inquiry and philosophical analysis. Rooted in a long-standing tradition of excellence, this program provides a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses both historical and contemporary philosophical issues. Students will engage with classic texts from renowned philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Wittgenstein, while also examining modern debates in areas like epistemology, metaphysics, logic, political philosophy, and ethics.

The course structure is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and clear reasoning. Participants attend lectures delivered by world-leading scholars, participate in small-group tutorials for personalized feedback and discussion, and undertake independent research projects. Throughout their studies, students develop skills in constructing and evaluating complex arguments, understanding diverse philosophical perspectives, and applying philosophical methods to real-world issues.

Oxford's Philosophy program emphasizes a broad and flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests. Starting with foundational courses, students can progress to specialized modules in areas such as philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, aesthetics, or moral philosophy. The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary research, encouraging connections with related fields such as politics, economics, and science.

Beyond the classroom, students benefit from the university’s extensive resources, including access to a vast library collection and participation in philosophical seminars, workshops, and conferences. The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including academia, law, public policy, journalism, and other professions that require analytical rigor and ethical awareness.

Graduates of the Philosophy course at Oxford emerge with a deep understanding of key philosophical issues, refined analytical skills, and the ability to think critically about complex problems. The rigorous academic training and vibrant intellectual environment make this program ideal for students passionate about exploring the fundamental questions of human existence and seeking to develop a nuanced understanding of the philosophical landscape.

Tuition on the BPhil is through a combination of classes, one-to-one supervisions and independent research.

The Pro-Seminar, which is compulsory for all incoming BPhil students, is held in the first term and introduces students to graduate study by covering important papers in theoretical philosophy and value theory.

You will also be required to attend eight graduate classes during the first four terms of study, two per term. Graduate classes are normally provided for the most popular subjects in the BPhil syllabus. You may also attend any other classes, seminars and lectures in the Faculty of Philosophy which are of interest to you and any classes, seminars and lectures in other faculties that are open to you.

During the first four terms of study you should receive eight individual, one-to-one supervisions on two chosen subjects, normally two supervisions per term. The four supervisions on a given subject are in consecutive terms. Prior to each supervision, you will submit an essay that will be discussed with your supervisor in the supervision. The essay topics and literature to be covered should be agreed in advance between you and your supervisor.

In the last two terms of study, you will research and write a 30,000-word thesis, under the guidance of a supervisor with subject expertise. The thesis will be on a topic of your choice, approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.

BPhil examination is by submission of a thesis of up to 30,000 words and six assessed essays, each of no more than 5,000 words, across at least five subjects with no more than two essays in any one subject. At least one essay must be in theoretical philosophy, at least one must be in practical philosophy and at least two essays must be on the history of philosophy, of which at least one must be concerned with philosophy written before 1800.

If you are interested in the philosophy of physics or ancient philosophy you may wish to study the specific pathways for these subjects in the BPhil in Philosophy. These are not separate courses, but a way of maximising the study of these topics within the existing BPhil structure. A student on these tracks would study primarily the philosophy of physics/science or ancient philosophy during the first four terms and go on to write a 30,000-word thesis on a philosophy of physics/science or an ancient philosophy topic in the final two terms.

Most students join the BPhil course with the intention of progressing to a doctoral programme in Philosophy. BPhil students who progress to the DPhil in Philosophy programme at the University of Oxford have the advantage of skipping the first year of the DPhil (as a Probationary Research Student) and being allowed to incorporate the contents of their entire 30,000-word BPhil thesis into their 75,000-word DPhil thesis. Such students also have only another six terms (instead of the usual nine terms) of fee liability for their DPhil.

The course has no fieldwork, industrial placement or year abroad element, but students may decide to attend conferences, workshops or research training elsewhere.

MSt in Philosophy

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Philosophy is the one-year version of the BPhil. The entry requirements for the MSt are the same as for the BPhil. However, the Graduate Studies Committee considers applications for the MSt alongside applications for the BPhil in Philosophy (for the same admissions quota) and only rarely and in exceptional circumstances accepts students to this course.

The examination for the MSt consists of four essays on at least three subjects. There is no thesis element. The MSt is considered to be a terminal degree and students who complete this course are not permitted to continue onto the DPhil in Philosophy. It is also an exit award for students who fail or withdraw from the BPhil but have completed the requirements for the MSt.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in philosophy or a closely related discipline. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7, a first-class degree or the equivalent. 

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:One page
• Written work:Either one essay of 5,000 words or two essays of 2,000 to 2,500 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The Philosophy programme at the University of Oxford is one of the most distinguished and comprehensive courses offered within the humanities faculty. The programme explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, providing students with a deep understanding of the history of philosophical thought and contemporary issues in the discipline. Students engaged in this course will examine core philosophical topics through various approaches, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic, while also exploring the developments of philosophy from ancient times to the modern era.

The curriculum is designed to develop both analytical and critical thinking skills, encouraging students to engage with complex texts and ideas. Students typically begin their studies with introductory courses that cover the history of philosophy and essential philosophical concepts. As they progress, they can choose from a wide array of options covering specialized areas such as moral philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and philosophical logic. The programme also emphasizes the importance of rigorous argumentation and clear expression.

At Oxford, students are taught by leading experts and engage in lively discussions within small tutorial groups, which are a hallmark of the university’s teaching style. These tutorials complement lectures and provide personalized feedback, fostering an environment where students can develop their own philosophical ideas critically and effectively. The programme also encourages original research, often culminating in a dissertation in the final year, allowing students to explore particular interests in depth.

Oxford’s Philosophy course is known for its rich historical perspective, combining historical and contemporary philosophical issues, which equips students with a broad understanding and the skills necessary for careers in academia, law, public policy, or other fields requiring critical thinking and analytical skills. The university’s library resources, including the Bodleian Library, are among the richest in the world, offering access to extensive philosophical texts and scholarly materials.

Overall, studying Philosophy at Oxford provides an intellectually stimulating environment, rigorous academic training, and the opportunity to engage deeply with some of the most profound debates in human thought. Successful graduates have gone on to distinguished careers in academia, journalism, politics, and other sectors where critical reasoning and ethical considerations are paramount, reflecting the versatile and enduring value of a philosophy education at Oxford.