PhD in Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy is a 3 Years to 6 Years course aimed to equip students with research skills and specialist knowledge in Philosophy. The minimum eligibility to pursue PhD Philosophy is to have a Master’s Degree. in Philosophy or Literature study or an M.Phil Degree. Philosophy PhD programs typically focus on advanced study and research in philosophical theory, methodology, and history. Students in these programs are expected to engage in independent research, write a dissertation, and defend their work in front of a committee of faculty members. Some possible areas of focus for a Philosophy PhD program include metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics, logic, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of science. Additionally, many Philosophy PhD programs require students to take courses in related fields, such as history, literature, sociology, and psychology, in order to broaden their understanding of the philosophical issues they are studying.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Full-Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Philosophy |
Duration | 3 Years to 6 Years |
Examination type | Semester/Annual |
Eligibility | Masters degree + the candidates should have cleared the Entrance test conducted by the respective university. |
Admission Process | Entrance exam based followed by a round of Personal Interview |
Top Recruiting Areas | Research, education, literature, law, banking, the civil service, business and science, analyst, PR or politics. Communications, publishing, HR, and advertising, etc. |
Job Positions | Senior Research and Development Manager, Assistant Professor, Head of the educational department, Philosophical/ Literature Researcher, Political Advisor, etc |
Many Philosophy PhD programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a standardized test that measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Some programs may also require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for international applicants.
Entrance Exam |
IIT JAM |
UGC NET (June Session) |
VITMEE |
Candidates seeking admission in PhD Philosophy course must have a Master’s Degree in Arts, Philosophy or literature such as M.A. (Philosophy) or M.Phil Degree from a recognized university. |
A minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA is required for admission in the course. |
Students need to clear entrances followed by a personal interview for admission |
Philosophy PhD programs typically take between 4-7 years to complete, depending on the program and the individual student's progress. The program consists of coursework, independent research, and the completion of a dissertation.
Admissions committees for Philosophy PhD programs typically consider a range of factors when selecting applicants, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a writing sample, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores (e.g. GRE). |
In addition to academic achievements, committees may also consider an applicant's potential for independent research, writing, and critical thinking. |
The application process for a Philosophy PhD program typically involves submitting an online application form, transcripts from previous academic degrees, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and writing samples (such as a research paper). The exact requirements and deadlines can vary depending on the specific program and institution. It's important to carefully read through the application instructions and requirements for each program you're interested in.
The application fee for a Philosophy PhD program can vary depending on the institution and program. On average, the application fee can range from Updated Soon.
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Job Role | Job Responsibilities |
Assistant Professor | They design curriculum plans for student learning, conduct class discussions to ensure student engagement, provide academic counseling, maintain student records, and assess student coursework. |
Literature Researcher | Their main responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing materials for submission. |
Human Service Worker | Social and human service assistants/workers provide client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They assist other social workers, and they help clients find benefits or services. |
Novelist/Writer | Main work is to conjure up ideas and write it in a new and interesting way making Philosophical content more readable and engaging to the audience. |
Journalist/Editor | Journalists research, write, edit, proofread and file news stories, features, and articles for use on television and other electronic media such as radio and internet or within magazines, journals and newspapers. |
Critic | To evaluate and rate work according to the piece of work presented in front of them. It can be Movies, books, magazines or other works. |
Some potential career opportunities for someone with a Philosophy PhD include:
Some top institutions for Philosophy PhD programs in the US include:
These are just a few examples, and there are many other excellent Philosophy PhD programs available. It's important to carefully research and consider the different programs and institutions to find the best fit for your academic and career goals
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.