Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)



Program Websites


Program Contact

Meghan Magowan (philgradoffice@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Philosophy

Western University
Stevenson Hall Rm 2150C
London, Ontario N6A 5B8

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 85744
f. 519-661-3922

The PhD in Philosophy at Western in a four-year program. In their first year students take courses; in their second they take a comprehensive exam in their main research area and complete a course that will lead the writing and defend of a thesis prospectus; their third and fourth years are spent writing their dissertations.

The courses and supervision available reflect the strengths and diversity of interests of the faculty, which collect along five principal fields: feminist philosophy; history of philosophy (ancient, medieval and modern); moral, political and legal philosophy; philosophy of mind and language; and philosophy of science (including mathematics and logic).

For details about our fields of research, please visit: https://www.uwo.ca/philosophy/graduate/Fields%20of%20Research/index.html.


The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program will help you become a career-ready graduate with the skills necessary to excel in your studies and achieve your future goals. By participating in the program, you will assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth, choose what skills you want to enhance during your time at Western, and learn how to articulate the skills you gained in your degree to optimize your future career opportunities. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

  • 12 Terms

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

For details about our admission requirements, please visit: https://www.uwo.ca/philosophy/graduate/admissions/admission_requirements/index.html

English Language Proficiency

For details about our English language proficiency requirements, please visit: https://grad.uwo.ca/admissions/international.html

Application Deadline

  • January 7 (opens October 7) - Fall term

Fields of Research

  • Feminist Philosophy
  • History of Philosophy
  • Moral, Political and Legal Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Mind & Language
  • Philosophy of Science