Global Ethics

Entry requirements

To apply for the PhD, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area. You’ll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Conduct your own Global Ethics research with the support of experts from the Department of Philosophy. Explore key ethical issues that have a real-world impact on people's lives. Choose either a traditional PhD or a PhD by Papers.

Access expert supervision on a range of issues, such as justice and development, environment and health, gender justice, and conflict and security.

At Birmingham, our practical application of Global Ethics sees researchers focus on contentious topics while responding to events and debates across the world.

Course highlights

As the Top UK Philosophy Department in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise 2021, you'll be supported by experts who conduct internationally recognised research. You'll join a welcoming Department and become a valued contributor to our research activities.

Our research expertise spans a variety of areas related to Global Ethics. You’ll be supported by at least two supervisors. We also welcome research across subject boundaries.

Become an active member of our vibrant research community. Share your ideas at research seminars, workshops and academic conferences.

Conduct your PhD research from anywhere in the world through our online distance learning option. Our PhD by Papers option allows you to split your research into separate papers.

Course delivery

You can choose to conduct the PhD over three years full time or six years part-time. We offer flexibility so you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning.

• There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD. Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
• Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
• If you take the distance learning option, you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
• You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time

Information for international students

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and funding

The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.