J.S. Mill Award (UCL Philosophy Smaller Departmental Award)

J.S. Mill Award (UCL Philosophy)

You get a one-off award of about 1,650 EUR (~£1,400) if you start a research degree in Philosophy at University College London. The department can either use the money to reduce your tuition fees or pay it to you as a stipend, a cash payment towards living costs. It is one of several small awards run by UCL's Philosophy Department for its new research students.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are starting a research degree in Philosophy at UCL, either the two-year MPhil Stud or the three-year PhD.
• Field of study: Any area of philosophy counts. There is no restriction to a particular topic.
• Selection basis: The award goes on academic merit, meaning the strength of your academic record and application.
• Nationality: Anyone can apply, whatever your nationality.

How to apply

You do not fill in a separate application. Everyone admitted to a UCL Philosophy research degree is automatically considered, based on academic merit. Applying early helps: the department's main funding round closes on 9 January 2026 for September 2026 entry.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is limited to new research students in one department at one university, so the eligible group is small. There is no extra hurdle beyond getting admitted. If you win a place on the MPhil Stud or PhD and have a strong academic record, you are already in the pool the department draws from. As one of several small merit awards, it favours the strongest incoming candidates.