University College London - Keeling Scholarship

Keeling Scholarship at UCL Philosophy

You will receive your full UK tuition fees paid plus a living-cost grant of about 22,000 EUR per year. The living allowance is based on the UK Research Council’s standard rate and is supplemented by a London allowance. The funding lasts for three years for a PhD and two years for an MPhil. It is awarded by the Department of Philosophy at University College London (UCL), which is named after the philosopher S.V. Keeling. There are three options: one open to all areas of philosophy (PhD), and two dedicated exclusively to ancient philosophy – that is, the philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome (one PhD, one MPhil programme).

Who can apply

• Degree: You are applying to study philosophy at UCL, either for the two-year MPhil programme or for the three-year PhD programme.
• Field of study: The open version covers all areas of philosophy. The other two are intended exclusively for research into ancient (Greek or Roman) philosophy.
• Fee status: You must meet the eligibility criteria for the UK tuition fee rate. Students paying international tuition fees are excluded from this.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality may apply, provided their fees are in line with the UK rate.
• Grades: You will need very good academic results, as places are allocated on the basis of academic performance.
• Ancient philosophy duties: If you choose the ‘Ancient Philosophy’ programme, you will take part in the weekly Greek reading group. As part of the MPhil programme, you will also take modules on ancient philosophy and write a dissertation of between 25,000 and 30,000 words on a topic from antiquity.

How to apply

Applications for the MPhil programme or a PhD in Philosophy must be submitted via the standard UCL application form by 9 January 2026 for a start date in September 2026. For programmes in the field of ancient philosophy, please indicate ‘Keeling Scholarship’ in the ‘Funding’ section of the form. No separate application is required for the open PhD programme: all successful PhD applicants will be automatically considered.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very specific: it is tied to a particular department, a specific field of study and the UK tuition fee rate, and only a handful of scholarships are awarded each year. Competition for a place on the Philosophy programme at UCL is fierce, and places are allocated on the basis of academic merit. If you already have the required grades and a clear research plan – particularly in the field of ancient philosophy, where the degree programmes are highly specialised – your chances are good. It is essential to apply by the January deadline.