University College London - Downing Postgraduate Scholarship in Philosophy

What the Downing Scholarship gives you

You will receive a one-off payment of about 315 EUR (around £250) when you commence a research degree in Philosophy at University College London (UCL). You can use the money to cover your tuition fees or as a small top-up towards your living costs. The Department of Philosophy at UCL awards several smaller scholarships, of which this is the smallest. It is awarded solely on the basis of academic merit to particularly qualified applicants.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are starting a research degree in philosophy at UCL: either the MPhil (two years full-time) or the PhD (three years full-time).
• Field of study: Any area of philosophy is eligible. There are no specific thematic restrictions.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. You do not need ‘UK fee status’.
• Grades: Selection is based on academic performance, so good grades are crucial.

How to apply

There is no separate application process. All students who have been admitted to the MPhil or PhD programme in Philosophy at UCL will be automatically considered. To start in September 2026, please apply for the research programme by 9 January 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a small supplementary grant, not a full scholarship, and you do not apply for it directly. It is awarded to outstanding applicants who have already been admitted to UCL’s philosophy research programmes. The real challenge lies in securing a place on the MPhil programme or the PhD programme, as competition within UCL’s Department of Philosophy is very fierce. If you are admitted with outstanding results, you will also be considered for this funding.