Studying Philosophy at Postgraduate Level: Thinking beyond the classroom

After the recent Philosophy Postgraduate Research Conference, we caught up with Philosophy Mlitt student, Lucy Barnham, as she shared what she enjoys most about studying Philosophy at Newcastle University.

Philosophy at Newcastle is unique in that it centres on modern European thought and continental philosophy. At postgraduate level, students can study:

• Philosophy PhD (or MPhil)
• Philosophy MLitt (a Masters by research, of one or two years' duration)

Lucy is studying part-time for a Philosophy MLitt. When asked about her favourite aspects of the course, she commented:

‘I enjoy studying Philosophy at Newcastle University because of the department’s welcoming and friendly community, where I’ve always felt supported and encouraged. There is excellent supervisory guidance that has been invaluable to my development, both intellectually and professionally.

I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to teach undergraduates and present my research at our annual PG Conferences - experiences that have deepened my engagement with the subject and prepared me for further postgraduate study.’

Research Conference

On Wednesday 28 May 2025, PG Philosophy students came together for the annual Newcastle Philosophy Postgraduate Research Conference. Organised by Lucy and fellow student, Jacob Parkin, the event showcased the research of five PG Philosophy students:

• Arne Beswick (PhD): Rawls and the Socialist Individual
• Lucy Barnham (MLitt): “Let Me In!”: Catherine’s Ghost and the Return of the Repressed Female Voice in Wuthering Heights
• Nicky Brignell (PhD): Towards a Concept of ‘Pseudorationality’ Between the Vienna Circle and the Frankfurt School
• Jacob Parkin (PhD): “you're breaking me Speak Speak Speak” or Derrida’s Echolalia: Literary Voice, Metaphysical Voice, and Disabled Voice
• Jake Parkins (PhD): “Am I conversing with the working class?” Some methodological thoughts on class self-identity, Jacques Ranciére, and Sylvain Lazarus

This event gives students the chance to develop their presentation skills and to share their research with peers.

Researcher Development Programme

PG Philosophy students also have access to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Researcher Development Programme. Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. The programme is designed to help students:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost their career prospects
• broaden their impact

Through workshops and activities, it builds on transferable skills and aims to increase student confidence by sharing:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme > www.ncl.ac.uk/school-x/study/red/

Want to know more? Find further details about studying Philosophy at Newcastle University here > www.ncl.ac.uk/school-x/about/philosophy/