RyledUp

Okay, it sounds like your options are well thought-through. The programme here at SASP is about as analytic as it gets (stiflingly so!), so no wonder that's not on your radar. We do have Michael Wheeler (at Stirling) who, though analytic, is very keen to accommodate continental philosophy, especially Heidegger. However, like many taught programmes, it's quite restrictive here in what you can do. That is why Sussex as you've described sounds appealing -- that you are able to mix and match as well as focus. Good luck getting in where you want to go and with the right professors.

Hey. I'm on the MLitt (fancy name for a taught MA) at St Andrews (or, properly speaking, SASP) which might be on your radar? I can fill you in on what that's like if you're interested. Though funding opportunities aren't incredible here, it's a very strong programme (if the PGR is anything to go by at least). Couldn't speak too much for the others on your list -- other than saying that Warwick's campus is supposed to be nice, but the town (which is actually Lemington Spa) is pretty dull; that Sussex is in Brighton which is great for anything social, if that's your thing; and that UCL's admin department (inc. Philosophy admin) is infuriating. (I think they even lost my MPhilStud application and only gave me a casual response much later than they should have.) Of the three you're considering, I imagine UCL has the strongest programme. But I would also consider Kings, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Reading... probably more. Many of them will have free applications, so you'd have nothing to lose. Any reason you've narrowed it down to your three chosen options? So yeah, I can tell you about the structure of my MLitt course if you want to know, though I have no comparison case for US courses.

Hey, I notice there aren't many on this thread applying to UK programmes. Anyone else applying? For various reasons, I never got off any PhD applications before deadlines, so I'm riding on all my eggs landing in one basket: the Cambridge MPhil. I'm applying with a First Class undergraduate degree (with a 'prize') from a mid-tier UK university, and a current grade average of a distinction on a taught master's programme (MLitt) at SASP. So, if I don't get in to Cambridge (and then get funding), I'm pretty much out of the game for this year. Will just work (eugh...) and save, then re-assess the situation. One of the pitfalls of the UK one-year taught master's programme is that you can't really amass decent work samples and meaningful references before PhD applications are due. Just one of those things, I guess. On topic: I notice that there are two decisions for the MPhil at Cambridge, handed out this Friday just gone (17th Feb). Anyone care to claim either the acceptance or rejection? I've had no word yet. I'm wondering if they stagger decisions on the basis of nationality; there were, after all, extremely staggered deadlines for applicants applying from different areas of the world. The UK deadline was quite a way later than the other international ones, so I'm hoping that's why I've not heard yet. (That's whether I get accepted or not: because worse than rejection is when the programme seemingly loses your application and scrambles about to give you a response; UCL are particularly bad at this -- I note someone on the cafe reported a similar experience with them last year. Good admin makes the department for me.) So, mystery 'accepted' guy: are you UK-based, or one of the other 'Others'? Thanks for reading