Course summary
About this Course The MA Philosophy program offers exceptional breadth and depth across philosophical traditions and approaches, allowing you to tailor your studies to contemporary and historical subjects. It is designed to prepare you for both advanced academic study and a wide range of professional careers by developing a broad array of critical skills. We are ranked 7th in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide 2026). Key Features and Distinctiveness • World-Class Research: You will be taught by leading researchers, as Southampton Philosophy was ranked 6th in the UK in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). • Wide Range of Options: The program covers diverse and modern topics, with optional modules including: o Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence. o Philosophy of Sex, Sexuality and Gender. o Ethics of Climate Change. o Truth, Opinion and Ideology. • Global Perspectives: A key distinctive feature is the inclusion of modules in non-Western philosophy, such as classical Indian philosophy, Islamic philosophy, and classical Chinese philosophy. • Dissertation Support: The program provides tailored support for the dissertation, including a preparatory Research Skills module to ensure you are ready for advanced independent research. Career Prospects The MA Philosophy develops high-level skills in critical thinking, logical analysis, research, and persuasive argumentation, making graduates highly desirable in fields such as: • Academic Research (progressing to a PhD). • Law and Public Policy. • Journalism and Media. • Technology and Ethics (especially with the AI focus). • Management and Consultancy. Further Information • Award: Master of Arts (MA). • The combination of top-tier research faculty and dedicated modules covering both cutting-edge contemporary ethics and non-Western traditions provides a truly comprehensive and modern philosophical education.
Modules
Compulsory modules include: Contemporary Topics in Philosophy; Mind, Knowledge and Reality; The Philosophy of Value; Dissertation. Optional modules include: Business, Morality, and Markets, Happiness and Wellbeing, Islamic Philosophy; Nietzche. For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/philosophy-masters-ma#modules
Assessment method
We'll assess your knowledge through: essays, presentations and dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English meets our Band C: IELTS 6.5 overall, with minimum 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. For information on other accepted English language tests, please see the website.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:2 degree in philosophy or a relevant subject. You will also need to provide one sample of written work for assessment. This should be approximately 2000 words in length and relevant to philosophy.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ