Course summary

Time, freedom and what it means to be human. Philosophy has never shied away from tackling the big questions in life. Through our Continental Philosophy MA, you will have a fascinating introduction to key figures and philosophical movements that shaped thinking on fundamental issues. They include Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Arendt, Bergson, Deleuze and Foucault. You’ll gain a thorough grounding in the European tradition of philosophy, which inspired a series of movements spanning several centuries. It will include developing an advanced understanding of phenomenology, existentialism, hermeneutics, critical theory, vitalism, deconstruction and the engagement of philosophy with the sciences. You’ll plot a path through these hugely influential developments and will get to specialise in your own area of interest. It will include delving into research for a dissertation. Our students choose a wide range of topics for these projects, with some focusing on a particular philosopher or problem. As continental philosophy also has connections with film, art, literature, psychology and political theory, there are many exciting avenues to explore. Your self-devised dissertation could take you anywhere from posthuman ethics to psychoanalysis and horror films. Our course is one of the few of its kind to be offered entirely through online learning. This means you can study at a time that suits you, from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in the world. As we attract students from as far afield as the UK, US, Spain, Greece, South Africa and the Middle East – and are looking to expand our reach to Australia and Canada - you will become part of a diverse international learning community. The MA is ideal if you want to pursue philosophy for enjoyment and to fit it round your existing work and other commitments. But we also have students starting out on the career ladder and those looking for professional development opportunities or a pathway to a PhD. The transferable skills involved, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, are useful for a wide range of careers. During the course, you’ll take part in collaborative sessions and reading groups, experience online lectures, seminars and podcasts, and contribute to discussion boards. We pride ourselves on providing regular contact and support from our academics, who are renowned experts in their field. There will also be visiting international speakers and Q&As. Other opportunities could include attending online conferences.