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Philosophy (MRes) at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our MRes Philosophy offers you research-based training in philosophy at post-Master's level and serves as a foundation for starting an individual PhD project. Why choose this course?

  • This MRes is ideal for self-motivated, committed students who already have a philosophy qualification and wish to pursue further research in an area of interest in the field.
  • It gives you the opportunity to interact with renowned philosophers covering broad areas of the discipline and to undertake your own research in an internationally excellent, research-intensive team.
  • It offers you one-to-one feedback and supervision on essays as well as on your dissertation.
What you will learn The course will give you a firm philosophical grounding and mastery of complex, specialised areas of philosophical study, enabling you to engage critically and reflectively with current philosophical debates. You will also be equipped with the essential research skills you need to proceed to PhD research. How you will learn This course is available to study full- or part-time and it has an evening timetable. You will engage in weekly small-group seminars covering a range of classic papers and topics. You can also present your own work in research-student seminars, overseen by a faculty member, as well as attending our own faculty seminars. Highlights
  • Birkbeck is a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our established members of academic staff are active researchers, and our excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.
  • As a philosophy student, you will be part of the University of London's thriving philosophical community and be eligible to attend the extensive range of seminars and conferences put on by the Institute of Philosophy.
  • We have a specialist philosophy library at 30 Russell Square. The main philosophy collection is held in the Birkbeck Library, which has an extensive range of books and online resources.
  • If you are taking the MRes part-time, you may be eligible for a Bonnart Trust Master’s Studentship which will cover the cost of your tuition fees.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this MRes Philosophy you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • analytical, evaluative, critical reflection skills
  • an effective understanding of appropriate research methods in philosophy
  • written and oral communication and presentation skills
  • time management and the ability to take responsibility for your own learning
  • using research tools relevant to your areas of study.
As well as offering you the foundation to progress your studies further, such as with a MPhil/PhD Philosophy, graduates can pursue career paths in education, research, politics and journalism. Possible professions and fields include:
  • higher education
  • civil service
  • local government officer
  • journalist
  • business and finance
  • social work
  • marketing and advertising.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Research essays and a dissertation.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

At least a high upper second-class honours degree (2:1) in philosophy or equivalent, or an MA in philosophy at Merit level or above, and a sample of written work prior to interview, in addition to a research proposal of up to 1000 words. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

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

To be confirmed
Philosophy (MRes) at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS